Reinforcements: Clinton, Cuomo Produce Robocalls To Support Weprin In NY-09

Former President Bill Clinton, NY-09 Democratic candidate David Weprin, NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo
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The special election for former Rep. Anthony Weiner’s (D-NY) old seat in the ninth Congressional District has Democrats scrambling, and they’re bringing in two very influential New Yorkers for help: former President Bill Clinton and NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo have recorded robocalls supporting Democratic candidate David Weprin that are hitting direct voters on Monday.

Capital Tonight has audio of the calls, in which Clinton criticizes the Tea Party (which backs Weprin’s Republican opponent, Bob Turner) and Cuomo argues that Weprin will protect Social Security and Medicare.

“The New York Times endorsed David,” says Clinton. “They support him for the same reasons I do: because he’ll stand up for the middle class, he’ll support a good program to put Americans back to work, and he’ll oppose the Tea Party plan to destroy Medicare.” Then, in case the caller was unsure who was on the line, Clinton reiterates: “Again, it’s President Bill Clinton, I’m proud to support David Weprin for Congress and I hope you will too.”

A poll from Public Policy Polling (D) released last night showed Weprin down by six points to Turner, which reflected similar results from a Siena College survey from last week. Gov. Cuomo maintains a massive level popularity within the district, as the PPP survey showed him with a 59 percent favorability rating against only 16 unfavorable, so clearly there is value to the Weprin campaign in adding the Governor’s voice. It’s also probably not a coincidence that the former President is getting involved, given the current President’s dismal 31 percent approval in the district (again, according to PPP) against 56 percent disapproval.

TPM’s Benjy Sarlin has your rundown of NY-09 here.

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