Second acts in American politics: Weiner vs. Sanford

By Richard K. Barry

Politico is reporting that the New York Times will publish, in the coming weeks, a story featuring an extensive interview with former New York Rep. Anthony Weiner and his wife Huma Abedin.

You wil recall that Weiner resigned from Congress in 2011 after it was discovered that he had sent naughty pictures of himself to a 21-year old college student.

Weeks ago the Wall Street Journal reported that Weiner had "spent over $100,000 on polling and research, leading to speculation that he is preparing a political comeback."

In January, Mr. Weiner’s name was among the five mayoral candidates voters were asked about in a survey conducted by an anonymous pollster, according to a report in the Daily News. The New York Post reported at the time that pollsters had asked about a run for comptroller against Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, currently the only candidate in the race.

In an interview with People magazine last summer, he didn’t rule out the possibility of running for public office again. ”I can’t say absolutely that I will never run for public office again, but I’m very happy in my present life,” he said at the time.

Naturally, this brings to mind the Mark Sanford situation in South Carolina, in which he disappeared for four days while governor of the state, in order to carry on an extramarital affair. Now, he is well positioned to return to politics as a member of the House of Representatives in a special election for the seat vacated by Rep. Tim Scott.

The question is: what does it take for a candidate's actions to be considered so toxic that there can be no second act?

I suppose the answer is that voters will let us know.