In an indication that Democrats are worried about the surprisingly competitive special election to replace former congressman Anthony Weiner in New York’s 9th Congressional District, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) made a $483,500 ad buy in support of Democratic candidate David Weprin in the final days before the election.
National Journal Hotline On Call first reported the buy, which will begin running on television stations on Friday. The ad will not air on Sunday, September 11 — the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
The move suggests that national Democrats are concerned that Weprin could lose the race to his Republican opponent Bob Turner.
The Hill reports that the DCCC is also sending out fundraising emails for Weprin.
“The only ones panicking more than David Weprin are Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi,” said Turner’s communications director, William O’Reilly. “They are pumping every boot, dollar and mail piece they can find into NY-9. The funny thing is that David Weprin isn’t getting any of their mail — he doesn’t live in the district.”
Democrats have a large voter registration in the district, but the race has proved to be quite competitive. A Siena poll found Weprin leading his Republican opponent, Bob Turner, by just 6 points. A recent poll conducted independently by Magellan found Turner leading by 4 points. (RELATED: Pat Boone to make robocalls in race for Weiner’s seat)
Weprin’s campaign declined to comment on the buy. The DCCC had not responded to request for comment at the time of publication.
The election will be held on September 13.