(CNN)– New York voters are standing by their 9th District man – according to a new poll 56 percent of voters in Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner's district do not think the scandal-plagued congressman should resign.
The Marist poll released Thursday was conducted before it was confirmed that Weiner's wife, Huma Abedin, is expecting their first child but on Wednesday well after Weiner's much-publicized press conference.
And though respondents may not have been aware of the newest development, almost three-quarters think that Weiner's conduct was unethical, but not illegal. While 46 percent question his personal judgment, only one in 10 now question his professional judgment.
Pressure has been building within Democratic circles for the seven-term congressman to resign, but Weiner insists that he will continue to serve as the representative of New York's 9th district, with the blessing of his wife. But his constituents are split on how successful he'll be if he remains in office. Almost half-48 percent– say he will continue to be effective in carrying out his responsibilities and 43 percent say he will not be effective. The five-point margin indicates that his constituents are statistically tied.
Weiner has made phone calls to colleagues and supporters in the aftermath of his public apology for sending inappropriate photos and messages via social media. Whether the impact of his actions will haunt him during a bid for re-election remains to be seen as Weiner's political future hangs in the balance. Thirty percent of 9th District voters say they'll definitely vote for him again, 31 percent say they'll definitely vote against him, and almost four in ten are undecided.
The Marist poll was conducted among 512 adults in the 9th Congressional District of New York on June 8, 2011. It has a sampling error of plus or minus five percentage points.
From CNN Politics
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I don't really see a good reason for him not to stay? Did he use our tax dollars while doing so? If not, why should he have to resign? It's not a congressional issue... He's no different than any other politician, or any other man/woman who has cheated on their spouse. Do non-political figures who behave in the same way get forced to resign from their jobs?
Anyone?
I personally think his constituents elected him and they should decide when he goes. I might add what David Vitter did was a lot worse and I don't see him leaving.
Eliminate his district. Somebody must be getting benefits.
Absolutely. He should stick around, but I hope he doesn't expect anyone to believe a damn word he says. No credibility.
Hey, Vitter didn't quit and he got reelected. Weiner should do the same and follow the GOBP approach.
The facts are that Weiner did not commit a crime. He acted stupidly and without the best discretion but did not commit a crime and neither did he have illicit sex with anyone. Was he caught soliciting sex in the Minneapolis Airport? No. Was he caught having sex with congressional page boys? No he was not. This is a witch hunt by fame and glory seeker nut case Andrew Breitbart and the people see it for what it is...Andrew Breitbart giving out more negativity and trying to ruin a man and his family. As far as we are concerned, this is between Weiner and his family. The man has suffered enough shame and embarrassment. Time to put your hate aside people and move on to more productive things.
All Mr. Weiner has to say " Did not intended what I said was to be taken as factual". If it works for Sen. Kyle for not telling the truth on the senate floor it should work for less serious thing like this.
What does this say about his constituents.
New York voters honor him! 56% think he should stay in office. That about sums it all up for the voting public of New York and elsewhere. Lying and cheating is OK as long as it is off the clock! Wow and people wonder why we are in the mess we are in.