The race for Rep. Anthony Weiner’s seat is getting close, with just six points between the Democratic and Republican candidates. David Weprin, the Democrat, is leading Robert Turner, the Republican, by a 48% to 42% margin, according to a new Siena poll released yesterday. But perhaps more importantly, voters seem to think a Democratic win is a foregone conclusion. Regardless of party or candidate they support, Siena finds 56% of respondents believe the Democrat, David Weprin, will win.
But before anyone gets too comfortable, voters should know that the Republican is leading in the Bronx portion of Weiner’s former district, 49-43, and Weprin is leading in the Queens portion of the district, 50-40.
The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza writes, “As we’ve written many times before, special elections rarely have larger meaning — the circumstances are just too particular to have much weight beyond the election itself. But a Democratic loss here would be disheartening for the party.
“A Republican win would also complicate redistricting plans. New York is losing two seats, and given split control of the legislature each party is likely to give up one. Conventional wisdom has it that Democrats will eliminate Weiner’s district, avoiding a tough decision. If they lose this seat, they will have to look elsewhere.”
The New York Times adds, “Moreover, the race has offered both parties a sneak preview, perhaps, of what themes or issues may resonate with voters nationwide in next year’s elections. And the poll found that economic issues loom large: 66 percent of likely voters said that jobs and the federal deficit should be the top two priorities of their next congressman. By a two-to-one margin, they said that they supported the recent increase in the nation’s debt ceiling, as well as a tax increase for people making more than $250,000 a year, but opposed, by a margin of three to one, cutting entitlements like Medicare and Social Security.
“Curiously, though, the poll did not ask voters about the one local issue that political analysts and residents say has dominated the race so far: whether Mr. Weprin, a Modern Orthodox Jew who observes the Sabbath, is the best pro-Israel candidate. After all, former Mayor Edward I. Koch, a staunch defender of Israel who ranked as the most popular political figure in the survey, with a favorable rating of 69 percent, crossed party lines to back Mr. Turner.”
Democrats, it’s vital you get out and vote in the special election on September 13. Taking this opportunity for granted is just the ammunition the Republicans want and need — but hardly deserve. After four Republicans held their seats this week in a special recall election in Wisconsin, we need a win here!
In New York, you must be registered 25 days prior to the election, so if you’re not registered, you must do so immediately!
Voting and registration information for New York City residents is available here.
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