US congressman Weiner quits in sex scandal

             US representative Anthony Weiner, ensnared in a humiliating flap for sending lewd photos of himself to women online, resigned on Thursday, ending a weeks-long scandal that made his fellow Democrats cringe.

              ‘I had hoped to be able to continue the work that the citizens of my district had elected me to do — to fight for the middle class and those struggling to make it,’ Weiner told reporters in Brooklyn at the seniors’ centre where he first announced plans to run for New York City Council 20 years ago.

               ‘Unfortunately, the distraction that I have created has made that impossible, so today I am announcing my resignation from Congress,’ he said, looking composed in contrast to 10 days ago when he tearfully admitted to online dalliances.

            Once seen as a rising star among Democrats and widely expected to run for New York mayor, Weiner made his announcement alone, his wife absent, at a raucous event where he was heckled repeatedly.

Amid lewd photo scandal, US lawmaker Anthony Weiner resigns

        US congressman Anthony Weiner announced his resignation on Thursday, done in by lewd photos he took of himself, sent to women online and then adamantly lied about after being caught.

        Party leaders have been pressing him to resign so that Democrats could resume positioning themselves for the 2012 election campaign without constant criticism from Republicans on moral grounds.

        "I'm here today to again apologize for the personal mistakes I have made and the embarrassment I have caused," he said reading from a brief statement in New York City's Brooklyn borough.

        "I make this apology to my neighbors and my constituents, but I make it particularly to my wife, Huma."

        Weiner's wife was absent as he announced his decision, as she was 10 days ago when he admitted having sent inappropriate messages and photos to several women online.

        The crowd on Thursday included hecklers and radio shock jocks, vying for attention at what became a New York media event.
 
 
        His decision to give up his House seat marks the end of a scandal that resulted from the brash New Yorker's use of social media such as Twitter and Facebook.

        He at first denied having sent any inappropriate photos, then recanted in a remarkable news conference 10 days ago at which he admitted having exchanged inappropriate messages with several women.

        President Barack Obama added to the pressure on Monday, saying it he were in Weiner's situation, he would step down.

        Several officials have said in recent days that Weiner was reluctant to make any decision about his career without speaking with his wife, Huma Abedin, a top aide to secretary of state Hillary Clinton who had been overseas since shortly after the scandal broke. The trip ended Tuesday night.

        Abedin is pregnant with the couple's first child.

        New York governor Andrew Cuomo is expected to call a special election to fill the seat.