The Democratic candidate seeking to fill the congressional seat vacated by randy ex-Rep Anthony Weiner distanced himself from President Obama today — by refusing to say whether he backed the president’s re-election.
“I’m running myself right now. On Sept. 14, I’ll be happy to address the president’s election,” State Assemblyman David Weprin said following a press conference at Queens Borough Hall, where he was endorsed by a bevy of female elected leaders.
The special election to replace Weiner — who resigned in disgrace following a sexting scandal — will be held on Sept. 13.
“Don’t read anything into it,” Weprin insisted of his refusal to give fellow Democrat Obama a thumbs up.
Bob Turner , who challenged Weiner last year, is the Republican candidate.
Weprin is the favorite to win the race in the heavily Democratic Queens-Brooklyn district. But Obama’s popularity has plummeted and some moderate and conservative Jews — who make up a considerable portion of the electorate — are concerned Obama’s push to get Israel to use its 1967 borders as a starting point for negotiations over a Palestinian State.
Among the Democratic elected female officials who endorsed Weprin today include Rep. Carolyn Maloney, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and state Sen. Toby Stavisky.