Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) endorsed Democrat David Weprin in a New York special congressional election that has been characterized in the press as a Jewish referendum on President Obama’s Israel policies.

“While David Weprin can be counted on to fight for the safety and security of the State of Israel, we can also rely on him to protect the seniors and working families of Brooklyn and Queens,” Lieberman said in his endorsement Thursday.

The September election to replace disgraced former congressman Anthony Weiner in the heavily Jewish Brooklyn and Queens district made headlines this week when former New York City mayor Ed Koch endorsed Bob Turner, the Republican candidate.

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Koch, a Democrat who previously garnered attention by breaking with his party to support the reelection of President George W. Bush in 2004, said electing Turner would send a message to Obama that his policies are not sufficiently pro-Israel.

Lieberman’s endorsement is noteworthy because he has also sharply criticized Obama’s Israel policy.

Weprin, an Orthodox Jew, is currently a member of the New York State Assembly.

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