Should Anthony Weiner help choose his successor?

The New York Post is reporting that disgraced former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.), who resigned two weeks ago after a sexting scandal spawned a media circus, is now hoping to have a hand in picking his successor. He's reportedly reached out to Queens party chairman Joe Crowley to discuss the matter, and has also contacted a number of possible politicians who might want to run. A special election for the seat will be held September 13, and while local party leaders will choose the candidates, Weiner is reportedly angling to "play a role" in that selection process. Is Weiner's attempt at playing "kingmaker" just another "dazzling display of arrogance," or proof that he is still invested in what's best for his district?

Weiner should get lost: "An endorsement from Anthony Weiner is the best thing that could possibly happen to the Democratic candidate…'s opponent," says Jim Trawley at The Daily Caller. It may be true that Weiner wants to join the search in order to ensure that his successor is a fellow Democrat, but his association with any possible replacement will only hurt their chances. "If he had any sense, he'd stay as far way as possible."

"Weiner pokes head into successor hole"

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Actually, Weiner may be valuable to the search: Inserting himself into the hunt for a replacement is "a very natural thing," says one anonymous insider, as quoted by the New York Post. After all, "he knows the district better than anyone else," and could be an asset when it comes to finding a Democrat with the right values to keep the seat. And Weiner's motivated, too. He "would be loath to see a Republican" win that seat, says another anonymous Post source. "That would be just awful to him. Awful, awful, awful."

"Weiner horning in on successor race"

Get real. This hurts Democrats and Weiner: The ex-congressman has "apparently suffered insufficient universal humiliation," says Kelly McParland at Canada's National Post. The embarrassment of a sexting scandal, the leak of a full-frontal nude photo, and his humiliating public resignation apparently weren't enough — he's still seeking the spotlight. And remember, any person who he supports or lobbies for will immediately — and publicly — reject Weiner. "Does he think someone is actually going to value being endorsed by the country's most embarrassing federal politician?

"Weiner, Blagojevich and the art of delusional politics"