Press-Republican

Local News

November 1, 2009

Republican Scozzafava endorses Democrat Owens

ALBANY (AP) — A day after Republican state Assemblywoman Dierdre Scozzafava abruptly suspended her campaign in the New York special election, she’s endorsing the Democrat in the race — not the Conservative Party candidate favored by fellow Republicans.

Scozzafava said Sunday that Democrat Bill Owens is the best of the remaining candidates to build on the legacy of the previous holder of the 23rd Congressional District seat. Republican John McHugh has taken a position in the Obama administration.

A recent Siena College poll showed Scozzafava finishing a distant third behind Owens and conservative Doug Hoffman.

The special election is scheduled for Tuesday.



Statement from Dede Scozzafava:



I want to thank you for your support and friendship. Over the past 24 hours, I have had encouraging words sent to my family and me. Many of you have asked me whom you should support on Tuesday.

Since announcing the suspension of my campaign, I have thought long and hard about what is best for the people of this District, and how to answer your questions. This is not a decision that I have made lightly.

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; it’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.

It’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.



Statement from Bill Owens:



“I am honored to have Assemblywoman Scozzafava’s endorsement. Over the course of her career, Dede has always committed to serving the people of Upstate New York before serving a partisan agenda. I have a tremendous amount of respect for what she's accomplished. We share a commitment to finding common sense solutions to address the challenges we’re facing here in Upstate New York.

“Now more than ever we need bipartisan solutions to help bring jobs to Upstate New York to get our economy back on track and move our country forward. Those are the kinds of priorities I will fight for in Congress because that’s the kind of leadership Upstate New York needs right now.”



Statement from Doug Hoffman Campaign:



Senior Communications Advisor Rob Ryan said, “This afternoon Dede Scozzafava betrayed the GOP. She endorsed a Pelosi Democrat who will spend more, tax more, and push the liberal agenda that is dragging down this nation. Doug Hoffman represents the revolution that is taking place against high taxes. Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats are desperate. They are throwing everything they have at us but we’re fighting back. The voters now know what Dede Scozzafava and Bill Owens believe in—the liberal agenda of Nancy Pelosi.”

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Breaking News
New Today
  • Recovery Center to open next week

    Smashing stereotypes and eliminating the stigma of mental-health issues has led to formation of a new place in Franklin County for clients to get wrap-around services to help them rejoin the community.

    Posted: 4 hours
Local News
  • Ticonderoga faces severe school cuts

    The district is starting its new budget process almost $2 million in the hole. Officials are seeking public input on the problem.

    Updated Feb 13, 2012 7:22 am 1 Photo 1 Link
  • One injured in Plattsburgh house fire

    A female suffered second- and third-degree burns in a fire at her South Catherine Street home early Sunday.

    Posted Feb 13, 2012 2:28 am
  • Plattsburgh's Sweet Adelines sing music of the heart

    Sweet Adelines spread message of love on Valentine's Day with yearly singing valentines.

    Posted Feb 13, 2012 2:28 am 1 Photo
  • Love between the lines

    Dr. Nell Irvin Painter of New Russia and Plattsburgh State's Dr. J.W. Wiley share historical and current viewpoints on interracial loving, American-style.

    Posted Feb 13, 2012 2:28 am 2 Photos
  • NCCS wins CVAC cheerleading competition

    NCCS wins first place for the eighth time in nine years

    Updated Feb 13, 2012 11:17 am 4 Photos 1 Slideshow 1 Video
  • Cheerleading photos (2/12/12)

    Updated Feb 13, 2012 6:23 am
  • Tentative contract reached with officers

    The deal with New York state would cover the 2,800 members of the New York State Correction Officers and Police Benevolent Association who typically work at specialized state centers such as the Sunmount Development Disabilities Services Office in Tupper Lake.

    Updated Feb 13, 2012 7:21 am 1 Link
  • Lookback: Feb. 13-19

    News stories from around the region from 25, 50, 75 and 100 years ago this week.

    Posted Feb 13, 2012 2:28 am 1 Photo
  • Of Interest: Feb. 13, 2012

    Peru Central School Board to hold budget discussion; Dannemora to discuss highway post; Beekmantown School Board invites budget input; Willsboro School Board to discuss policies; Chazy School Board to discuss budget; SLCS Board to appoint clerk pro-tem; Keeseville Zoning Board cancels meeting; Elizabethtown-Lewis School Board to work on budget.

    Posted Feb 13, 2012 2:28 am
  • Gourds' shapes create interesting canvas

    Georgette Bacon's gourd art is on display through March 10 at Foothills ARTSociety in Malone.

    Posted Feb 13, 2012 2:26 am 3 Photos
  • February 12, 2012
  • NCCS wins CVAC cheerleading competition

    NCCS wins first place for the eighth time in nine years

    Posted Feb 12, 2012 9:09 pm 4 Photos
  • One injured in Plattsburgh house fire

    A female suffered second- and third-degree burns in a fire at her South Catherine Street home early Sunday.

    Updated Feb 12, 2012 6:36 pm
  • Plattsburgh's Sweet Adelines sing music of the heart

    Sweet Adelines spread message of love on Valentine's Day with yearly singing valentines.

    Posted Feb 12, 2012 3:47 pm 1 Photo
  • Ticonderoga faces severe school cuts

    The district is starting its new budget process almost $2 million in the hole. Officials are seeking public input on the problem.

    Posted Feb 12, 2012 2:54 pm
  • Tentative contract reached with officers

    The deal with New York state would cover the 2,800 members of the New York State Correction Officers and Police Benevolent Association who typically work at specialized state centers such as the Sunmount Development Disabilities Services Office in Tupper Lake.

    Posted Feb 12, 2012 2:54 pm
  • Attempted-murder trial set

    The case against Robert J. McCann, who is charged with trying to kill his former girlfriend at a secluded Westville site, begins Tuesday in Franklin County Court.

    Posted Feb 12, 2012 2:28 am 1 Photo
  • A historic battle for interracial marriage

    Forty-five years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all remaining state bans on interracial marriage in Loving v. Virginia.

    Posted Feb 12, 2012 2:28 am 3 Photos
  • Fireworks to close weekend carnival

    The final day of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is filled with activities and events. INCLUDES VIDEO

    Updated Feb 12, 2012 7:14 am 6 Photos 1 Video

Recent Article Comments
Albany Round-up
Photo of the Day
Strange News
Videos: Editor Picks
Raw Video: Israeli Embassy Car Attacked Coroner: Don't Know Houston's Cause of Death Yet Valentine Greetings Sent Worldwide From Loveland Greek Austerity Measures Spark Riots Raw Video: Obama Budget Goes to Capitol Hill Arab League Wants U.N. Help in Syria Nordic Festival Puts North Korea in Spotlight 'Rumor Has It' Adele's Rolling in the Grammys Grohl, Grammy Nominees Cut Up on the Red Carpet Greece Passes New Austerity Deal Amid Rioting Raw Video: Greek Rioting Ahead of Austerity Vote Raw Video: Child Rescued After Kosovo Avalanche Pop Music Superstar Whitney Houston Dies at 48 Whitney Houston's Church Mourns Her Passing Reaction to Houston's Death at Clive Davis Party 79 Turtles Seized at Shanghai Airport Fuel Removal Under Way on Capsized Italian Ship Police: Houston Found Dead in Her Hotel Room