Obama `` got his first warning '' in New York special election , strategist says . Speech suggesting return to pre-1967 Israeli borders angered many Jews . Republican 's surprise victory in New York election brought new attention to Jewish bloc . However , a higher concentration of the Jewish population in key presidential voting states , including New York , New Jersey and Florida , could prove important for Democrats and Republicans in 2012 . Israel has been a major issue for Republicans since the 2000 presidential campaign when George W. Bush was elected president and Democrats were still reeling from their loss of control over Congress.
Obama `` got his first warning '' in New York special election , strategist says . Speech suggesting return to pre-1967 Israeli borders angered many Jews . Republican 's surprise victory in New York election brought new attention to Jewish bloc . Israel has been a major issue for Republicans since the 2000 presidential campaign when George W. Bush was elected president and Democrats were still reeling from their loss of control over Congress.