Poll Shows ‘Surprisingly Close’ Race for Weiner’s Seat

J.J. Goldberg August 10, 2011

A new poll shows a “surprisingly close” race between the old-line Democrat and the relatively unknown Republican competing for Anthony Weiner’s congressional district in Queens and Brooklyn, Politico reports today.

The Siena Research Institute poll shows the Democrat, State Assemblyman David Weprin, leading Republican Bob Turner, a retired broadcast executive, by a relatively narrow 48 to 42 points in special election scheduled for September 13 in the traditionally Democratic district.

Politico reports:

Weprin has sought to cast Turner as a tea party-aligned candidate who is too conservative for the district. Turner, who has won endorsements from Long Island-based GOP Rep. Peter King and former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, has proclaimed himself to be the stronger supporter of Israel.

To be more precise, Koch has called on Jewish voters to support Turner, despite Weprin’s admittedly strong ties to Israel, in order to send a message to President Obama. As the Forward and JTA have reportedc, Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman endorsed Weprin, who is keeping his distance from Obama as he campaigns.

J.J. Goldberg is editor emeritus of the Forward, where he served as editor in chief for seven years (2000-2007).

The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Forward. Discover more perspectives in Opinion. To contact Opinion authors, email opinion@forward.com.

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