Congressman Bob Turner, New York Republican, is being courted by GOP state party officials to run against Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Democrat, this year. Senator Gillibrand was appointed to her seat in 2009 by former New York Governor David Paterson when Hillary Clinton vacated the seat. Gillibrand was later elected to the seat in 2010, in order to finish off Clinton’s term. Sen. Gillibrand must now run for her first six year term in office.
In the meantime, Congressman Turner’s district, according to a letter (sent via email to the Water Cooler) from GOP Kings County Chairman Craig Eaton to his fellow County GOP chairs across the state, is being killed by the Democrats:
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“The Democrats are now killing Bob Turner’s congressional district. They are eviscerating it. They do not want Turner to remain a public symbol for the major loss President Obama suffered in our state last year. But we can do something about that by running him for U.S. Senate.”
Eaton suggests that while Turner plans to run for re-election in an “awful” district, the party should puersuade him to run against Gillibrand, instead:
“Bob Turner plans to run for re-election – even in an awful district – but I think we can convince him to run for U.S. Senate. With his name ID, fundraising ability, instant credibility in the press, strong support in the Jewish community – and nationally celebrated status as a Washington outsider – Bob Turner can beat Kirsten Gillibrand.”
“It is my hope and expectation that Congressman Bob Turner could unite the Republican and Conservative parties behind a single candidate. In a matter of two weeks, we could all be working together laying the groundwork for an historic victory in November.”
“Bob Turner can defeat Kirsten Gillibrand. I know that and so will the public. We could find ourselves in a very strong position heading into November if we act decisively in the next 72 hours.”
The three other Republicans interested in running against Gillibrand are: Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos, and attorney Wendy Long and Rye Town Supervisor Joe Carvin. Eaton warns that a “contentious” primary could result in a “repeat of 2010.”
According to Capital Tonight Turner responded through his adviser E. O’Brien Murray:
“…that he’s flattered to be discussed as a potential Gillibrand challenger, but he wanted to wait and see what his district lines look like before making a final decision.”
Mr. Turner went to Congress when he defeated New York Assemblyman David Weprin in a special election for Rep. Anthony Weiner’s Brooklyn-Queens district. Former Rep. Weiner resigned from office in disgrace after he admitted he sent random women on Twitter lewd photos of himself.
Turner’s win over Weprin was historic, as a Republican had not been elected in his district since 1923.
