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09/11/2011 09:02 PM

Weprin, Turner Pause House Campaign To Observe 9/11

By: Grace Rauh

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The candidates running for Anthony Weiner's congressional seat largely took a break from campaigning to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Our Grace Rauh has the story.

Republican Bob Turner and Democrat David Weprin officially suspended campaign activities Sunday. But both were mingling with potential voters at services honoring the 10th anniversary of September 11th.

Turner spent the morning at Christ Tabernacle Church in Glendale, Queens. The pastor announced that Turner would be out front after the service and encouraged congregants to stop by and and shake his hand.

"I think it is under the radar to some extent, but I do know that most people know there is a race going on," said a churchgoer.

Just down the road, David Weprin marked the solemn day. But unlike the other elected officials in attendance at the 9/11 memorial, he did not speak from the podium. That did not stop his supporters from speaking up for him.

"My plan on Tuesday is to go to my voting area and vote Democratic, vote for Weprin," said one local.

Both campaigns have been mobilizing volunteers in recent days, sending them out to canvas the district and make calls on the candidates' behalf.

Turner and Weprin's teams said those activities were halted Sunday.

The anniversary means both campaigns have an even bigger job to do Monday and Tuesday, as turnout for special elections is traditionally low.

In this case, the final weekend of campaigning took a back seat to 9/11 anniversary events.

The race has tightened in the final stretch, with Turner pulling ahead in a recent poll.

The district may be heavily Democratic, but the race could become a referendum on President Barack Obama. Angry voters are fueling Turner's momentum as he heads into Election Day.