WASHINGTON (JTA) — Ed Koch said he may endorse a Republican in the race to replace disgraced congressman Anthony Weiner because it would send President Obama a warning about his Israel positions.
"I want to put a shot across Obama’s bow," Koch, the former New York mayor, told the New York Post in a story that appeared Tuesday.
Koch said he would endorse Bob Turner, a retired businessman and the GOP candidate in New York’s 9th District, which includes heavily Jewish portions of Queens and Brooklyn, if he made clear his support for Israel and opposed cuts to safety net programs like Medicare.
Koch, a Democrat, has endorsed Republicans in the past because he favors their Israel position. He has criticized Obama for exerting too much pressure on Israel to cede territory in negotiations with the Palestinians.
The Democratic candidate, state Assemblyman David Weprin, is considered a shoo-in in the heavily Democratic district.
Weiner resigned last month when it was revealed he had sent lewd photos to followers. The special election takes place Sept. 13.
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