New York GOP House Nominee Endorses Democrat After Leaving Race

GOP nominee Dede Scozzafava, left, endorsed Democrat Bill Owens in New York's special House election following her recent decision to withdraw from the race.

By Bob Benenson, CQ-Roll Call

New York Republican House nominee Dede Scozzafava — a moderate who was abandoned by conservative activists for a third-party candidate — followed her stunning withdrawal from the contest Saturday with another shocker on Sunday: She has urged her supporters to vote for Democratic nominee Bill Owens over Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman, on Tuesday in the 23rd Congressional District’s special election.

Scozzafava released a statement supporting Owens for the seat nine-term Republican Rep. John M. McHugh vacated to become secretary of the Army.

“You know me, and throughout my career, I have been always been an independent voice for the people I represent,” said Scozzafava, who ran afoul with prominent conservative Republicans because she supports abortion rights and same-sex marriage and has ties to organized labor. “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; it’s about the people of this district."

(More here.)