Last year, businessman Bob Turner shocked the political world by winning a special election in New York’s heavily Democratic ninth congressional district. His reward was to watch the state eliminate his district through reapportionment. So now Turner is running for U.S. Senate and looking to defeat Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Turner says Gillibrand is ranked as the most liberal member in the entire chamber – even more liberal than Vermont Sen. Bernard Sanders who is an avowed socialist. Turner points to Gillibrand’s reliable support for every Obama initiative from the stimulus to the health care plan and more as proof she is out of touch with the needs of New York. The congressman says the economy is the biggest issue and his business background gives him the perspective to help create conditions favorable for job creation and reduce the debt. Before Turner can truly focus on Gillibrand, he has to actually win the GOP nomination. The primary is June 26 and the Conservative Party is already behind Wendy Long, who is also seeking the GOP nod. Turner tells us it’s been a very positive tone in the primary campaign, but he firmly believes the only way for a Republican to beat Gillibrand is to be competitive in New York City. He contends no other Republican hopeful is capable of winning the kind of support he can draw in and around the city.
