Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Dem Owens Takes NY-23

Win follows GOP moderate, conservative split

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 4, 2009 12:55 AM CST
Email

(Newser) – Retired Air Force Capt. Bill Owens has pulled off a major upset for the Democratic Party and won the closely watched election in New York state's 23rd congressional district. Owens was ahead of Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman 49% to 45% with 92% of precincts reporting, according to AP. Moderate Republican Dede Scozzafava received 6% of the vote despite withdrawing from the race over the weekend under pressure from the party's right wing.

The race was widely portrayed as a referendum on the Obama administration, although Owens focused mainly on job creation and other local issues. Hoffman's defeat came despite endorsements from Sarah Palin and other prominent Republicans. "This is only one fight in the battle, people," Hoffman told supporters after conceding the race. "Let's keep the fight going. Let's make sure our voices are heard."

New York's 23rd Congressional District Democratic candidate Bill Owens greets supporters after his victory at Democratic headquarters in Plattsburgh, NY, today.
New York's 23rd Congressional District Democratic candidate Bill Owens greets supporters after his victory at Democratic headquarters in Plattsburgh, NY, today.   (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Doug Hoffman, Conservative Party congressional candidate in New York's 23rd district, waits to speak during an election night event in Lake Saranac, NY, early today.
Doug Hoffman, Conservative Party congressional candidate in New York's 23rd district, waits to speak during an election night event in Lake Saranac, NY, early today.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York's 23rd Congressional District Democratic candidate Bill Owens delivers his victory speech at Democratic headquarters in Plattsburgh, NY, today.
New York's 23rd Congressional District Democratic candidate Bill Owens delivers his victory speech at Democratic headquarters in Plattsburgh, NY, today.   (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York's 23rd Congressional District Democratic candidate Bill Owens thanks volunteers at a campaign headquarters in Plattsburgh, NY, early today.
New York's 23rd Congressional District Democratic candidate Bill Owens thanks volunteers at a campaign headquarters in Plattsburgh, NY, early today.   (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York's 23rd Congressional District Democratic candidate Bill Owens delivers his victory speech at Democratic headquarters in Plattsburgh, NY, early today.
New York's 23rd Congressional District Democratic candidate Bill Owens delivers his victory speech at Democratic headquarters in Plattsburgh, NY, early today.   (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 31 comments
Fondue
Nov 5, 2009 12:59 PM CST
Choice and civil rights are more important than money. Question for you 7373: what is the root of all evil?
NxBigmouthery
Nov 4, 2009 12:54 PM CST
Thanks Dr Z. Likewise. Funny how a simply put observation brought out the neophyte in the nosebleeds baying for raw meat.
USAHomeofthebrave
Nov 4, 2009 12:53 PM CST
The most important race was in Virginia. McDonnell's landslide win is a signal to blue-dog dems in the mid-west and south. The blue-dogs now feel theirs seats are threatened. If they are wise they would stand against pelosi healthcare and reject the wicked witch from SF. She dispises blue-dog dems anyway.
US • Politics

 
special election • New York state • Doug Hoffman • Dede Scozzafava • 23rd District • Bill Owens • election day November 2009

More Newser Stories

Dem Wins NY Election in Upset

Hoffman Concedes, Again

Hoffman Can't Catch Owens in NY-23 Race

Hoffman 'Unconcedes' in NY-23

NY-23 Race Isn't Over Yet: Hoffman Narrowing Gap
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne