Turner loses Senate GOP primary bid in New York

Rep. Bob Turner conceded defeat to Manhattan attorney Wendy Long in New York's Republican Senate primary on Tuesday.

Despite being notably out-spent by Turner and fellow contender Bob Maragos, Long captured the nomination and will face incumbent Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand this November.

"I congratulate Ms. Long on her impressive victory tonight," Turner said in a statement late Tuesday night. "I pledge to work with Ms. Long to unite all Republicans and Conservatives in the effort to defeat Kirsten Gillibrand in November."

A recent poll showed Turner ahead in the race, which also included Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos.

According to the Siena Research Institute survey released in early June, Turner had the backing of 16% of Republican voters, while Long came in second at 11% and Maragos places third with 3%.

However, a whopping 70% of respondents said they didn't know or had no opinion.

Turner is best known in the political world for winning the 2011 special election to replace former Rep. Anthony Weiner, who resigned last summer in the wake of scandal. Turner pulled a surprising blowout by winning the solidly Democratic district.

He announced his Senate run in March after his district faced elimination in the state's redistricting process.

Heading into the primary, Turner had strong support from New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who recorded robo calls and sent emails urging voters to turn out for the candidate.

Gillibrand's campaign quickly put out a fund-raising email after Long's victory Tuesday night.

"I know you're thinking what I'm thinking -- there's no way we can lose a progressive champion like Kirsten to a right-wing ideologue like Long," the email stated, asking for money.

Nonpartisan political handicappers Charlie Cook and Stuart Rothenberg list the race as "solid" and "safe" for Gillibrand, who has garnered a national profile for her work on health care and benefits for veterans and first responders.

The Siena poll from early June showed Gillibrand way ahead of Long in a hypothetical match-up, 65% to Long's 22%.