The National Republican Congressional Committee has given a five-figure sum to businessman Bob Turner, the Republican nominee for the Sept. 13 special election in New York’s heavily Democratic 9th Congressional district. Eyeing what they see as a tightening race, national Republicans say this is only the first step in their involvement in the Queens- and Brooklyn-based district.

The NRCC would not disclose if the sum was closer to $10,000 or $99,999.

A recent poll showed Turner trailing state Assemblyman David Weprin by 6 points. The seat became open when Rep. Anthony Weiner (D) resigned.

Republicans admit that it would still be an uphill climb for Turner in a district that had a more than 3-to-1 Democratic registration advantage and a strong political Democratic infrastructure, but they noted that many independents were displeased with President Barack Obama, flagging a New York Times story suggesting some Democrats are concerned the race is closer than expected.

“Turner’s focused on job creation, lowering taxes and cutting spending, and it’s becoming clear that he’s climbing in the polls even in deep blue territory,” NRCC spokesman Tory Mazzola said in a statement. “Voters know that Dave Weprin will do nothing to change our country’s direction.”

Weprin has picked up the endorsement of New York Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D).

“David Weprin is the right choice for voters because he will fight to protect Medicare and Social Security and work to get our economy back on track,” Gillibrand said in a statement released by Weprin’s campaign.