(Image source: The New York Times)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

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You might call it adding insult to injury. Disgraced former Democratic congressman Anthony Weiner vacated his New York seat in June -- leaving a unique opportunity for Republicans -- a chance to claim the seat for the first time since the 1920s.

An August poll shows a 48-42 lead for Democrat David Weprin over Republican Bob Turner, a much smaller Democratic lead than in past 9th District races.

And a pleasant surprise for the GOP in an election many thought would be a cakewalk for Democrats. FOX News reports.

Laura Ingle: “The margin of error on this is 4.4 percent, so this is pretty much a dead heat at this point.”

A distinct anti-Obama sentiment across the district, coupled with Weiner’s tarnished legacy, could lead to a GOP upset in the special election September 13.

The district, comprising of parts of Brooklyn and Queens, has been represented in the past by big wig ‘Blues’ like Chuck Schumer and Geraldine Ferraro.

Politico gives its take, saying:

"What should have been an open-and-shut special election for a New York City congressional seat is turning into a referendum on President Barack Obama."

Mr. Obama carried the district with 55 percent of the vote in 2008, but a poll released this month shows New York’s Ninth has had a bit of a falling out with the president. The Los Angeles Times reports:

“45% of those surveyed had a favorable opinion of President Obama, compared with 69% who view Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo favorably. Weprin recently refused to say whether he would support Obama in his reelection effort, a possible reflection of his diminished standing in the district.”

Republican candidate Bob Turner is looking to capitalize on Obama’s sinking approval numbers in the district -- by linking the president to his opponent on New York’s hot button issues, including the so-called Ground Zero Mosque.

Turner released this campaign ad in early August.

NARRATOR: “It’s been ten short years. Everyone remembers. Some, though, want to commemorate the tragedy by building a mosque on Ground Zero. President Obama thinks that’s a good idea. And so does Congressional candidate David Weprin.”
WEPRIN: “I support the right of the mosque to build--”
NARRATOR: “Bob Turner says no.”

Weprin responded to the ad with some harsh words. New York’s Forest Hills Patch has his comments.

"As we approach the tenth anniversary of 9/11, it’s shameful that Bob Turner is trying to use the tragedy for his own political gain."

The Republican National Committee has paid special attention to the election -- financing a Phone From Home program for Turner as it recognizes its chance to win the district for the Republican Party for the first time in nearly a century.

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