NY 9 Strategy

By REUVEN BLAU, ERIN EINHORN and ALISON GENDAR

DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS

The Republican hopeful to replace Anthony Weiner is not touching the new third-rail of politics - gay marriage - even though his belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman would resonate in the heavily Orthodox district.

GOP contender Robert Turner will highlight his fiscal conservatism rather than try to undercut Democratic opponent David Weprin for supporting New York's gay marriage law.

"Forty percent of the likely voters in the district identify themselves as conservatives," said Turner's son and campaign advisor Matt Turner. "Only 20 identify themselves as Liberal. There are many people who are not happy with the way the country is moving, That is what we need to gain traction on."

Turner's campaign rejected a push from supporters to specifically target Orthodox Jewish voters on the issue of Weprin's support of same-sex marriage.

"It's to our benefit that a lot of people in the district share his view that marriage is defined as between a man and a woman, but it is not part of our strategy to make that an issue in the campaign," the younger Turner said.

GOP pollsters have estimated about 100,000 of the district's roughly 300,000 registered voters are Orthodox Jews.

John Mollenkopf, a professor of political science at the CUNY Graduate Center, said the district had a large swath of older conservative Jewish voters in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

"I would say that Social Security and Medicare are probably more important to them as issues," Mollenkopf said. 

Democrats argue they outnumber Republicans in New York's 9th Congressional district, which covers portions of Queens and Brooklyn. And more liberal Democrats have successfully represented heavily Orthodox stretches, and ultra-Orthodox Hasidic communities in Congress.

"It is going to come down to turnout," said political consultant Hank Sheinkopf. "Turner may have a chance if he can paint Weprin as being chosen by the party bosses and will just be another voice for Obama in Washington. Weprin's got to get out the vote and tag Turner as a typical Republican who wants to cut Medicare, slash and burn."

Former Mayor Ed Koch tapped into the idea of sending a message to President Obama by electing a Republican to Weiner's old district, but Weprin was already collecting top-notch support.

"We're both from the same part of Queens. we grew up together. I've known him for more years than I care to remember," said Gov. Cuomo. "So any way I can be helpful to him. I will. I don't know that he needs my help, but if he thinks I can be helpful I will be."

Weiner resigned the congressional seat earlier this summer after a sexing scandal.