Rep. Weiner now channeling Amy Winehouse. But saying, Yes, yes, yes.
He’s also apparently requesting a “leave of absence” from Congress, a status which of course does not exist.
Rare Elite Dem Support for Weiner Update: Recently-departed State Department official and major Dem foreign policy thinker Anne-Marie Slaughter tweets: “#Weiner has made his name by following his own course; he should stand up to Dems and stay in office. His constituents can then decide.”
Late Update: Above I said that there’s no such thing as a “leave of absence” from Congress. But that’s not completely true. Mainly true — in the sense of the term having any constitutional or legal significance. But not completely true. A member of Congress can’t temporarily set aside any of their powers as a member of Congress. You’re either a member of Congress or you’re not; that is, until you resign or are expelled. However, the House itself apparently has internal rules which allow a member to request a “leave of absence” — basically the House’s blessing on your not showing up for a while. We’re getting some contradictory word from leadership sources about whether the member just asks and it’s basically automatic or whether there’s an actual sign off from leadership. One of our reporters is on the question now and we’ll give you a more definitive word shortly.
