Weiner Defeats Turner In 9th Dist.

U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner held onto his seat in the 9th Congressional District Tuesday night, winning reelection over conservative businessman

Fighting off a challenger for the first time in six years, spoke to supporters in Forest Hills Gardens Tuesday night as a man more determined than ever to see things go his way in Washington, D.C., even if that meant bringing the fight to work with him in his next term.

"I'm going to try to work with whomever is in charge. But there are some things that I'm simply not going to be negotiating on, I mean when it comes to privatizing social security or rolling back the healthcare bill," Weiner said, getting back to business at his own victory party Tuesday night. "I hope the Republicans change, but they're not acting like a party of ideas and being clear about what they plan to do."

While Weiner was willing to go back to work quickly, he took some time to reflect on the victory he'd just attained, and the importance of being thankful to his constituents.

"No congressional seat is ordained or gifted by anyone. It's in the control of the American people, and that's what is important," he said. "This is a reminder every two years. Our founding fathers were brilliant. They knew periodically the voters would want change."

While Weiner's supporters were thrilled with the news that he'd taken home a victory, the mood at Bob Turner headquarters in Glendale was more somber.

Turner, who's race against Weiner started when he saw his congressman on The O'Reilly Factor and was bound and determined to see him defeated, showed some newfound respect for his opponent.

"We have a challenged electorate, but don't quit the system. The people have voted," he said."Too bad, we came up short."

Turner praised his opponent, saying that no matter what is said about Weiner, he didn't shy away from an earnest debate.

While some in Turner's camp were convinced that there would be strong conservative voter turnout in the 9th Dist., many at the Republican's headquarters admitted that the burst of right-wing support never came.