Dede Scozzafava (R) RoboCall for Bill Owens (D) in NY-23

[Thunder Pig]

Here is the script of the call...

“Hi, this is Dede Scozzafava calling on behalf of Bill Owens. And I wanted to let you know that I am supporting Bill for Congress.
“Since beginning my campaign I have said that this election is not about me, it’s about the people of this district. It’s not in the cards for me to be your representative but I strongly believe Bill Owens is the only candidate who can build upon John McHugh’s lasting legacy in Congress.

“In Bill Owens I see a sense of duty and integrity. He will be an independent voice, devoted to doing what is right for New York. To address the tough challenges ahead we must rise above partisanship and politics, and work together.

“Please join me in voting for Bill Owens on Tuesday.”

This is the "Republican" that Newt Gingrich, the RNC and the NRCC supported.

The same woman who Progressive bloggers in New York were supporting because they said she was more progressive than the Democrat nominee.

[Steve]

Considering the short campaign time, lack of party support, and what's-her-face's last minute shenanigans, Hoffman's showing is pretty impressive. And it was nice to see what's her face get thrown out on her ear. Upstate NY is a tough nut to crack politically. I moved down here from NY, north of Albany, for 3 reasons: 1) Hillary, 2) Schumer, and 3) Spitzer. #3 got what he had coming (1 and 2 soon...). Anyway, the 23rd district is probably seen by most as just an upstate NY district -- farmers, shopowners, flyover folk -- but it is more complicated than that; you have the nutcase Northern Vermont influence from the East and the Quebecers from the North, with the, generally, more normal people in the ' middle' although the map is gerrymandered enough that there is no real 'middle'. The New England exodus generally consists of the 'normal' people, so when you put Hoffman's showing against the general political trend of the northeast it is pretty impressive.

Check out the congressional representation trends over the last 10,20,30 years of all of the northeast states, however you want to define it, along with the states' populations and economic output. How much more evidence do you need? Really, essentially, zero reps or senators in ALL of new england...and really, essentially, zero real economic growth other than kennedy-esque government grants and favors.

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