Turner Wins NY 9

            Anyone who picked up a newspaper or turned on the television in June was witness to the sex scandal involving former Representative Anthony Weiner (D-NY).  A seven term representative, who could have been the next democratic mayor of New York City, caught sending inappropriate self images through social media to women across the country.  With the exception of political pundits, far fewer people knew about the special elections, to replace Anthony Weiner, which took place on Tuesday, September 13 between Republican Bob Turner and Democrat David Weprin. 

            New York’s ninth congressional district is regarded as one of the most democratic leaning congressional districts in the United States.  A Republican has not won the seat in eight decades and democrats outnumber republicans three to one.  No one expected Turner to win the election and early in the campaign, democrats believe it to be an easy win.  However, even with a last ditch attempt by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to purchase a half a million dollar TV ad, Turner came out on top.

            Not only did the Grand Old Party win in New York’s special election, but they expectedly won Nevada’s second congressional district as well.  Some wonder if the win for the Republicans is foreshadowing the end result for the elections in November 2012.  Members of the Democratic Party brushed this theory off, justifying it as nothing more than a freak occurrence and predicting favorable outcomes for the democrats in November 2012.  Speaking about New York’s ninth congressional district, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) believes “the bottom line is it’s not a bellwether district.”  Senator Schumer is correct; traditionally it is not an indicator of future election results.  However, it confirms that there is unease within the Democratic Party that stems from a greater issue. 

            It has been argued by several politicians and multiple media sources that the election was won based off of President Obama’s poor approval rating and the struggling economy.  In addition to an economy that saw zero job growth for August, the heavily Jewish community was also reacting to a President who has lacked support for Israel.  While some believe that this was a fluke and that President Obama’s jobs plan will help democrats in 2012, this seems doubtful since 51% of Americans do not believe the plan will lower unemployment according to a recent Bloomberg poll. 

The democrats have a difficult task ahead of them, in addition to reelecting a President who continues to have a falling approval rating; they also want to maintain control of the Senate while retaking control of the House of Representatives.  Taking control of the House will require 25 seats held by Republicans to be turned over which is a considerable task in itself.  It may be too soon to tell if New York’s special election is a signal that 2012 will be a difficult year for democrats.  However, it did show every democrat who thought they were in a safe seat that no seat is going to be safe in 2012.

Foley, E. (2011, September 14). Democrats: new york 9 loss doesn't mean anything for obama in 2012. The Huffington Post, Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/14/democrats-new-york-9-loss_n_962333.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003

Lederman, J. (2011, September 14). Democrats work to stop the bleeding from gop's win in new york. The Hill, Retrieved from http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/181509-dems-work-to-stop-the-bleeding-from-gops-ny-win

Martin, J. , Smith, B. & Sherman, J. (2011, September 14). Twin defeats spark democratic fears. Politco, Retrieved from http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0911/63466.html

Miller, J. (2011, September 14). Bob turner upsets democrat david weprin in new york special election. Roll Call, Retrieved from http://www.rollcall.com/news/bob_turner_upsets_democrat_david_weprin_new_york_special-208699-1.html?pos=opolh