Scandal Forces Rep. Anthony Weiner To Leave Office

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STEVE INSKEEP, host:

Congressman Anthony Weiner is missing the online conventions, even though he recently became the most famous Internet user in Congress. The congressman announced his resignation yesterday, after sending women lewd photos of himself. And yesterday he sought to make a dignified exit. A heckler didn't allow that.

Representative ANTHONY WEINER (Democrat, New York): Today I'm announcing my resignation from Congress.

(Soundbite of shouting)

Unidentified Man #1: Bye-bye, pervert.

Rep. WEINER: So my colleagues can get back to work, my neighbors can choose a new representative...

Unidentified Man #2: Senator Weiner, (unintelligible) who are you fooling with? The people demand to know. Who are you fooling with?

Rep. WEINER: ...and most importantly, that my wife and I can continue to heal from the damage I have caused.

INSKEEP: Just to be clear, that wasn't one of his constituents, but rather a writer for shock jock Howard Stern. The congressman did keep his composure.

Rep. WEINER: I'm here today to again apologize for the personal mistakes I have made and the embarrassment I have caused. I make this apology to my neighbors and my constituents but I make it particularly to my wife, Huma.

INSKEEP: The Democrat who was among his party's rising stars made that announcement without his wife by his side.

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