New York's Newest Representative Bob Turner Takes Oath Of Office
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Just two days after his stunning upset, New York's new Republican congressman is officially on the job.
Businessman-turned-politician Bob Turner was sworn by House Speaker John Boehner at the the nation's capital Thursday.
WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reports: Turner Says He's Ready For Office
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"It was an important bipartisan election. It's the only way it can be done in New York City," Turner said in a brief speech after the ceremony. "I also promise not to forget why I'm here, and its' the future which is ably represented by these handsome grandchildren not even the whole brood."
Turner has 13 grandchildren in all.
"This is not something that we are used to doing in New York, but it's a great moment, a great moment for New York,'' said Rep. Peter King.
Wednesday night, the Republican celebrated his surprising win in the special election to replace former Rep. Anthony Weiner. He attended a party fundraiser in midtown.
He's the first member of the GOP to represent New York's 9th district since 1923.
Republican leaders contend Turner's victory shows voters are fed up with President Obama and the Democrats.
"The policies simply aren't working," Turner said. "People tell me where are the jobs, where are the leadership, what is happening with this deficit."
Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus expects this is indicative of what'll happen in 2012. That's when the White House and congress are up for grabs.
"My view is the political landscape's going to stay the same because we have a president who's unbelievably tone-deaf and unbelievably stubborn," said Priebus.
But some observers say with that election 14 months away, this race predicts nothing.
The White House is attributing Turner's win to circumstances unique to the district.
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