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Republicans win Anthony Weiner's New York district | Republicans win Anthony Weiner's New York district |
(40 minutes later) | |
President Barack Obama has been dealt a double setback after Republican wins in two seats, including one billed as a referendum on his economic policies. | |
In New York, Republican Bob Turner won a key election to succeed Democratic Congressman Anthony Weiner, who quit in June over a sex texting scandal. | |
The retired media executive becomes the first Republican to take office in the New York's ninth district since the 1920s. | |
Meanwhile, Mark Amodei defeated Democrat Kate Marshall in Nevada. | |
Addressing jubilant supporters after his win, Mr Turner said people had voted against the president's "irresponsible" fiscal policy. | |
Backed by former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Mr Turner said the vote was a "referendum" on President Obama. | |
Correspondents say losing the election will be a symbolic blow to the White House at a moment when President Obama is beginning his bid for re-election amid low approval ratings. | Correspondents say losing the election will be a symbolic blow to the White House at a moment when President Obama is beginning his bid for re-election amid low approval ratings. |
Anthony Weiner, who served in the House for seven terms, resigned in June after it emerged he had sent a series of images to a number of different women via Twitter. | |
'Wrong track' | 'Wrong track' |
With three quarters of ballots counted, Mr Turner won 53% of votes compared to Democratic state assemblyman David Weprin's 47%, NY1 television reported. | |
Mr Turner said the result sent a "loud and clear" message to Washington. | Mr Turner said the result sent a "loud and clear" message to Washington. |
"We've been told this is a referendum. Mr President, we are on the wrong track. We have had it with an irresponsible fiscal policy which endangers the entire economy," Mr Turner told supporters, according to AP. | "We've been told this is a referendum. Mr President, we are on the wrong track. We have had it with an irresponsible fiscal policy which endangers the entire economy," Mr Turner told supporters, according to AP. |
The ninth district, encompassing parts of southern Brooklyn and south-central Queens, has long been a traditional Democratic stronghold. | The ninth district, encompassing parts of southern Brooklyn and south-central Queens, has long been a traditional Democratic stronghold. |
Registered Republican voters are outnumbered in the traditionally blue-collar, Catholic and Orthodox Jewish district by a margin of three to one. | Registered Republican voters are outnumbered in the traditionally blue-collar, Catholic and Orthodox Jewish district by a margin of three to one. |
During the current campaign, the president has been the focus of Republican attacks at least as much as David Weprin, a member of the New York state assembly and the actual Democratic candidate. | During the current campaign, the president has been the focus of Republican attacks at least as much as David Weprin, a member of the New York state assembly and the actual Democratic candidate. |
In response, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee had reportedly spent more than $500,000 (£320,000) on TV advertisements. | In response, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee had reportedly spent more than $500,000 (£320,000) on TV advertisements. |
Former President Bill Clinton and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo have recorded phone messages for registered Democrats in an effort to win over undecided voters. | Former President Bill Clinton and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo have recorded phone messages for registered Democrats in an effort to win over undecided voters. |
Meanwhile in Nevada, Republican Mark Amodei won the election to fill a vacant seat in the House of Representatives. | Meanwhile in Nevada, Republican Mark Amodei won the election to fill a vacant seat in the House of Representatives. |
Mr Amodei beat Democrat Kate Marshall in the rural northern Nevada district that has never elected a Democrat. | Mr Amodei beat Democrat Kate Marshall in the rural northern Nevada district that has never elected a Democrat. |
The previous post-holder, Republican Dean Heller, was appointed from the House to the Senate in May to replace Republican John Ensign, who resigned over a sex scandal. |