Anthony Weiner Admits To Lewd Sexting With Three More Women After Congress Resignation But Denies Sex Addiction; Mayoral Poll Shows Falling Support; Wife Huma Abedin Steps Into High Profile As Chief Defender
New York mayoral candidate and sexter Anthony Weiner admitted Thursday to having lewd online conversations with as many as three women since leaving Congress in 2011, as a new poll showed a sharp drop in his political support, according to CBS News.
Meanwhile, Huma Abedin, Weiner's devoted wife has become his chief defender in a high-profile sort of way.
The married Democrat told reporters he thinks he's had the racy online chats with a total of six to 10 women -- with no more than three of them happening after he resigned from the House over similar conduct.
But that's three more than voters knew about a few days ago. Weiner, on Tuesday fessed up to one online relationship that he pursued after leaving Congress. With the ex-congressman now acknowledging more, it's unclear how heavily it will impact his campaign.
A new poll released Thursday shows the Democrat and one-time front runner has lost his lead in the New York City race following Tuesday's revelations.
According to the NBC 4 New York/Marist/Wall Street Journal poll, Weiner's loss seems to be City Council Speaker Christine Quinn's gain. New poll numbers show Quinn leading by 25 percent among Democratic primary voters compared with Weiner's 16 percent. The same poll had Weiner leading Quinn by 5 percentage points last month. The poll was conducted entirely since the details from Tuesday emerged. The Democratic primary is set for Sept. 10.
Almost half -- 46 percent -- said Weiner's online sexual relationships would impact their vote and almost three in four -- 73 percent -- said support from his wife Huma Abedin would have no impact on how much they trusted him.
Weiner told reporters Tuesday he would not quit the mayor's race despite growing calls from supporters to do so.
Weiner has shrugged off calls to withdraw from the race from multiple media outlets and congressional colleagues.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called Weiner's conduct "reprehensible," "stunning" and "clueless." Pelosi also suggested he may need therapy.
He was quickly losing Democratic officials' support, according to reports by CBS News.
"I think he should pull out of the race," Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler said. "I think he needs serious psychiatric help."
Rep. Joseph Crowley said New Yorkers are "tired of the drama" surrounding Weiner.
Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., said he believes the voters will put an end to Weiner's ambitions.
With Huma Abedin's emergence as her husband's chief defender and protector in a second sex scandal, she has made a public transformation from being the victim of Anthony Weiner's transgressions to a full partner in his ambition.
Stay tuned.