Owens wins 23rd

The contentious race for the 23rd Congressional District seat is over. On the night of Tuesday, Nov. 3, the Democratic candidate Bill Owens defeated Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman and took the district that has been a Republican party stronghold for a century.

According to the AP, Owens defeated Hoffman 49 percent to 45 percent. Meanwhile, Republican Dierdre Scozzafava who dropped out of the race on Saturday, Oct. 31, still received 6 percent of the vote. Hoffman congratulated Owens on election night.

In a statement to supporters in Plattsburgh, Owens vowed to continue to create jobs, repair the economy, protect dairy farmers and fight for health care and Fort Drum.

“When we began this journey, a lot of people didn’t give us much of a chance,” said Owens. “And tonight, with the entire country watching, Upstate New Yorkers sent a message. We came together tonight as Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to seek solutions – to create jobs for our workers, to bring economic development back to our communities, to fight for Fort Drum and to give all middle class families in Upstate New York a fair shake from Washington.”


Via a post on his website, doughoffmanforcongress.com, Hoffman writes, “I congratulate Bill Owens on a hard won victory. In our tradition of free elections, our country continues,” said Hoffman. “And although Bill Owens has won, I believe America is turning the page to a new dawn … I would like to thank all of you who placed your faith in me, who worked tirelessly and shared your enthusiasm with those around you.”

Owens also thanked Assemblywoman Dierdre Scozzafava, R-Governeur, for her support after dropping out of the race.

“I must give special thanks to Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava,” said Owens. “I was honored to earn the support of a great leader like her. She has always put the people of Upstate New York before any partisan agenda. I share her commitment and I look forward to working with her to help the people of this district.”

Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chris Van Hollen released a statement acknowledging and congratulating Owens on his unexpected victory while bashing Republicans for their extremist views.

“Congratulations to Congressman-elect Bill Owens on his remarkable victory,” said Van Hollen. “…after losing a seat that was held by Republicans for nearly 120 years, [National Republicans] have to deal with an emboldened and well-funded far right-wing that refuses to tolerate moderate Republicans with differing opinions.”


Likewise, Chairman of the New York state Democratic Committee, Jay S. Jacobs, congratulated Owens on the success of his campaign.

“We send our congratulations to Owens for a race well run,” said Jacobs. “He will be an honorable representative for the people of the 23rd District of New York.”

In his speech Owens said that America should not be separated by political parties in solving the challenges that lay ahead.

“Our challenges aren’t Democratic or Republican,” said Owens. “They’re not liberal or conservative. They are American challenges that we will overcome with American resolve.”

The seat that Owens now occupies has been represented by the GOP since the Civil War. The special election to fill the seat began when former Congressman John McHugh became secretary of the army under the Obama administration.

Biden stumps for Owens

Vice President Joe Biden joined Democratic candidate for the 23rd, Bill Owens, today at a rally in Watertown.

In his prepared opening statement, Owens thanked his supporters, including Assemblywoman Dierdre Scozzafava, who dropped out of the race on Saturday.

"Your support is what got us to this point and will put us over the top tomorrow," said Owens to supporters. "I can’t thank you enough for all the hard work you’ve put in – the hours you’ve spent making phone calls, knocking on doors, and talking to your friends about our campaign to bring jobs to Upstate New York and get our economy back on track."

He also addressed his opponent, Doug Hoffman's campaign, saying that Hoffman is only embracing the special interests groups financing his campaign.

"They want to go back to the George Bush days of tax cuts for the wealthy, tax cuts for companies that send our jobs overseas, and privatizing Social Security. They’re going to let their partisan agenda get in the way of keeping Fort Drum strong," said Owens.

"I know many of you are tired. This has been a grueling campaign. But I need you to press forward for just one more day. I need your help tomorrow so we can stand up for our priorities and our shared commitment to turn the page on partisan ideology."

On a seperate note, Owens was endorsed by Laborers Local 322 today. Laborors' International Union of North America is dedicated to helping construction workers recieve good pay, benefits and opportunity for advancement.

NOW-NYS Critiques Republican Party, Supports Scozzafava in Future

After Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava announced on Oct. 31 that she was suspending her campaign for New York’s 23rd District, a women’s rights group critiqued her move, calling it a “setback for women” this weekend.

The National Organization for Women-New York State issued a prepared statement which illustrated their disappointment with the Republican Party.

President of NOW-NYS, Marcia Pappas, called former Republican candidate Scozzafava’s withdrawal a “setback for women, especially Republican women and moderates in general” in the statement.

Pappas said the Republican Party is “clearly going so ultra-conservative that many highly qualified women are completely excluded.”

NOW commended Scozzafava for being pro-choice, pro-gay rights, and for being in favor of president Barack Obama’s stimulus package. Now also called her “more progressive than any of the other candidates.”

The group critiqued former Republican Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for endorsing the Conservative Party’s candidate, Doug Hoffman, “rather than a qualified woman from her own party.”

The group expressed hopes for Scozzafava’s return.

“NOW-NYS salutes Scozzafava, and hopes that as some time in the future she will find the wherewith to rejoin the fray. She is indeed a breath of fresh air in the present-day anti-woman, anti-choice Republican Party,” according to the statement.

Hoffman continues to recieve endorsements

The race for the 23rd Congressional District has taken an interesting turn, as Assemblywoman Dierdre Scozzafava announced that she was suspending her campaign on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Since that time endorsements have continued to stream in for Doug Hoffman, the Conservative candidate in the race, including Senate Republican leader Dean G. Skelos, former Congressman Rick Lazio and New York state Republican Chairman Ed Cox.

“Dede Scozzafava’s endorsement today represents a betrayal of the people of the North Country and the people of her party,” said Cox. “The citizens of that district deserve a fiscal conservative like Doug Hoffman who will help turn the North Country economy around.”

Meanwhile, a poll conducted by the Siena Research Institute today shows Hoffman with a five point lead over Bill Owens, the Democratic candidate. Hoffman received 41 percent of the vote, Owens, 36 percent and Scozzafava still recieved 6 percent of the vote.

Scozzafava drops out of 23rd race

The Associated Press reports today that Republican state Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava has announced she is dropping out of the race to fill the seat in the 23rd Congressional district.

Her name will remain on the ballot on Nov. 3, according to her campaign spokesman Matt Burns.

The New York Times also reported on this.

GOP civil war over 23rd race?

Prominent national Republicans are split over support for their party's candidate to fill the 23rd Congressional district in upstate New York.

Some, including former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, have endorsed the Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman.

Former House Majority Leader Newt Gingrich meanwhile has thrown his support behind the GOP's nominee, state Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava.

Check out some of the Legislative Gazette's coverage of the 23rd race:

Race is tightening in 23rd

President to stump for Owens

23rd race heats up with Scozzafava in the pole position

After McHugh nomination, the race is on