AP calls 23rd for Owens

From the Associated Press:

Democrat Bill Owens has captured the special election for a New York congressional seat that became a fight over the identity of the Republican Party.

Owens defeated Conservative Doug Hoffman and Republican Dede Scozzafava in the heavily Republican 23rd congressional District in northern New York. Scozzafava abruptly withdrew Saturday and supported Owens.

With 88 percent of the precincts reporting, Owens had 49 percent of the vote to 46 percent for Hoffman. Scozzafava had 6 percent.

Hoffman has conceded the race.

Across the country, pundits and activists eyed this race as national players poured money into the Democratic and Conservative campaigns. Some called it a referendum on President Barack Obama and others said it could help Republicans focus their message to attract more people
to the party.

It’s the first time since the Civil War that a Democrat will represent the 23rd District.

We’ll have more on the air tomorrow morning during the Eight O’clock Hour and, of course, more here on the In Box.