President Barack Obama’s weakened standing with voters has helped put a safe Democratic House seat at risk of tipping to the GOP in a special election Tuesday in New York City.

President Barack Obama arrives to speak at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) convention in Washington, May 22, 2011, after clashing publicly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over ideas for a permanent Palestinian state. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

One question that could resonate nationally from the contest: How much of Mr. Obama’s problem is due to unhappiness among Jewish voters with his position on Israel?

Jewish voters are expected to make up a third of the electorate in the Brooklyn-Queens district. While that’s unlike most other districts, it may give clues to voter behavior in areas where Jewish voters are plentiful.

The evidence is mixed on whether Israel policy matters in the race in the light of a weak economy and high unemployment. The election will make either Republican Bob Turner or Democrat David Weprin the successor to Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner.

Some Jewish voters believe Mr. Obama has been too critical of Israel, specifically of its support of Jewish settlements in disputed territory. Some were particularly upset by Mr. Obama’s call to use the 1967 borders as a starting point for negotiations, though others note that Mr. Obama simply said aloud what has long been U.S. policy.