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GOP candidate Dede Scozzafava bows out of NY-23 race

by Albert Milliron | October 31, 2009 at 10:33 am

266 views | 42 Recommendations | 11 comments

Amid opposition from Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman, GOP candidate Dede Scozzafava has bailed out of the special house election in up-state New York. The Assemblywoman has seen her poll numbers drop since Doug Hoffman had received endorsements from former governor Sarah Palin, Fred Thompson, Tim Pawlenty, and from the National Teaparty Patriots. Scozzafava's fund raising has gone down significantly as a result. Today she released this statement.

Republican Dede Scozzafava announced Saturday that she is suspending her campaign in the Nov. 3 House special election in New York, a dramatic development that increases the GOP's chances of winning the contentious and closely-watched race.

"In recent days, polls have indicated that my chances of winning this election are not as strong as we would like them to be. The reality that I've come to accept is that in today's political arena, you must be able to back up your message with money—and as I've been outspent on both sides, I've been unable to effectively address many of the charges that have been made about my record,” she said in a statement.

“It is increasingly clear that pressure is mounting on many of my supporters to shift their support. Consequently, I hereby release those individuals who have endorsed and supported my campaign to transfer their support as they see fit to do so. I am and have always been a proud Republican.”

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Amy Judd

at 10:37 on October 31st, 2009

Oh good, I'm glad you did this story as you know more about it than me.

Albert Milliron

at 10:39 on October 31st, 2009

Yes but you are an expert on ANTM LOL

Amy Judd

at 10:41 on October 31st, 2009

:( not much of an accomplishment....

Susan Marie Kovalinsky

at 11:17 on October 31st, 2009

Wow, what an effect this has had....

nanute

at 11:16 on November 1st, 2009

Bob Herbet called it a victory for the Stalinist branch of the Republican Party, in today's editorial. Scozafavva it seems was deemed not to be pure enough for the fringe element that seems to be taking over. Why Rush declared Sarah Palin the Party nominee for 2012 as well. This is very good news for the Republican Party.

Mikey004 (not verified)

at 16:34 on November 2nd, 2009

The real news is that Dede has endorsed the DEMOCRATIC candidate. Certainly this demonstrates a rift in the RP that may portend for other jurisdicitions. Perhaps a moderate RP movement to the left if the DP adopts the Clinton centrist welcome.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 11:59 on October 31st, 2009

I really admire this woman for recognizing her fate and taking the consequence. Telling her supporters to vote as they see fit is certainly admirable too.

Hugh Askew

at 12:22 on October 31st, 2009

A good Democrat would have urged her followers to support a liberal, without reservation, even if it meant voting for William Jefferson.

Evidently some bad blood is running?

nanute

at 12:25 on October 31st, 2009

I lived in this district for the better part of 25 years before leaving the area in 99'. The region is quite a large district and has been a Republican stronghold forever, at the State and Federal level. The biggest employers in the region are the military and state government. State prisons are a cottage industry, and other than these 2 primary employees, most people make a "living" thorough self employment. Poverty is high, and the standard of living is below the State average in spite of the government employment. These folks are an independent bunch by nature and don't take kindly to government telling them what to do. They'll vote against their own self interest and elect the fringe party candidate Doug Hoffman. I'll put money on it.

Albert Milliron

at 17:04 on October 31st, 2009

Thank you for your insight on New Yorks 23rd district. There are only a few folks in the political world who can tell the demographics each district in the country. Great to have readers add to the story.