You could consider this a “shock” poll.

It turns out that New York’s 9th congressional district, previously occupied by Anthony Weiner, is a toss-up. It’s the best news Republicans have received since, um, last night when they kicked liberal ass in Wisconsin.

While both candidates, Republican Robert Turner and Democrat David Weprin, remain unknown by a plurality of voters — 49% and 45%, respectively — Weprin leads Turner 48% to 42%, a slimmer than expected margin in a strongly Democratic district. In fact, although 61% of those polled were Democrats and just 17% were Republicans, Weprin only receives 61% of the Democratic vote while Turner takes 80% of Republicans and leads with independents 46% to 42%.

Look, the Republican we get in New York’s ninth ain’t gonna join the Tea Party caucus. But winning Weiner’s old seat wouldn’t be about winning the seat — it’d be about sending a message that Democrats remain vulnerable even in blue districts.

It’d be more a propaganda than ideological victory. I’m good with that.