Robert Turner

Robert L. Turner is a former American politician and businessman who served as the United States Representative for New York's 9th congressional district from 2011 to 2013. A member of the Republican Party, Turner is notable for being the first Republican to hold this position since 1923. His career in politics followed a successful tenure in the media industry, where he held various executive roles in television and advertising. Turner entered the political arena after a brief attempt to unseat a Democratic incumbent, ultimately succeeding in a special election after the resignation of the incumbent.

Early life and career

Robert L. Turner was born on May 2, 1941, in Queens, New York. He grew up in the neighborhoods of Woodhaven and Richmond Hill, where he was the eldest of three sons. His father worked as a taxi driver and machinist, while his mother was a homemaker. Turner's upbringing was influenced by his parents, who were described as "New Deal Democrats" but began to shift their political views in the years following the Kennedy administration.

Turner attended Richmond Hill High School and later graduated from St. John's University. His educational experience included participation in the conservative activist group Young Americans for Freedom during his college years. Following his graduation, Turner served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964, which provided him with a foundation of discipline and leadership that would later inform his career.

After completing his military service, Turner embarked on a long career in the advertising and television industries, spanning over four decades. In 1984, he co-founded Orbis Communications, a company that specialized in the distribution of advertiser-funded programming. He later took on a significant role at Pearson LLC, where he was responsible for exporting the television talk show format to Europe, successfully launching several shows in a short period.

Turner's most prominent position came when he served as president of Multimedia Entertainment, a division of Multimedia, Inc., from 1991 to 1995. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the creation and production of several well-known television programs, including The Jerry Springer Show, The Phil Donahue Show, and The Sally Jessy Raphael Show. He also launched the television adaptation of the Rush Limbaugh show. Under his leadership, Multimedia Entertainment was sold to Gannett Corporation for $2.1 billion in 1995, marking a significant milestone in his business career.

In addition to his work at Multimedia, Turner held various other positions, including President of LBS Communications, a division of Grey Advertising, where he developed a daytime barter network for the distribution of television series. He also served as Director of Advertising for Bristol-Myers Company, where he initiated the production of the series In Search of... hosted by Leonard Nimoy. His extensive experience in the media industry included roles on several boards, such as the Association of Syndicated Television Advertisers and the Advertising Research Council.

After retiring from full-time business activities, Turner continued to manage his investments, including a hotel business in Orlando, Florida, and remained active on various boards, contributing to organizations such as Readspeak Inc. and Family Focus Adoption Services.

House tenure

Turner entered the political arena in 2010, running for Congress in New York's 9th congressional district against incumbent Democratic Representative Anthony Weiner. In this initial campaign, Turner lost, receiving 39 percent of the vote. However, his political career took a significant turn following Weiner's resignation due to a scandal. In 2011, Turner ran for the vacant seat in a special election held on September 13, 2011. His campaign was marked by strategic messaging and targeted outreach, particularly to observant Jewish voters, which played a crucial role in his victory.

Turner's campaign consultant was strategist Bill O'Reilly, and the campaign utilized provocative advertisements that highlighted images of the World Trade Center site in flames. He accused his opponent, David Weprin, of being aligned with the Democratic Party's agenda and emphasized Weprin's perceived shortcomings in addressing national debt issues. Turner's efforts to engage with the Orthodox Jewish community garnered him significant support, including endorsements from prominent figures such as New York Assemblyman Dov Hikind and former New York Mayor Ed Koch.

Ultimately, Turner won the special election by a margin of 3,686 votes, marking a historic moment as he became the first Republican to represent the district in nearly a century. His victory was seen as a reflection of the changing political landscape in the area and a response to the controversies surrounding his predecessor.

Turner's congressional tenure lasted until January 3, 2013. During this time, he focused on various issues pertinent to his constituents and the broader national landscape. However, his district was eliminated due to redistricting, which led him to seek a higher office in the 2012 United States Senate race. He participated in the Republican primary but was ultimately unsuccessful in his bid.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House of Representatives, Turner was involved in various legislative initiatives and served on committees that aligned with his political interests and the needs of his constituents. His legislative focus included advocating for minimal regulation of businesses, a stance that resonated with his background in the media and advertising industries. Turner was a proponent of fiscal conservatism, aligning with the principles espoused by organizations such as Americans for Tax Reform, which he supported by signing their pledge against new taxes.

Turner’s engagement with his constituents was characterized by his efforts to address local concerns, particularly those affecting the Jewish community in his district. His outreach to this demographic was a significant aspect of his campaign strategy and legislative priorities. He sought to position himself as a representative who would advocate for their interests, particularly in relation to foreign policy and support for Israel.

Despite his relatively short tenure in Congress, Turner’s election and subsequent service were notable for the political dynamics they reflected in New York City. His victory in a historically Democratic district underscored the potential for Republican candidates to gain traction in urban areas under certain circumstances, particularly in response to specific political events and shifts in public sentiment.

After leaving Congress, Turner continued to be active in political circles, serving as chairman of the Queens County chapter of the Republican Party from 2015 to 2017. His experience in both business and politics has contributed to his ongoing involvement in civic and political activities, reflecting a commitment to public service and community engagement.