Another three-way race in NY-23?
Democrats are gleefully circulating an article written this week by the Syracuse Post-Standard that predicts another divisive battle between Conservatives and Republicans in the North Country.
Obviously, that would benefit Democrat Bill Owens, who squeaked by in a special election win, edging Conservative Doug Hoffman.
Hoffman, who pushed Republican Dede Scozzafava out of the race, is refusing to commit to backing the eventual GOP nominee.
But according to the Post-Standard, he’s also failing to wow Republican Party leaders in the region — losing that support to Watertown businessman Matt Doheny.
Doheny, a political newcomer, picked up the endorsement of the Oneida County Republican Committee and the backing of Republican chairs in Jefferson, Clinton and Essex counties. So far, no Republican county committees or chairs in the 11-county district have endorsed Hoffman.
Rob Ryan, Hoffman’s campaign adviser, suggests the trend is the result of GOP party bosses who want to even the score from November when Hoffman embarrassed Republicans who refused to endorse him. “I can’t speak for how other people think, but as an observer I would say some people can’t get over the fact that Doug Hoffman won and they lost,” Ryan said.
The Conservative Party says Hoffman will receive its endorsement, regardless of who wins the GOP primary.
That could leave Doheny and Hoffman duking it out again during the general election, putting Owens in a much stronger position.
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Brian gets it right."Hoffman, who pushed Republican Dede Scozzafava out of the race"
Forget the party bosses. There are a lot of rank and file Republicans who will never forgive Hoffman for turning this seat over. Even in a two-way race this seat is Owens to lose.
When was the vote for conservatives to nominate Dough Hoffman?
Good question, PCS. And why is the conservative party endorsement determined by one individual? At least the Republicans had a panel of party members and at least interviewed others interested in the race last time around.
PCS: The Conservative Party considers voting to be too liberal, so the party heads chose for us
Anon 3:30 PM,Don't you mean party head? As in singular and not plural? Last I heard, one individual determined that Mr. Hoffman would get the endorsement. Maybe I misunderstood or am misinformed, but I've only heard the name of the chairman of the party mentioned when this issue has been covered.
I think there is some unfounded belief by Conservatives that if Hoffman ran just against Owens that he would win. I am not convinced of that at all. They assume that those people that voted for Dede will vote for Hoffman in a two man race. Again, I seriously question that. I am of the belief that anyone who wanted to vote for Hoffman did, and those Dede Republican, centrists if you would, will either not vote, or vote for Hoffman. The more the Hoffman people complain about a third candidate, the more it hurts them. They should have a party primary or else, just shut up. Just what I think.
Let's examine some scenarios. 1) If Doheny defeats Hoffman handily in September, where does that leave Mike Long? Would he then be forced to throw his support to Doheny? 2) Hoffman wins the primary easily and now the county GOP bosses have to swallow hard once again and Long is the straw that stirs the drink (sorry Reggie Jackson). In a 2-way against Owens, Hoffman wins just like other Conservative Republicans will elsewhere in the country.3) Doheny wins a very close primary which means we will have a 3-way general election. This means it will be easier for Owens to repeat.