Republican leaders shift toward Hoffman
In a sign that Dede Scozzafava’s sagging numbers are draining her support in Washington, DC, top GOP leaders have begun extending the welcome mat to third-party Conservative Doug Hoffman.
“He would be very welcome, with open arms,” Sessions told POLITICO in an interview off the House floor…
On Thursday afternoon, Sessions appeared to tacitly acknowledge that Hoffman may represent the GOP’s best chance to keep the Republican-held seat from being picked up by a Democrat.
Until today, Republicans had continued to level fire at Hoffman, as well as Democrat Bill Owens, while funneling thousands of dollars to Scozzafava’s underfunded campaign.
But rank-and-file House members within the GOP declined to share their war chests with her. With four full campaign days ahead, and very little cash left to spend, Scozzafava’s position looks increasingly lonely.
Today’s statement from Sessions could also further endanger Democrat Bill Owens, who appears to need a divided Republican vote to prevail.
If Hoffman can consolidate center-right voters in the coming days, his remarkable surge could put him over the top.
-Brian Mann, NCPR
