While former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner is continuing his campaign to become New York City's next mayor despite being embroiled in another scandal about sexually explicit text messages, a college psychologist said that policy, not trust, is likely to be a key feature in the upcoming election.
Weiner is a former Democratic congressman from New York, but resigned his office two years ago after he admitted to sending sexually explicit text messages and photos to women. Earlier this week, a website published new photos and messages that Weiner apparently sent to another woman after his resignation from the House of Representatives.
Some critics have said that Weiner's behavior, as well as the fact that he apparently promised his wife that he would never participate in this type of behavior again, could leave voters wondering if they can trust his word.
However, psychologist Frank Farley of Temple University said the trust issue might not be an issue at all.
“The American electorate looks the other way if the picadillo does not interfere with policy," Farley said.
He said that an example of this is how then-Gov. Bill Clinton became the subject of scandal when Gennifer Flowers went public with their affair. Clinton went onto become president despite her allegations.
Weiner is one of several candidates competing in the city's Democratic primary, which is set for September.
