White House on New York C.D # 9: It's Not Our Fault

Jay Carney

NBC - New York - A Republican television executive with no political experience beat his Democratic opponent in a special election Tuesday for the open seat vacated by disgraced former Rep. Anthony Weiner, becoming the first Republican to represent the district in an election watched around the nation. Voter frustration over the sour economy and President Obama's policies helped Republican political novice, Bob Turner, score an upset victory over David Weprin, a Democratic assemblyman from a prominent political family. The White House said Wednesday it does not view the defeat as a referendum on the president. White House spokesman Jay Carney says special elections are unique and don't reveal much about the outcome of future regularly scheduled votes. "You can make those predictions and look foolish in 14 months or not," Carney said. "I'm simply saying we do not view them that way." Democrats have a 3-1 registration edge in the Brooklyn and Queens-area district where voters cast their ballots Tuesday. In his victory speech, Turner said the results portend a perilous national environment for Obama as he prepares to seek re-election next year. "This message will resound for a full year. It will resound into 2012," said Turner. "I only hope our voices are heard, and we can start putting things right again." News New Mexico

White House on New York C.D # 9: It's Not Our Fault