Poll: GOP Might Take Former Rep. Weiner's Seat

A new poll suggests a scenario where a Republican might win disgraced Rep. Anthony Weiner’s former congressional seat, reports Nationaljournal.com. The poll, released Wednesday, was conducted by the Siena Research Institute.

 

Trailing by just six points, Republican hopeful and businessman Bob Turner is giving Democratic Assemblyman David Weprin something to worry about when a special election is held in New York’s District 9 for the open seat on Sept. 13.

 

The Republican is running ahead in Brooklyn, where voters make up 30 percent of the district; most of the district spans the borough of Queens. In Queens, Weprin holds a 10-point lead.

 

Turner’s stated support of Israel is a key aspect of his platform, prompting support from former New York City Mayor Ed Koch — a Democrat. Jewish voters are seen as siding with Weprin, who leads 56 percent to 35 percent against his rival. Catholic voters are largely supporting Turner, 55 percent to 37 percent.

 

President Barack Obama is having trouble in this same, heavily Democratic district, the poll said. Only 45 percent of voters have a favorable opinion of the president, while 52 percent holds an unfavorable opinion of Obama.

 

Weiner resigned in June after it was disclosed he had engaged in improper Internet correspondence with women other than his wife — a longtime aide to former first lady and current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.