Doheny, Owens (and Hoffman) closing arguments in NY-23

It’s zero hour in the vast 23rd House district, with both candidates shaking as many last-minute hands as possible.

Matt Doheny, the Republican challenger, picked up a key endorsement from the Watertown Daily Times, which blasted the Democrats for their legislative agenda passed last year.

Democrats have used their majority control of the White House and Congress to push through sweeping legislation that will radically transform the health care system in the United States, expand the government’s involvement in the economy and impose costly new regulations on the financial industry.

Under Democratic control, Washington has injected itself without restraint deeper and deeper into American life, going so far as to demand that everybody buy heath insurance, like it or not. And what might be next?

Politico describes this race as neck-and-neck, with former Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman “still a factor.”

A batch of Siena College polling numbers this morning suggest a lot of people in the district haven’t gotten the memo that he pulled out of the race — and he still has enough die-hard supporters that he could get some points on Tuesday.

Democratic incumbent Bill Owens, meanwhile, will campaign on Monday with former President Bill Clinton and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

He’s also getting some help from Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, the Republican whose district includes a big chunk of the 23rd district.  She endorsed the Democrat.

“At a time when our nation is polarized by partisan divide, Congressman Owens provides the type of leadership we need that will work across the aisle for the best interest of all the citizens of New York’s 23rd Congressional District,” said Scozzafava.

RealClearPolitics describes this race as “leaning Republican,” but all sides expect it to be a down-to-the wire finish.

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