Recap - yesterday, as reported in numerous diaries, Deirdre Scozzafava, the R candidate in the NY-23 special election, withdrew from the race. Due to the late date, she remains on the ballot.
She was also the candidate of the NYS Independence Party, who has now also endorsed Bill Owens.
Also Breaking:
The Watertown Daily Times has changed its endorsement from Scozzafava to Owens
ref http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/...
From the linked Watertown Daily Times editorial, it looks like Scozzafava has seen the light!
During the day Saturday, she began to quietly and thoughtfully encourage her supporters to vote for Democrat William L. Owens.
Old line Rs in the district have voted for Rs for Congress for well over 100 years. Well, their positions are closer to ours now. But to get there, they need encouragement - And DeDe is starting the process.
But she needs help - not only from us ...
Others I'd like to see out campaigning for our Bill Owens:
Any of the 5 R members of the NY State Assembly who endorsed Scozzafava. (per http://www.observer.com/... ) Bob Oaks, Will Barclay, Joe Griffo, Teresa Sayward, Janet Duprey) Wingnut blogs seem to have put a special target on Duprey, as a pro-gay marriage BFF R to Scozzafava.
(For more info on the Teabagger target on Duprey, google her name and tcotreport - for a "story" by Michael Patrick Leahy, the teabagger who took the now infamous photo of Scozzafava, virtually alone, in front of one of Hoffman's offices)
Vice President Biden - he's still scheduled to travel to the district (Watertown) tomorrow. One link for details - http://blog.timesunion.com/...
Hat tip to terjenderson, who points out that by tradition, civilians in the DoD (I guess like regular military in uniform) just don't get directly involved in political campaigns. This would apply to John McHugh, SecArmy, and most recent occupant of the seat. I wish he could have helped.
Other important snippets from the editorial: http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/...
The Watertown Daily Times initially endorsed Ms. Scozzafava as the best-qualified candidate in the race. We still think she is. However, in suspending her campaign she released her supporters' commitment to her. That left voters to choose between Mr. Owens and Mr. Hoffman.
Of the two, Bill Owens is by far the superior and only choice.
Mr. Owens seems to approach politics and challenges with an open mind, a generous spirit and a can-do attitude. He has conducted a dignified campaign in comparison to Doug Hoffman.
Mr. Hoffman is running as an ideologue. If he carries out his pledges on earmarks, taxation, labor law reform and other inflexible positions, Northern New York will suffer. This rural district depends on the federal government for an investment in Fort Drum and its soldiers, environmental protection of our international waterway and the Adirondack Park, and the livelihood of all our dairy farmers across the district, among other support. Our representative cannot be locked into rigid promises and policies that would jeopardize these critical sectors of our economy.
hat tip to wdrath in the comments - DeDe's husband, who is also a local labor leader, has endorsed Owens:
But her husband, Ron McDougall, offered his support to Owens late Saturday night — a possible sign of the family’s bitter feelings toward Hoffman.
McDougall. president of the Jefferson-Lewis-St. Lawrence Central Trades and Labor Council, said Owens "understands the issues important to working people. On the other hand, Doug Hoffman has little regard for the interests of workers."
One historical tidbit - I believe if Jacob Javits had done in 1980 what Scozzafava is doing today, NY would not have had to suffer 18 years of Alfonse D'Amato as one of their senators.
ref http://en.wikipedia.org/...
Here's hoping that DeDe has more success in her efforts.
UPDATE - Scozzafava has now officially endorsed Owens! For more info, see Setrak's breaking diary -
Scozzavafa officially endorses Bill Owens!
Gawd, you are all too kind. This is my first time on the rec list - and it's probably the most incoherent diary that I've ever written. But I guess that's the nature of "breaking" diaries - just before an election. I'll try to rewrite and update as I have time and new thoughts.