The Weiner Is UP! Exploring Mayoral Comeback

Former disgraced Rep. Anthony Weiner is laying the groundwork for a political comeback, possibly to this year’s mayoral race, Josh Margolin and David Seifman report in The Post.

Political insiders were abuzz at news that Weiner and his wife, Huma Abedin, had granted a lengthy magazine interview for the first time since his resignation in an embarrassing sexting scandal in 2011. 

“The magazine piece is step one of a two-step process for him to run citywide this year,” said one Democratic Party source. “He’s looking at public advocate and comptroller, but he really thinks he can use this to get back in and run for mayor.” Weiner issued a terse “no comment” when asked about his plans.  

A second source said Weiner has been contacting former staffers to prepare for his re-entry into politics. 

Weiner’s entry into the Democratic primary for mayor would make it more difficult for any of the five candidates now in the race to get at least 40 percent of the vote and avoid a runoff.

Weiner spent $106,500 this month on two polls, according to campaign filings Friday.

"When you spend $50,000 on a poll, that’s the real thing," said one political insider, according to David Seifman. "You’re getting everything you can find out from voters. This guy spent a hundred grand."

 "If someone is thinking about running and doesn't run, it shows the polls are not favorable," said a veteran political consultant. "No one boycotts an election they think they can win."

Asked by reporters, earlier this month at CPAC, what he has to say about the ongoing rumor, Donald Trump said: "He's sick pervert.. this guy is whack job."