Congressman Weiner resigns, constituents react

After nearly three weeks of denying, dodging, and finally admitting to texting inappropriate photographs of himself to several women, Congressman Anthony Weiner, 46, announced his resignation today before a packed Brooklyn senior center press conference.

“I am here today again to apologize for the personal mistakes I have made and the embarrassment that I have caused,” Weiner said. “Unfortunately the distraction that I have created has made that impossible, so today I am announcing my resignation from Congress.”

Upon the utterance of these words, the packed room erupted in a mix of cheers and sadness, and many of his senior constituents recalled his vigorous defense of healthcare, social security, and Israel. Without much emotion, Weiner continued his speech, describing the common middle class values of his family and district, even as one heckler pestered him about his personal behavior.

“He realized everything was falling apart. It was like an avalanche. But look at this publicity,he will be okay,” said Midwood retiree Irwin Cohen, 69. “He wasn’t a bad guy but he had a dark side and that’s what caused him damage. You should be on your best behavior.”

The announcement was held at the Council Center for Senior Citizens, where Weiner entered politics 1991, at age 27, announcing a City council run in the same building. Weiner entered Congress in 1999, representing a largely Jewish swath of southern Brooklyn and central Queens, with parts of Woodhaven and the Rockaways.