NY-09, Special Election Thread

[Progressive]

Could any of the following people pose a formidable challenge to Weiner?

Former Assemblywoman and Councilwoman Melinda Katz?
Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz?
Assembly Andrew Hevesi?

Is there a chance Weiner could face a serious primary challenge. I think Melinda Katz could do it.

[Progressive]

I don't know why some on tv (O'reilly and Chris Matthews) are saying this is an extremely liberal district and Republicans don't have a chance of winning it in a special election or 2012.... it only went 55% for Obama.

I lived her for a long time in the Queens section. Because of a large elderly/socially conservative (religious) faction in some parts of NY-09, the presidency tends to be a 10 pt difference between Dem and GOP but virtually all other offices are vast-majority Dem.

[Progressive]

So yeah....

[Progressive]

Interesting tidbit about NY-9:

53.8% born in state
4.0% born in a different state
2.1% born abroad to American parents
40.1% foreign born

The bolded must be among the lowest in the country.

I'd guess Hal Rogers district in KY, or TN-1 have similarly low percentages born in a different state.

Say, are most of the foreign born in NY-9 Asians?

A big percentage, but many from Russia, and former Soviet areas like Uzbekistan; Latin America, China, Korea, India, Pakistan, Guyana, Israel, etc

[Progressive]

I think the frontrunner for this is Assemblyman Rory Lancman and former Councilwoman Melinda Katz as the runner up.

[Progressive]

There's also a significant Asian and Hispanic population especially in Kew Gardens and Rego Park

[Progressive]

There's also a significant Asian and Hispanic population especially in Kew Gardens and Rego Park

Indeed, but they'll have reduced turnout for a special election relative to the district's Jewish voters, and those that do tirn out wont be as swingy in their voting characteristics

Agreed; I hope that Joe Crowley chooses someone with mass appeal, that's why I think Melinda Katz i the best choice. I remember when she ran for Comptroller she got endorsed by Diaz Jr and a slew of others. Plus when I lived in the district she was my councilwoman so I'm biased

[Progressive]

Weprin's opponent was Henry Waxman?

LOL

[Progressive]

what do you guys think of this race? Honestly curious from an outside perspective -- there's been recent arguments behind and not-so-behind the scenes that the progressive community is failing to actually show even a remote interest here, even though the district is less Democratic than Hochul's district is Republican

As a former constituent of NY09, I think there were better/stronger voices and choices in the community including those who weren't currently elected to public office. Weprin has also said he won't run for re-election for Congress if elected. Bob Turner won't win. But for the seat was once Schumer's, Geraldine Ferraro's, and Anthony Weiner's--there could've been a better pick, for sure.

[Progressive]

Yes, I agree with Lunar on that regard. I know some people who were asked if they wanted to come in for interviews. They includes the runner-up for the 2009 city council primary in this district, to an Orthodox business-owner. I think that they could've won this seat with a better pick. Bob Turner won't win. I promise.

[Progressive]

I actually think Turner might this one.

[Progressive]

As I've said before...I really think this one could fall out of Weprin's hands. Weprin made a huge mistake by not attending the debate. Bob Turner seems to want it more than Weprin does.

[Progressive]

I created this thread in the hopes that we could all discuss Weprin v. Turner, not one religion v. other religion.

How 'bout some predictions?

[Progressive]

Is Weprin done at this point? A poll from PPP has Turner>Weprin 47-41.

[Progressive]

Perhaps Rory Lancman would've been the better candidate in this situation.

[Progressive]

My friends in NY 09 (Kew Gardens and Forest Hills) tell me that Weprin people are out in full force at every precinct...like a dozen people at each precinct.

Could Weprin pull it off?

[Progressive]

POLLS CLOSED! Results TIME BABY

[Progressive]

Before results come out...PREDICTIONS!!

[Progressive]

Really 40 minutes later???

Damn New York is backwards.

Our antiquated election results reporting process leaves a lot to be desired.

Results are starting to trickle in in other city races.  It should be a matter of minutes before NY-09 results start to trickle in, too.

Where are you getting those results? Link please?

[Progressive]

If Turner is leading in Queens then it really doesn't look good for Weprin; however, these could be precincts in areas like Breezy Point or Middle village.

[Progressive]

Forest Hills is the most populated piece of Queens in the district right?

I mean Welprin wasn't seriously hoping that Kew Gardens and Fresh Meadows to carry him was he??

Do those two areas even add up to the population of Forest Hills?

Only sections of Kew Gardens are Orthodox there's a really big Latino, South Asian/Indo-Caribbean and LGBT population that will vote Weprin