NEW YORK — Republicans scored an upset victory Tuesday in a U.S. House race that became a referendum on President Barack Obama’s economic policies.
Retired media executive and political novice Bob Turner defeated Democratic state Assemblyman David Weprin in a special election to succeed Rep. Anthony Weiner, a seven-term Democrat who resigned in June after a sexting scandal.
The heavily Democratic district spanning parts of Queens and Brooklyn had never sent a Republican to the House. But frustration with the continued weak national economy gave Republicans the edge.
Panicked at the prospect of an embarrassing loss, Democrats poured cash into the race and sent in their stars to try to save Weprin, a state lawmaker who was forced to defend Obama’s economic policies even as he tried to stress his own independence and close ties to the community.
Turner has vowed to bring business practicality to Washington and push back on spending and taxes.
Nevada also had a House election Tuesday after a shake-up that started with Sen. John Ensign’s resignation amid a sex scandal. Republicans were expected to retain the seat.
