Shockingly, polling suggests that in this heavily democratic Queens/Brooklyn district, it’s better to be the Republican, one time unknown challenger, Bob Turner today rather than Democrat David Weprin.
The bigger question being looked at through this race is whether President Obama's record of high unemployment, and little job growth will drag down Democrats in next year’s state and national races.
Democrat Weprin has stayed away from embracing Obama. Republican Turner has effectively tied Weprin and Obama together.
In today’s special election, Turner is ahead in most polls by six points and surging. Weprin is left pinning his hopes on the fact that his party has a superior “get out the vote” operation.
If Republican Turner actually pulls it out, it’s evidence of how unpopular Barack Obama is currently. This race is seen as one that would send a strong message about how unhappy voters are.
Former Mayor Ed Koch has crossed party lines to back Turner citing his unhappiness with Obama’s politics toward Israel. Weprin comes from a family with a strong political background as the son of former Assembly Speaker Saul Weprin.