His ego has no bounds.
In a dazzling display of arrogance, disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner is trying to insert himself back into politics — calling power brokers and would-be candidates for his old seat, hoping they’ll let him play a role in choosing his own successor, The Post has learned.
Weiner, who became a national dirty joke after he was caught sexting young women, now wants to be a kingmaker.
One Democratic insider confirmed that Weiner has spoken to the Queens party chairman, Rep. Joe Crowley, about whom the Dems should pick.
He has also reached out to several of the potential candidates, according to the insider.
“He’s held the seat,” the insider said.
“He knows the district better than anyone else. He’s interested in a Democrat keeping the seat. I’m pretty sure he’s spoken to everybody.
Another source added: “I think it’s a very natural thing for him to do. This is something he cares about.”
Barring a primary, it will be up to the Queens Democratic and Republican leaders to pick the candidates for a special election that Gov. Cuomo is expected to call in the fall.
At least half a dozen Queens Democrats are lining up for the job, including City Councilman Mark Weprin; his brother, state Assemblyman David Weprin; Councilwoman and Crowley’s cousin Elizabeth Crowley; former Council Members Eric Gioia and Melinda Katz; and Assemblyman Rory Lancman.
If the Democrats don’t play their cards right, the seat in the relatively conservative district is in danger of falling into Republican hands.
Republican City Councilman Eric Ulrich and former Republican candidate Bob Turner are widely considered to be eyeing the vacancy.
Weiner “would be loath to see a Republican get into that seat. Loath,” another insider said.
“That would just be awful to him. Awful, awful, awful.”
Weiner in recent years has tried to position himself as a darling of the left — delivering passionate speeches on the House floor in favor of health-care reform and regularly appearing on liberal news shows.
He was a leading candidate for the 2013 race to replace Mayor Bloomberg until his political downfall earlier this month, though his fund-raising account still is bulging.
Many politicians expect the congressional seat to be eliminated next year, when district lines are redrawn to fit new population figures from the 2010 Census.
So anyone who decides to run has to grapple with the prospect that the job may not exist after 2012.
Anthony Weiner — wants to play kingmaker. (J.B Nicholas / Splash News)
FEEDING HIS EGO: Disgraced former Rep. Anthony Weiner mulls what’s next while waiting for lunch at La Bottega in Chelsea. (Joe Tabacca/Sipa Press)
WHO’S NEXT? Among those lining up to fill the vacant seat are (from left) ex-Councilwoman Melinda Katz, Councilman Mark Weprin, ex-Councilman Eric Gioia and Assemblyman Rory Lancman.
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