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NY GOP Dropout Backs Dem Over Palin Fave

Hoffman calls Scozzafava a 'turncoat'

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 2, 2009 1:19 AM CST
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(Newser) – Sarah Palin-backed conservative upstart Doug Hoffman called Dede Scozzafava a “turncoat” after the New York Republican state assemblywoman endorsed Hoffman’s Democratic opponent, Bill Owens. Scozzafava issued her surprise endorsement a day after pulling out of the upstate congressional race. With prominent conservatives backing Hoffman, an independent, Scozzafava had been running a distant third in the polls. “This afternoon Dede Scozzafava betrayed the GOP,” a spokesman for Hoffman said in a statement.

“She endorsed a Pelosi Democrat who will spend more, tax more, and push the liberal agenda that is dragging down this nation." Scozzafava, coaxed to back Owens by the White House, characterized the Democrat as “the only candidate” who was a suitable replacement for now-Secretary of the Army John McHugh, the Watertown Daily Times reports. Owens exhibits a "sense of duty and integrity that will guide him beyond political partisanship,” she said.

This combination of Oct. 2009, file photos shows Congressional candidates in New York's 23rd district, from left, Democrat Bill Owens, Conservative Party Dan Hoffman, and Republican Dede Scozzafava.
This combination of Oct. 2009, file photos shows Congressional candidates in New York's 23rd district, from left, Democrat Bill Owens, Conservative Party Dan Hoffman, and Republican Dede Scozzafava.   (AP Photo/FILES)
In this photo taken Oct. 28, 2009, Congressional candidates in New York's 23rd district Democrat Bill Owens, left, and Republican Dierdre Scozzafava debate in Plattsburgh, N.Y.
In this photo taken Oct. 28, 2009, Congressional candidates in New York's 23rd district Democrat Bill Owens, left, and Republican Dierdre Scozzafava debate in Plattsburgh, N.Y.   (AP Photo/Todd Bissonette)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
RockyPneumonia
Nov 2, 2009 12:19 PM CST
"The GOP had a stranglehold on all three branches of government for 6 years and still abortion remained legal" -- Because it would have required a constitutional amendment, which means ratification by the states.
Doctor-Zaius
Nov 2, 2009 12:07 PM CST
This is not good for the GOP but it sure is good for America. For so long they have used the religious right and social conservatives knowing full well they would never grant their wishes (The GOP had a stranglehold on all three branches of government for 6 years and still abortion remained legal) because abortion is too good of a rallying point for their easily inflamed base. Face it Righties, the GOP is the party of large corporations, the social and religious nonsense was all just window dressing to get you to vote against your own common interest. By focusing on the bat-shit insane aspects of their platform they do two things; drive away the corporatist elements (The money) and drive away the independents (the votes that put them over the top) who want nothing to do with their far-right extreme agenda. It's the beginning of a new day in America and not a moment too soon.
Shannonals
Nov 2, 2009 11:21 AM CST
What's the big deal? It's all a rigged election now. Scozzafava backs a Democrat, Hoffman brands her a turncoat, public outrage from nutcases will rally to plave furhter votes for Hoffman. It's a scam, don't tell me everyone didn't see this coming after GOP members flip ran to Hoffman's side after Scozzafava first announced she wouldn't run, but would leave her name on the ballot.

 
Congress • Republican • New York • GOP • conservative • Doug Hoffman • Dede Scozzafava • Bill Owens • Election 09 • election day November 2009

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