NEW YORK (JTA) — A prominent Orthodox Jewish politician blasted the Democratic candidate seeking to replace former congressman Anthony Weiner for supporting same-sex marriage.
New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind, an Orthodox Jew who represents part of Brooklyn, said that he would not support the congressional candidacy of fellow Democratic Assemblyman David Weprin, The New York Post reported. Weprin, also an Orthodox Jew, voted to legalize same-sex marriage.
"Weprin basically used his Jewish Orthodoxy to say gay marriage is OK. He used his Orthodoxy to say gay marriage is kosher. That crossed the line," Hikind told the Post.
While Hikind did not endorse Weprin’s opponent, Republican Bob Turner, he told the Post that he would be meeting with the Republican candidate.
Weprin finds himself in a close race in the Sept. 13 special election for the seat, which represents portions of Brooklyn and Queens. A Sienna Research Insitute poll released earlier this month found Weprin leading with the support of 48 percent of likely voters, as opposed to Turner’s 42 percent.
The race in the heavily Democratic and Jewish district has been closely watched, with much of the coverage focusing on whether Turner will benefit from anger over President Obama’s positions on Israel and other issues. Weprin has criticized Obama’s approach toward Israel and declined to endorse Obama’s reelection when queried by a reporter.
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