And there it is.

You know me, and throughout my career, I have been always been an independent voice for the people I represent. I have stood for our honest principles, and a truthful discussion of the issues, even when it cost me personally and politically. Since beginning my campaign, I have told you that this election is not about me; itÂ’s about the people of this District.

It is in this spirit that I am writing to let you know I am supporting Bill Owens for Congress and urge you to do the same.

ItÂ’s not in the cards for me to be your representative, but I strongly believe Bill is the only candidate who can build upon John McHugh's lasting legacy in the U.S. Congress. John and I worked together on the expansion of Fort Drum and I know how important that base is to the economy of this region. I am confident that Bill will be able to provide the leadership and continuity of support to Drum Country just as John did during his tenure in Congress.

In Bill Owens, I see a sense of duty and integrity that will guide him beyond political partisanship. He will be an independent voice devoted to doing what is right for New York. Bill understands this district and its people, and when he represents us in Congress he will put our interests first.

Please join me in voting for Bill Owens on Tuesday. To address the tough challenges ahead, we must rise above partisanship and politics and work together. There's too much at stake in this election to do otherwise.

I really hope someone is going to primary her next year for her Assembly seat.

Added: Scozzafava's hissy fit is understandable on two levels, she's pissed at Hoffman and she does agree with Owens more. So on a human level I get it.

What it is not is forgivable. Someone needs to run against her for her Assembly seat and failing that, support should be given to her Democratic challenger. Trust me on this, one more or less Republican of any stripe is of no consequence there. Right now it's 110 Democrats and 40 Republicans. As long as NYC remains part of NY State, that's not changing.

Thanks to @jaketapper for the heads up, even if he is a Phillies fan.

Posted by: DrewM at 11:38 AM | Comments (578)
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The background:

The suit itself - I’m working to get a copy of it sent to me - alleges that WFP (which is, of course, a front for ACORN) is violating campaign finance laws by having WFP front group Data and Field Services provide “canvassing and other services for [City Council candidate Debi] Rose in her primary campaign against [current Conservative candidate* Ken] Mitchell for which the firm received far less than the market value.”

The documents sought would reveal (possibly) whether the WFP is breaking campaign finance rules by, I guess, giving unreported, undisclosed in-kind (i.e., not monetary, but manhours) campaign donations to the candidate.

The candidate's response:

A City Council hopeful won’t cough up documents related to whether the Working Families Party is scamming the campaign finance system — because the case could involve “criminal liability,” according to documents released yesterday.

Ah.

Moe Lane has some thoughts about how the one-party system -- one party, protected relentlessly by a partisan media -- makes people stupid in their lawlessness.

Posted by: Ace at 10:32 AM | Comments (32)
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Just got to the tv, ten minutes late, and the Giants are already down 13-0 halfway through the first quarter.

5-0 start. Right.

Posted by: Ace at 10:26 AM | Comments (163)
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Not officially (yet) but maybe behind the scenes.

The Watertown Daily Times, which had endorsed switched their endorsement to the Democrat today and included this tidbit.

During the day Saturday, she began to quietly and thoughtfully encourage her supporters to vote for Democrat William L. Owens.

I can't find any statement from her to that but it might be a behind the scenes deal as the paper says.

Scozzafava's husband, labor activist Ron McDougall, did come out for Owens.

"This has been a difficult day for my family. But the needs and concerns of the men and women of the 23rd Congressional District remain paramount," McDougall said. "As such, I wholeheartedly and without reservation endorse the candidacy of Bill Owens."

“As a life-long labor activist, I know that Bill Owens understands the issues important to working people. On the other hand, Doug Hoffman has little regard for the interests of workers."

"Hoffman’s opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act, coupled with his support for the failed policies of the Bush Administration make him a poor choice to serve the citizens of the 23rd Congressional District.”

Hopefully the Republican county chairs, who stuck the district with Scozzafava will publicly come out for Hoffman.

There's no doubt some of Dede's liberal supporters and personal friends will go to Owens but the rank and file Republican voters need to know it's okay to vote Hoffman.

Posted by: DrewM at 08:24 AM | Comments (203)
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Now that the NY23 special election is back to a two-way race, I'm wondering: Is this a template for getting conservatives on the ballot, or is it one of those "hard cases make bad law" examples that lawyers are always talking about?

Days out from the vote, polling data appears to be a mixed bag. The majority of Dede's support was Republican, BUT a small-sample poll appears to suggest that the Republicans who were supporting Dede don't view Hoffman favorably. Is this dislike strong enough to make them cross the aisle and vote for "Not Really a Democrat" Owens out of spite? Or will they just stay home like many conservative voters did last year when faced with Senator "Maverick" on the ticket?

I do feel positive about the chances for Hoffman's victory because he treated Scozzafava's exit from the race with grace. He obviously knows the value of courting her former supporters, and I hope he doubles down with gracious statements about Newt, the RNCC and other organizations which were formerly supporting the party line. There will be plenty of time for "I told you so" after he wins the election.

more...

Posted by: Russ from Winterset at 05:45 AM | Comments (98)
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