2009 New York's 23rd congressional district special election

{{See also|New York's 23rd congressional district}}

New York's 23rd congressional district had historically been one of the most Republican districts in the United States. The district's seat had been in Republican hands since 1873.{{cite web|url=http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=district-2010-NY-23|title=District Detail: NY-23|publisher=Congressional Quarterly|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121165059/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=district-2010-NY-23|archive-date=January 21, 2010}} The far northern portion of the district—including the largest city, Watertown—had not been represented by a Democrat since the 1850s. In parts of the district, the last non-Republican to represent the district had been a Whig.{{cite web | url=http://www.swingstateproject.com/diary/5072/amazing-political-history-of-ny23 | title=The Amazing Political History of NY-23 | author=silver spring | date=June 6, 2009 | publisher=Swing State Project | access-date=November 5, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611123808/http://www.swingstateproject.com/diary/5072/amazing-political-history-of-ny23 | archive-date=June 11, 2011 | url-status=live }} McHugh was first elected in 1992, and was reelected eight times with over 60% of the vote, including running unopposed in 2002.

Although McHugh was consistently elected with over 60% of the vote, in recent years the district had been more competitive in United States presidential elections. George W. Bush narrowly carried the district in 2004 against John Kerry, 51% to 47%. However, Gore narrowly defeated Bush in what was then the 24th district in 2000,[http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/data.php?year=2000&fips=36&f=1&off=0&elect=0&datatype=cd&def=1 New York 2000 presidential election results by district] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604224212/http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/data.php?year=2000&fips=36&f=1&off=0&elect=0&datatype=cd&def=1 |date=June 4, 2011 }} from Dave Leip's Election Atlas repeating Bill Clinton's victory there in 1996. Barack Obama defeated John McCain in the district 52% to 47% in 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=profile-000000000362 |title=Rep. John M. McHugh |access-date=October 23, 2009 |work=Congressional Quarterly |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215060705/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=profile-000000000362 |archive-date=December 15, 2009 }}

Democrats had also recently done well in the district at the state level. In a 2008 special election for New York's 48th State Senate district (which is coextensive with the northwestern portion of the 23rd congressional district and includes Watertown), Democratic Assemblyman Darrel Aubertine defeated heavily favored Republican Assemblyman Will Barclay. Aubertine became the first Democrat to represent what is now the 48th Senate district in over a century.{{cite news|url=http://capitalnews9.com/capital-region-news-12-content/headlines/?ArID=111313&SecID=33|title=Aubertine wins Senate race in huge upset|last=Dwyer|first=Brian|date=February 27, 2008|work=Capital News 9|access-date=November 17, 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707035356/http://capitalnews9.com/capital-region-news-12-content/headlines/?ArID=111313&SecID=33|archive-date=July 7, 2012|url-status=live}}

On September 29, 2009, New York Governor David Paterson issued a proclamation setting the special election to fill the vacancy for November 3, 2009, to coincide with the 2009 general election.After being notified of the vacancy, Paterson was legally required to issue a proclamation for a special election to be held between thirty and forty days thereafter, but New York law does not specify a timeframe within which such a proclamation must be issued. {{cite news|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/01/23/special-election-for-gillibrands-house-seat-could-be-opportunity-for-gop/|title=Gillibrand's House seat could be GOP opportunity|date=January 23, 2009|access-date=October 23, 2009|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208034528/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/01/23/special-election-for-gillibrands-house-seat-could-be-opportunity-for-gop/|archive-date=December 8, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2009/09/ny23_election_d.php|title=NY-23: Election Day Is... Election Day|date=September 29, 2009|access-date=October 3, 2009|work=National Journal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105035739/http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2009/09/ny23_election_d.php|archive-date=November 5, 2009|url-status=dead}} New York law does not provide for a primary election in cases of a special election for a vacant House seat. Instead, each party's nominee is chosen by that party's county leaders within the district.{{Citation| last = Feldmann| first = Linda| title = New York House race lays bare Republican infighting| newspaper= The Christian Science Monitor| date = October 27, 2009| url = http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/10/27/new-york-house-race-lays-bare-republican-infighting/| access-date = October 29, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091029222357/http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/10/27/new-york-house-race-lays-bare-republican-infighting/| archive-date = October 29, 2009| url-status = live}}

Seven Republicans announced their intentions to run.{{cite web|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090707/NEWS03/307079954|title=Barclay won't run to replace McHugh|work=Watertown Daily Times|first=Jude|last=Seymour|date=July 7, 2009|access-date=October 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709212555/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090707/NEWS03/307079954|archive-date=July 9, 2009|url-status=live}} Three other Republicans[https://archive.today/20130208142336/http://www.newzjunky.com/news/0616griffo.htm State Senator Griffo No Longer Interested in McHugh's Seat]. News release, released via newzjunky.com. Retrieved June 16, 2009.Rubado, Meghan and Mark Weiner (July 6, 2009). [http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/assemblyman_will_barclay_says.html Assemblyman Will Barclay says he won't run for John McHugh's Congressional seat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607103432/http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/assemblyman_will_barclay_says.html |date=June 7, 2011 }}. The Post-Standard. Retrieved July 7, 2009. were considered potential candidates, but declined to run.

Assemblymember Dede Scozzafava was designated as the Republican nominee. On October 31, 2009, Scozzafava suspended her campaign{{cite web|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091031/BLOGS09/910319996/BLOGS09|title=Scozzafava suspends campaign|date=October 31, 2009|access-date=October 31, 2009|work=Watertown Daily Times|first=Jude|last=Seymour|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102084240/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091031/BLOGS09/910319996/BLOGS09|archive-date=November 2, 2009|url-status=dead}} and, on November 1, 2009, endorsed the Democratic candidate for the seat.Jonathan Martin & Charles Mahtesian (November 1, 2009) [http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29013.html Scozzafava endorses opponent Winning Dede Scozzafava: How Democrats got her nod] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104053915/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29013.html |date=November 4, 2009 }}, Politico.com.

State Senator Darrel Aubertine, who represents most of the northern portion of the congressional district, was the most widely rumored potential Democratic candidate, but he declined.Aubertine, Darrel (July 23, 2009). [https://archive.today/20120904055339/http://www.newzjunky.com/news/0723aubertine_23.htm I'm Not Running for Congressional Seat]. Press release via newzjunky.com. Retrieved July 23, 2009. State Senator David Valesky, who represents most of the southern portion of the congressional district, initially said he was interested in running, but later decided against it.{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/house/mchugh-to-be-army-secretary-sp.html |newspaper=The Washington Post | title=McHugh to Be Army Secretary, Special Election Looms | access-date=May 20, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910213922/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/house/mchugh-to-be-army-secretary-sp.html | archive-date=September 10, 2012 | url-status=dead }}Delen Goldberg (June 5, 2009)[http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/06/david_valesky_has_no_plans_to.html David Valesky has no plans to run for NY's 23rd Congressional District seat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612231142/http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/06/david_valesky_has_no_plans_to.html |date=June 12, 2009 }}, The Post-Standard Also declining to run was assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell, whose district includes Watertown.

The chair of the New York Democratic Party stated that Scozzafava's husband had spoken with key local Democrats about the possibility of her switching to the Democratic Party before running for the seat.Benjamin, Elizabeth. [http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/07/democrats-fan-the-flames-of-sc.html Democrats Fan The Flames Of Scozzafava's Tax Troubles] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726101719/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/07/democrats-fan-the-flames-of-sc.html |date=July 26, 2009 }}. New York Daily News. July 22, 2009.

The party eventually selected Bill Owens, a military veteran and attorney from Plattsburgh.{{cite web|url=http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/17042/ny-23-whos-left/|title=NY-23: Who's Left?|date=July 23, 2009|access-date=October 24, 2009|work=Times Union|first=Irene Jay|last=Liu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727004517/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/17042/ny-23-whos-left/|archive-date=July 27, 2009|url-status=live}}

The Conservative Party chose Doug Hoffman as its nominee after three other potential candidates said they would support him,{{cite web|url=http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/507974.html?nav=5008|title=Conservative Party will run Hoffman for Congress|date=August 7, 2009|access-date=October 24, 2009|work=Adirondack Daily Enterprise|first=E.J.|last=Conzola|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707084437/http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/507974.html?nav=5008|archive-date=July 7, 2011|url-status=live}} even though Hoffman did not live in the district.{{cite news | url=http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/11/04/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5517947.shtml | work=CBS News | title=What Doug Hoffman's Loss Means to Conservatives | first=Marc | last=Ambinder | date=November 4, 2009 | access-date=November 4, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091107061228/http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/11/04/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5517947.shtml | archive-date=November 7, 2009 | url-status=live }} The Conservative Party declined to support the Republican Party's nomination of pro-choice, pro-same-sex-marriage, pro-union Assemblymember Dede Scozzafava, who Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long described as a "nice lady who is too liberal."{{cite web |url=http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=32991 |title=New York Trading Down |publisher=Human Events |access-date=January 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329134520/http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=32991 |archive-date=March 29, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

Hoffman had previously sought the Republican nomination. In July, when Scozzafava was nominated instead, Hoffman offered to help her. His email to her read: "Hi Dede, Congratulations and the best of luck in your candidacy. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Doug."{{Citation| last = Seymour| first = Jude| title = Hoffman was for Scozzafava before he was against her| newspaper= Watertown Daily Times| date = September 28, 2009| url = http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090928/BLOGS09/909289984/BLOGS09| access-date = October 27, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091004013449/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090928/BLOGS09/909289984/BLOGS09| archive-date = October 4, 2009| url-status = live}} Shortly thereafter, however, he contacted Conservative Party leaders, seeking support for his own candidacy.{{Citation| last = Seymour| first = Jude| title = Hopeful courts another party| newspaper=Watertown Daily Times| date = August 3, 2009| url = http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090803/NEWS03/308039962| access-date = October 27, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091008174114/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090803/NEWS03/308039962| archive-date = October 8, 2009| url-status = live}} One Republican leader said that Hoffman, while seeking the Republican nomination, had "repeatedly" pledged to support the nominee.{{Citation| last = Bendavid| first = Naftali| author-link = Naftali Bendavid| title = Tea-Party Activists Complicate Republican Comeback Strategy| newspaper=The Wall Street Journal| pages = A1| date = October 16, 2009| url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB125564976279388879?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsThird| access-date = October 29, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170923144918/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB125564976279388879?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsThird| archive-date = September 23, 2017| url-status = live}}

The chairman of the Independence Party of New York announced that the party would have cross-endorsed Aubertine had he run,{{cite web|url=http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/will_the_race_to_succeed_john.html|title=McHugh's Congressional Seat Sparks Debate|date=June 9, 2009|access-date=October 24, 2009|publisher=WWNY-TV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802112504/http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/will_the_race_to_succeed_john.html|archive-date=August 2, 2009|url-status=live}} but with his decision not to run, the party instead backed Scozzafava.Benjamin, Elizabeth (July 24, 2009). [http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/07/the-indys-try-again-in-ny-23-g.html The Indys Try Again In NY-23, Go With Scozzafava] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925185845/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/07/the-indys-try-again-in-ny-23-g.html |date=September 25, 2009 }}. New York Daily News. Retrieved July 26, 2007. After she suspended her campaign, the state chairman of the party endorsed Bill Owens, though several local chairmen instead endorsed Hoffman.{{cite web|url=http://washingtonindependent.com/65984/ny-23-independence-party-chairman-endorses-bill-owens|title=NY-23: Independence Party Chairman Endorses Bill Owens|author=David Weigel|date=October 31, 2009|access-date=October 31, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103094357/http://washingtonindependent.com/65984/ny-23-independence-party-chairman-endorses-bill-owens|archive-date=November 3, 2009|url-status=dead}} Scozzafava remained on the ballot on the Independence Party line (as well as the Republican line).

The Working Families Party backed Owens. Under New York's fusion rule, Owens's votes on the Democratic line and on the Working Families line were combined into a single total.

The race drew significant national attention because of the relatively large amount of support for a third-party candidate from the national conservative base. The Susan B. Anthony List embarked on a $100,000 independent expenditure campaign for Hoffman.{{cite web |url=http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/indexpend.php?cmte=C00332296&cycle=2010 |title=Independent Expenditures – SBA List |publisher=Opensecrets.org |date=May 30, 2012 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107003431/http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/indexpend.php?cycle=2010&cmte=C00332296 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |url-status=live }} Many notable Republicans, including former Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin, Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson, endorsed Hoffman rather than the Republican candidate because they deemed Scozzafava insufficiently conservative and ideologically indistinguishable from the Democrat.{{cite news|url=http://blogs.reuters.com/frontrow/2009/10/22/palin-ready-to-shake-things-up-in-new-york/ |access-date=October 28, 2009 |publisher=Reuters|title=Palin: Ready to shake things up in New York |date=October 22, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026105356/http://blogs.reuters.com/frontrow/2009/10/22/palin-ready-to-shake-things-up-in-new-york/ |archive-date=October 26, 2009 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gop-battles3-2009nov03,0,4452064.story|title=Conservatives emboldened by moves in New York|last=Hook|first=Janet|date=November 3, 2009|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105024954/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gop-battles3-2009nov03,0,4452064.story|archive-date=November 5, 2009|url-status=live}} Scozzafava also drew strong opposition from the Tea Party movement, with national Tea Party leader Michael Johns saying that his opposition to Scozzafava "was the first time in my 25-year political and policy career that I ever opposed a Republican candidate."{{cite web |url=http://usconservatives.about.com/od/conservativepolitics101/a/Tea-Party-Leader-Michael-Johns.htm |title="Interview with National Tea Party Founder and Leader Michael Johns," About.com |publisher=Usconservatives.about.com |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119044149/http://usconservatives.about.com/od/conservativepolitics101/a/Tea-Party-Leader-Michael-Johns.htm |archive-date=November 19, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{better source|date=June 2019}}

The Hoffman campaign ran television advertisements depicting Scozzafava and Owens as "two peas in a liberal pod."{{cite web |last=Drake |first=Bruce |url=http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/10/27/down-the-stretch-three-way-race-heats-up-in-new-york-special-el/ |title=Down the Stretch: Three-Way Race Heats Up in New York Special Election |publisher=Politicsdaily.com |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328051142/http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/10/27/down-the-stretch-three-way-race-heats-up-in-new-york-special-el/ |archive-date=March 28, 2013 |url-status=live }} Hoffman indicated support for tax cuts,{{cite web |url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090901/NEWS03/309019965 |title=Hoffman vows not to raise government tax take |publisher=Watertown Daily Times |date=September 1, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223082826/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090901/NEWS03/309019965 |archive-date=February 23, 2012 |url-status=live }} and support for criminalization of abortion, as well as opposition to same-sex marriage, the Obama health reform proposal,{{cite web|url=http://blog.syracuse.com/politicalnotebook/2009/10/meet_the_23rd_congressional_di.html|title=Meet the 23rd Congressional District candidates: Doug Hoffman|website=syracuse.com|date=October 12, 2009|access-date=June 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602094527/http://blog.syracuse.com/politicalnotebook/2009/10/meet_the_23rd_congressional_di.html|archive-date=June 2, 2019|url-status=live}} card-check legislation,{{cite web |url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090830/NEWS03/308309968 |title=Candidates for 23rd District split on labor issues |publisher=Watertown Daily Times |date=August 30, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223082738/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090830/NEWS03/308309968 |archive-date=February 23, 2012 |url-status=live }} and cap-and-trade legislation.{{cite web |url=http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/509115.html?nav=5008 |title=Acid rain amendment not in Senate cap-trade bill |work=Adirondack Daily Enterprise |date=October 13, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226120644/http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/509115.html?nav=5008 |archive-date=February 26, 2012 |url-status=live }}

Scozzafava's record in the New York State Assembly included votes in favor of same-sex marriage,{{cite web |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/10/siena_college_poll_shows_tight.html |title=Siena College poll shows tight three-way race to fill seat of Rep. John McHugh in N.Y. 23 |publisher=syracuse.com |date=October 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002130856/http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/10/siena_college_poll_shows_tight.html |archive-date=October 2, 2012 |url-status=live }} and she had also received an award from a Planned Parenthood affiliate in 2008.{{cite web |last=Malkin |first=Michelle |url=http://michellemalkin.com/2009/10/16/calling-them-out-nrcc-rnc-gingrich-back-margaret-sanger-award-winner/ |title=Calling them out: NRCC, RNC & Gingrich back Margaret Sanger Award winner |publisher=Michelle Malkin |date=October 16, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123230055/http://michellemalkin.com/2009/10/16/calling-them-out-nrcc-rnc-gingrich-back-margaret-sanger-award-winner/ |archive-date=November 23, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=34422 |title=Dede Scozzafava Is No GOP Moderate | Conservative News, Views & Books |publisher=Humanevents.com |date=November 14, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121202717/http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=34422 |archive-date=January 21, 2010 |url-status=dead }} Scozzafava's political positions included support for "card check" legislation, support for federal funding for abortion,{{cite web|url=http://www.pressrepublican.com/archivesearch/local_story_277231927.html |title=Congressional candidates address health-care issues at forum » Local News |publisher=Press-Republican |date=October 4, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012}} support for President Obama's 2009 stimulus package,{{cite web |last=Harding|first=Robert |url=http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/10/4/789091/-NY-23:-Bill-Owens-On-(Some-Of)-The-Issues |title=NY-23: Bill Owens On (Some Of) The Issues |publisher=Daily Kos |date=October 4, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106232524/http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/10/4/789091/-NY-23:-Bill-Owens-On-(Some-Of)-The-Issues |archive-date=January 6, 2010 |url-status=live }} and a refusal to rule out support for health care reform that includes a "public option."{{cite web |url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091011/NEWS02/310119929 |title=Public option skirted in race |publisher=Watertown Daily Times |date=October 11, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223082811/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091011/NEWS02/310119929 |archive-date=February 23, 2012 |url-status=live }} While Bill Owens did not favor public funding for abortion, he did support President Obama's 2009 stimulus package and "card check" legislation.

An October 1, 2009, poll by the Siena Research Institute put Hoffman in third place with 16% support, behind Scozzafava with 35% and Owens with 28%.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Democrat-surging-in-House-race-553460.php|title=Democrat surging in House race|first=Irene Jay |last=Liu|date=October 16, 2009|website=Times Union}} However, a Siena poll released two weeks later indicated that Owens led Scozzafava by four percentage points and Hoffman by 10%.{{cite web|url=https://www.syracuse.com/news/2009/10/siena_poll_bill_owens_surges_p.html|title=Siena poll: Bill Owens surges past Dede Scozzafava in NY-23 congressional race|first=Mark|last=Weiner|date=October 15, 2009|website=syracuse.com|access-date=June 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602094511/https://www.syracuse.com/news/2009/10/siena_poll_bill_owens_surges_p.html|archive-date=June 2, 2019|url-status=live}} Polls taken a few days before the election showed Scozzafava's support collapsing; an October 31 poll showed Scozzafava trailing both Hoffman and Owens by 15% and 16%, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/under-pressure-gop-assemblywoman-suspends-campaign-1.1558674|title=Under pressure, GOP assemblywoman suspends campaign|date=October 31, 2009|website=Newsday|access-date=June 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602094506/https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/under-pressure-gop-assemblywoman-suspends-campaign-1.1558674|archive-date=June 2, 2019|url-status=live}}

Scozzafava suspended her campaign on October 31.{{cite news|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/under-pressure-gop-assemblywoman-suspends-campaign-1.1558674|title=Under pressure, GOP assemblywoman suspends campaign|access-date=November 1, 2009|author=Madore, James T.|date=October 31, 2009|work=Newsday|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104012923/http://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/under-pressure-gop-assemblywoman-suspends-campaign-1.1558674|archive-date=November 4, 2009|url-status=live}} In response to the Scozzafava withdrawal, the Republican National Committee (RNC), which had strongly backed Scozzafava's candidacy, issued a statement applauding her decision and announcing it was now supporting Hoffman. National Democrats immediately began a "vigorous effort" to convince Scozzafava to endorse Owens. On November 1, Scozzafava endorsed Democratic nominee Owens.

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, while having initially supported the GOP nominee,{{cite news |title=Newt Gingrich endorses Dede Scozzafava in NY-23 House race |first=Mark |last=Weiner |url=http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/10/newt_gingrich_endorses_dede_sc.html |newspaper=The Post-Standard |publisher=Advance Publications Inc. |location=Syracuse, NY |date=October 16, 2009 |access-date=May 20, 2010 |quote=In a major coup for her campaign, Republican Dede Scozzafava today will pick up the endorsement of Newt Gingrich... |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201200612/http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/10/newt_gingrich_endorses_dede_sc.html |archive-date=February 1, 2010 |url-status=live }} remarked that he was "deeply upset" about her endorsement of Owens after Scozzafava's withdrawal from the race.{{cite web |url=http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/11/gingrich-deeply-upset-that-scozzafava-endorsed-democrat-after-hed-supported-her.php |title=Gingrich 'Deeply Upset' That Scozzafava Endorsed Democrat After He'd Supported Her |author=Eric Kleefeld |date=November 2, 2009 |work=Talking Points Memo |access-date=May 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105035630/http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/11/gingrich-deeply-upset-that-scozzafava-endorsed-democrat-after-hed-supported-her.php |archive-date=November 5, 2009 |url-status=live }} RNC Chairman Michael S. Steele questioned party leaders in upstate New York for using a committee process to select a congressional candidate. "Maybe you should have a primary the next time instead of having 11 guys in a room sit around and select your nominee," said Steele. The New York Republican Party issued a statement saying Scozzafava's endorsement was a "betrayal" of the party and said "In contacting Scozzafava, the Obama White House has once again played its Chicago-style politics here in New York."{{cite web |url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29013.html |title=Winning Dede Scozzafava: How Democrats got her nod |publisher=Politico |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021134045/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29013.html |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |url-status=live }}

On November 2, one day before the election, Siena released the results of a new poll showing Hoffman leading Owens 41% to 36%.{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29025.html|title=Polls: Hoffman leads in New York 23|first=Josh|last=Kraushaar|website=Politico|access-date=June 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213120625/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29025.html|archive-date=December 13, 2011|url-status=live}}{{cite press release|title=Hoffman Leads Owens 41-36%; Undecided up to 18%|publisher=Siena Research Institute|date=November 2, 2009|url=http://www.siena.edu/uploadedfiles/home/Parents_and_Community/Community_Page/SRI/SNY_Poll/23rd%20CD%20SNY%20Poll%20Release%204%20--%20FINAL.pdf|access-date=November 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122093944/http://www.siena.edu/uploadedfiles/home/Parents_and_Community/Community_Page/SRI/SNY_Poll/23rd%20CD%20SNY%20Poll%20Release%204%20--%20FINAL.pdf|archive-date=November 22, 2009|url-status=live}} Vice President Joe Biden appeared with Owens at a campaign rally in Watertown on November 3, while former U.S. Senator and 2008 presidential candidate Fred Thompson appeared with Hoffman.{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j0VibvgMRn4zDGTwEZjej-eRI1swD9BNL9702|title=Stars shine on once-obscure upstate NY campaign|date=November 2, 2009|access-date=November 2, 2009|agency=Associated Press|first=Valerie|last=Bauman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091107143111/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j0VibvgMRn4zDGTwEZjej-eRI1swD9BNL9702|archive-date=November 7, 2009|url-status=dead}}

On Election Day, police were called to at least two polling sites in St. Lawrence County following "overzealous electioneering" by supporters of Hoffman.{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/11/police-called-to-ny-23-polling.html|title=Police Called To NY-23 Polling Sites (Updated)|date=November 3, 2009|access-date=November 3, 2009|work=Daily News|first=Elizabeth|last=Benjamin|author-link=Elizabeth Benjamin (journalist)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091106102700/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/11/police-called-to-ny-23-polling.html|archive-date=November 6, 2009|url-status=live}} Later, Hoffman accused the Democratic Party of "bringing in ACORN" and trying to "steal this election away from the 23rd district", asserting that a campaign volunteer's tires had been slashed.{{cite web|url=http://washingtonindependent.com/66380/ny-23-hoffman-accuses-democrats-of-stealing-the-election|title=NY-23: [UPDATE] Hoffman Accuses Democrats of 'Stealing the Election'|date=November 3, 2009|access-date=November 3, 2009|first=David|last=Weigel|author-link=Dave Weigel|work=The Washington Independent|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091106014253/http://washingtonindependent.com/66380/ny-23-hoffman-accuses-democrats-of-stealing-the-election|archive-date=November 6, 2009|url-status=dead}} Anton Troianovski of The Wall Street Journal later quoted Captain Michael Branch of the Plattsburgh City Police Department as saying "This was not a tire slashing—this was some guy who drove over a bottle and cut his tire."{{cite news|last=Troianovski|first=Anton|author-link=Anton Troianovski|date=November 3, 2009|title=A Flat Tire Leads to Accusations in NY-23 Race|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/11/03/a-flat-tire-leads-to-accusations-in-ny-23-race/|url-status=live|url-access=registration|access-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091107065315/http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/11/03/a-flat-tire-leads-to-accusations-in-ny-23-race/|archive-date=November 7, 2009}}

† Poll commissioned by Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman

‡ Poll commissioned by the Club for Growth, which endorses Doug Hoffman

§ Poll commissioned by the Minuteman PAC, which endorses Doug Hoffman

{{Endorsements box

| title = Endorsements

| list =

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|

• President Barack Obama{{cite news|url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/1009/Obama_for_Owens.html|title=Obama for Owens|date=October 22, 2009|first=Josh|last=Kraushaar|work=Politico|access-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026152708/http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/1009/Obama_for_Owens.html|archive-date=October 26, 2009|url-status=live}}
• Former President Bill Clinton{{cite web|url=http://www.pressrepublican.com/0100_news/local_story_281215521.html|title=Bill Clinton to help Owens candidacy|date=October 8, 2009|access-date=October 27, 2009|work=Press-Republican|first=Joe|last=LoTemplio|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091011032247/http://www.pressrepublican.com/0100_news/local_story_281215521.html|archive-date=October 11, 2009|url-status=live}}
• Vice President Joe Biden{{cite news|url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/1009/Biden_campaigning_for_Owens_in_NY_23.html|title=Biden campaigning for Owens in NY 23|last=Kraushaar|first=Josh|date=October 30, 2009|work=Politico|access-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102033827/http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/1009/Biden_campaigning_for_Owens_in_NY_23.html|archive-date=November 2, 2009|url-status=live}}
• US Senator Chuck Schumer{{cite news|url=http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/508290.html|title=Schumer endorses Owens for Congress|date=August 28, 2009|first=Nathan|last=Brown|work=Adirondack Daily Enterprise|access-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707084458/http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/508290.html|archive-date=July 7, 2011|url-status=live}}
• US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand{{cite news|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091029/BLOGS09/910299978/BLOGS09|title=Gillibrand coming to Lowville to stump for Owens|last=Seymour|first=Jude|date=October 29, 2009|access-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716221814/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091029/BLOGS09/910299978/BLOGS09|archive-date=July 16, 2011|url-status=live}}
• Governor David Paterson{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/10/paterson-endorses-owens-republ.html|title=Paterson Endorses Owens, Republicans Rejoice|last=Benjamin|first=Elizabeth|date=October 29, 2009|work=Daily News|access-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031070429/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/10/paterson-endorses-owens-republ.html|archive-date=October 31, 2009|url-status=live}}
• Attorney General Andrew Cuomo{{cite news|url=http://www.newzjunky.com/news/1029owens_cuomo.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906122943/http://www.newzjunky.com/news/1029owens_cuomo.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 6, 2012|title=Attorney General Andrew Cuomo Endorses Owens in NY-23|date=October 29, 2009|work=newzjunky.com|access-date=November 3, 2009}}
• State Senator Darrel Aubertine{{cite news|url=http://www.wdt.net/article/20090919/NEWS03/309199969|title=State Sen. Aubertine endorses Owens in congressional race|date=September 19, 2009|work=Watertown Daily Times|access-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724125740/http://www.wdt.net/article/20090919/NEWS03/309199969|archive-date=July 24, 2011|url-status=live}}
• State Senator David Valesky{{cite news|url=http://oswegocountytoday.com/?p=22967|title=Bill Owens for Congress Welcomes Endorsement from Senator David Valesky|date=October 5, 2009|work=Oswego County Today|access-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715021715/http://oswegocountytoday.com/?p=22967|archive-date=July 15, 2011|url-status=live}}
• Working Families Party{{cite news|url=http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/18902/working-families-party-endorses-owens-in-23rd-cd/|title=Update: Working Families Party endorses Owens in 23rd CD|date=October 8, 2009|access-date=November 3, 2009|work=Times Union|first=Casey|last=Seiler|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007102631/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/18902/working-families-party-endorses-owens-in-23rd-cd/|archive-date=October 7, 2011|url-status=live}}
• Syracuse Post-Standard{{cite news|url=http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2009/10/our_choices_6.html|title=Owens emerges in three-way race for Congress|date=October 29, 2009|work=The Post-Standard|access-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102055458/http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2009/10/our_choices_6.html|archive-date=November 2, 2009|url-status=live}}
• 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East{{cite news|url=http://adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/508790.html|title=Endorsements: Hoffman gets PBA, Owens health-care union|date=September 23, 2009|access-date=November 3, 2009|work=Adirondack Daily Enterprise|first=Nathan|last=Brown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707083733/http://adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/508790.html|archive-date=July 7, 2011|url-status=dead}}
• Communications Workers of America{{cite news|url=http://www.myabc50.com/news/local/story/Owens-Hoffman-announce-endorsements/dfD-lL-9DE2hXwRKsqrxXA.cspx|title=Owens, Hoffman announce endorsements|date=October 23, 2009|publisher=WWTI|access-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726191245/http://www.myabc50.com/news/local/story/Owens-Hoffman-announce-endorsements/dfD-lL-9DE2hXwRKsqrxXA.cspx|archive-date=July 26, 2011|url-status=dead}}
• MoveOn.org{{cite web|url=http://73wire.com/trail/2009/10/moveon-joins-the-ny-23-fight/ |title=Moveon joins the NY 23 fight |work=73wire |publisher=The Minority Report |access-date=November 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103160251/http://73wire.com/trail/2009/10/moveon-joins-the-ny-23-fight/ |archive-date=November 3, 2009}}
• AFL–CIO (had endorsed Scozzafava){{cite news|url=http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/19539/once-split-afl-cio-now-back-owens/|title=Once split, AFL-CIO now backs Owens|last=Liu|first=Irene Jay|date=October 31, 2009|work=Times Union|access-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007102727/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/19539/once-split-afl-cio-now-back-owens/|archive-date=October 7, 2011|url-status=live}}
• New York State United Teachers (had endorsed Scozzafava){{cite news|url=http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/19542/nysut-switches-endorsement-to-owens/|title=NYSUT switches endorsement to Owens|last=Liu|first=Irene Jay|date=October 31, 2009|work=Times Union|access-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102112249/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/19542/nysut-switches-endorsement-to-owens/|archive-date=November 2, 2009|url-status=live}}
• Frank MacKay, chairman of the Independence Party of New York (had endorsed Scozzafava){{Cite news |last=Weigel |first=David |title=NY-23: Independence Party Chairman Endorses Bill Owens |newspaper=The Washington Independent |publisher=Center for Independent Media |date=October 31, 2009 |url=http://washingtonindependent.com/65984/ny-23-independence-party-chairman-endorses-bill-owens |access-date=November 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103094357/http://washingtonindependent.com/65984/ny-23-independence-party-chairman-endorses-bill-owens |archive-date=November 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}
• Watertown Daily Times (had endorsed Scozzafava){{cite news|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091101/OPINION01/311019918/-1/OPINION|title=A changed race: Owens is best-equipped to represent NNY|date=November 1, 2009|work=Watertown Daily Times|access-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104014210/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091101/OPINION01/311019918/-1/OPINION|archive-date=November 4, 2009|url-status=dead}}
• Dede Scozzafava}}

}}

{{Endorsements box

| title = Endorsements

| list =

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|

• Concerned Women Political Action Committee[http://www.gouverneurtimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6268:cwpac-endorses-hoffman-for-23rd&catid=60:st-lawrence-news&Itemid=175 CWPAC Endorses Hoffman for 23rd] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711120354/http://www.gouverneurtimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6268:cwpac-endorses-hoffman-for-23rd&catid=60:st-lawrence-news&Itemid=175 |date=July 11, 2011 }}
• Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers{{cite press release|url=https://votesmart.org/public-statement/461992/state-police-pba-backs-hoffman|title=State Police PBA Backs Hoffman|website=Vote Smart|date=September 23, 2009|access-date=April 26, 2020}}
• Former US Senator Fred Thompson{{cite web |last=Blake |first=Aaron |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/51157-fred-thompson-spurns-gop-special-election-nominee/ |title=Fred Thompson spurns GOP special election nominee – The Hill's Blog Briefing Room |work=The Hill |date=September 28, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603122955/http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/60541-fred-thompson-spurns-gop-special-election-nominee |archive-date=June 3, 2012 |url-status=live }}
• Club for Growth{{cite web |last=Blake |first=Aaron |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/51166-club-for-growth-backs-hoffman-too/ |title=Club for Growth backs Hoffman, too – The Hill's Blog Briefing Room |work=The Hill |date=September 28, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907171537/http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/60559-club-for-growth-backs-hoffman-too |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |url-status=live }}
• The Susan B. Anthony List{{cite web |url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/8247411668.html |title=NY-23 Special Election: SBA List Candidate Fund Endorses Doug Hoffman, Conservative Party Candidate – Christian Newswire |publisher=Christiannewswire.com |date=November 3, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413101051/http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/8247411668.html |archive-date=April 13, 2013 |url-status=live }}
• American Conservative Union{{cite web |author=David Weigel |url=http://washingtonindependent.com/61258/club-for-growth-american-conservative-union-endorse-third-party-congressional-candidate |title=Club for Growth, American Conservative Union, Endorse Third-Party Congressional Candidate « The Washington Independent |publisher=Washingtonindependent.com |date=September 29, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014144322/https://washingtonindependent.com/61258/club-for-growth-american-conservative-union-endorse-third-party-congressional-candidate |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
• Citizens for the Republic PAC[http://oswegocountytoday.com/news/community-news/citizens-for-the-republic-pac-backs-new-york-doug-hoffman/ Oswego County Today] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Former Republican presidential candidate Gary Bauer{{cite web |url=http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/gary-bauer-endorses-doug-hoffman,983573.shtml |title=Gary Bauer Endorses Doug Hoffman |publisher=Earthtimes.org |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919164733/http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/gary-bauer-endorses-doug-hoffman,983573.shtml |archive-date=September 19, 2012 |url-status=live }}
• New York State Right to Life Political Action Committee[http://www.gouverneurtimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6776:right-to-life-endorses-hoffman&catid=57:commentary&Itemid=193 Right To Life Endorses Hoffman] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091108131702/http://www.gouverneurtimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6776:right-to-life-endorses-hoffman&catid=57:commentary&Itemid=193 |date=November 8, 2009 }}
• Columnist Michelle Malkin{{citation needed|date=October 2019}}
• Columnist Bill Kristol{{cite web |url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2009/10/shouldnt_the_republican_establ_1.asp |title=The Weekly Standard |publisher=The Weekly Standard |date=October 16, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004165700/http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2009/10/shouldnt_the_republican_establ_1.asp |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
• Talk radio host Mark Levin{{cite web |url=http://www.marklevinshow.com/Article.asp?id=1552958&spid=32364 |title=Mark Levin |publisher=Marklevinshow.com |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218052639/http://www.marklevinshow.com/Article.asp?id=1552958&spid=32364 |archive-date=December 18, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
• Talk radio host Rush LimbaughLimbaugh, Rush (October 21, 2009). [http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_102109/content/01125110.guest.html The Problem with Today's GOP] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091024072013/http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_102109/content/01125110.guest.html |date=October 24, 2009 }}. The Rush Limbaugh Show transcript. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
• Talk radio host Sean Hannity
• Talk radio host Glenn Beck
• Talk radio host Hugh Hewitt
• Talk radio host Michael Medved{{cite web |url=http://www.thepinkflamingoblog.com/now-theyve-turned-on-newt/comment-page-1/ |title=Now They've Turned on Newt: The Pink Flamingo |publisher=Thepinkflamingoblog.com |date=October 24, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027024319/http://www.thepinkflamingoblog.com/now-theyve-turned-on-newt/comment-page-1/ |url-status=dead }}
• Talk radio host Laura Ingraham
• Former House Majority Leader Dick ArmeyMichaels, Dave (October 19, 2009). [http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/10/dick-armey-to-endorse-3rd-part.html Dick Armey to endorse 3rd party candidate over Republican in NY House race] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091022051229/http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/10/dick-armey-to-endorse-3rd-part.html |date=October 22, 2009 }}. Dallas Morning News. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
• Eagle Forum
• Representative Michele Bachmann{{cite web |author=David Weigel |url=http://washingtonindependent.com/64763/ny-23-bachmann-endorses-hoffman |title=NY-23: Bachmann Endorses Hoffman « The Washington Independent |publisher=Washingtonindependent.com |date=October 22, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922160242/http://washingtonindependent.com/64763/ny-23-bachmann-endorses-hoffman |archive-date=September 22, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
• Former Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin{{cite news|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/10/23/palin-endorses-in-new-york-race-while-pawlenty-holds-back/|title=Palin endorses in New York race, while Pawlenty holds back|date=October 23, 2009|access-date=October 23, 2009|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091024175025/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/10/23/palin-endorses-in-new-york-race-while-pawlenty-holds-back/|archive-date=October 24, 2009|url-status=dead}}
• Former US Senator Rick Santorum
• FRC Action, the Family Research Council's political action committee{{Citation| last = Blake| first = Aaron| title = Family Research Council PAC picks Hoffman over Scozzafava| newspaper=The Hill| date = October 9, 2009| url = https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/52118-family-research-council-pac-picks-hoffman-over-scozzafava/| access-date = October 25, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091012000521/http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/62493-family-research-council-pac-picks-hoffman-over-scozzafava| archive-date = October 12, 2009| url-status = live}}
• Former Republican presidential candidate Steve Forbes

• James Dobsondoughoffmanforcongress.com"
• Representative John Linder, former chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee{{cite web |author=Eric Kleefeld |url=http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/10/gop-rep-john-linder-to-endorse-conservative-partys-hoffman-in-ny-23.php |title=GOP Rep. John Linder Endorses Conservative Party's Hoffman In NY-23 | TPMDC |work=Talking Points Memo |date=October 26, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418121135/http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/10/gop-rep-john-linder-to-endorse-conservative-partys-hoffman-in-ny-23.php |archive-date=April 18, 2012 |url-status=live }}
• New York Post{{cite news | url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/editorials/doug_hoffman_for_congress_21sqalnJNLjOEpD7JEOHaJ | work=New York Post | title=Doug Hoffman for Congress | date=December 5, 2009 | access-date=October 27, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029013813/http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/editorials/doug_hoffman_for_congress_21sqalnJNLjOEpD7JEOHaJ | archive-date=October 29, 2009 | url-status=live }}
• Minuteman PAC{{cite web |last=Blake |first=Aaron |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/52888-minuteman-pac-backs-hoffman-in-n-y-special/ |title=Minuteman PAC backs Hoffman in N.Y. special – The Hill's Blog Briefing Room |work=The Hill |date=October 21, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907171808/http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/64053-minuteman-pac-backs-hoffman-in-ny-special |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |url-status=live }}
• Representative Dana Rohrabacher{{cite web |url=http://www.rohrabacher.com/drnews.html |title=Dana Rohrabacher |publisher=Rohrabacher.com |date=October 16, 2008 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313024100/http://www.rohrabacher.com/drnews.html |archive-date=March 13, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
• Representative Tom Cole, former chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee{{cite web |author=Eric Kleefeld |url=http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/10/gop-reps-cole-and-rohrabacher-back-conservative-partys-hoffman-in-ny-23.php |title=GOP Reps. Cole And Rohrabacher Back Conservative Party's Hoffman In NY-23 | TPMDC |work=Talking Points Memo |date=October 27, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204203054/http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/10/gop-reps-cole-and-rohrabacher-back-conservative-partys-hoffman-in-ny-23.php |archive-date=December 4, 2012 |url-status=live }}
• America's Independent Party{{cite web |url=http://www.aipnews.com/talk/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=9264&posts=1#M26172 |title=America's Independent Party's enthusiastic endorsement of Doug Hoffman for Congress in NY-23! |publisher=Aipnews.com |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303205036/http://www.aipnews.com/talk/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=9264&posts=1#M26172 |archive-date=March 3, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
• GING-PAC{{cite web|url=http://gingpac.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=111:ging-pac-endorses-hoffman-in-ny-23&catid=14&Itemid=100013 |title=GING-PAC ENDORSES HOFFMAN IN NY-23 |publisher=Gingpac.org |access-date=November 27, 2012}}
• National Organization for Marriage{{cite web |url=http://www.nationformarriage.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=omL2KeN0LzH&b=5075187&content_id=%7b1B96063C-1967-4F37-9A17-7974C557FB31%7d¬oc=1 |title=NOM Latest News – National Organization for Marriage |publisher=Nationformarriage.org |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303093904/http://www.nationformarriage.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=omL2KeN0LzH&b=5075187&content_id=%7b1B96063C-1967-4F37-9A17-7974C557FB31%7d¬oc=1 |archive-date=March 3, 2012 |url-status=live }}
• Representative Todd Akin{{cite web |last=Loesch |first=Dana |url=http://thedanashow.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/todd-akin-endorses-hoffman/ |title=Todd Akin Endorses Hoffman « |publisher=Thedanashow.wordpress.com |date=October 27, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113034521/http://thedanashow.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/todd-akin-endorses-hoffman/ |archive-date=November 13, 2012 |url-status=live }}
• Singer-songwriter John Rich{{cite web |url=http://www.wwnytv.com/news/local/66913342.html |title=Country Music Star to Stump For Hoffman? Not Likely|publisher=Wwnytv.com |date=October 28, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223081436/http://www.wwnytv.com/news/local/66913342.html |archive-date=February 23, 2012 }}
• Representative Steve King
• Representative Jeff Flake
• Gun Owners of America{{cite web |url=http://www.goapvf.org/ |title=Home |publisher=Goapvf.org |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121222020158/http://www.goapvf.org/ |archive-date=December 22, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
• Life and Liberty PAC{{cite web|author=administrator |url=http://www.lifeandlibertypac.com/ |title=Life and Liberty PAC |publisher=Life and Liberty PAC |date=February 5, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012}}
• Catholic Families for America{{cite web |url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/index.php?module=releases&task=view&releaseID=11936 |title=Catholic Families for America PAC, a Key Catholic Activism Group, Endorses Doug Hoffman in NY-23 Special Election – Christian Newswire |publisher=Christiannewswire.com |date=November 3, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311194823/http://www.christiannewswire.com/index.php?module=releases&task=view&releaseID=11936 |archive-date=March 11, 2012 |url-status=live }}
• Publisher Alfred S. Regnery{{cite web |last=Kraushaar |first=Josh |url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/1009/Conservative_leaders_endorse_Hoffman.html |title=Conservative leaders endorse Hoffman – The Scorecard – |publisher=Politico |date=October 29, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007095526/http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/1009/Conservative_leaders_endorse_Hoffman.html |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |url-status=live }}
• Conservative writer Richard Viguerie
• Governor of Texas Rick Perry{{cite web |url=http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/10/rick-perry-endorses-conservati.html |title=TRAIL BLAZERS Blog | The Dallas Morning News |publisher=Trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com |date=October 29, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418013432/http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/10/rick-perry-endorses-conservati.html |archive-date=April 18, 2012 |url-status=live }}
• Representative Mary Fallin
• Representative Paul Broun
• Representative John C. Fleming
• Representative John Shadegg
• Former Governor of New York and First Lady of New York George Pataki and Libby Pataki[http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/1009/Pataki_endorses_Hoffman.html Pataki endorses Hoffman] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031094121/http://www.politico.com//blogs//scorecard//1009//Pataki_endorses_Hoffman.html |date=October 31, 2009 }}. Politico (October 29, 2009).
• Captain Scott O'Grady, United States Air Force (retired)
• Mayor of Plattsburgh Donald Kasprzak (originally endorsed Scozzafava){{cite web |url=http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=11414810 |title=Two Big Endorsements for Hoffman – WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports |publisher=Wcax.com |date=October 30, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309154338/http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=11414810 |archive-date=March 9, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
• Representative Darrell Issa (originally endorsed Scozzafava){{cite web |last=Blake |first=Aaron |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/53691-rep-issa-switches-from-scozzafava/ |title=Rep. Issa switches from Scozzafava – The Hill's Blog Briefing Room |work=The Hill |date=October 30, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907172010/http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/65691-rep-issa-switches-from-scozzafava-to-hoffman |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |url-status=live }}
• Representative Pete Sessions, chairman of the NRCC (originally endorsed Scozzafava){{cite web|url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2009/10/house_gop_leadership_endorses.asp |title=House GOP Leadership Endorses Hoffman; Update: NY GOP Chair Endorses Hoffman |date=October 31, 2009 |access-date=October 31, 2009 |work=The Weekly Standard |first=John |last=McCormack }}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Representative Eric Cantor, House Minority Whip
• Representative John Boehner, House Minority Leader (originally endorsed Scozzafava)
• Michael Steele, Chairman of the Republican National Committee
• Former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee{{cite web |author=Huck PAC |url=http://www.huckpac.com/?Fuseaction=Blogs.View&Blog_id=2876 |title=Huck PAC – Blogs – Statement on Doug Hoffman |publisher=Huckpac.com |date=October 31, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304061156/http://www.huckpac.com/?Fuseaction=Blogs.View&Blog_id=2876 |archive-date=March 4, 2012 |url-status=live }}
• Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (originally endorsed Scozzafava){{Cite web |url=http://newt.org/EditNewt/FeaturedBloggersDB/tabid/193/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4629/I-Am-Endorsing-Doug-Hoffman.aspx |title=I Am Endorsing Doug Hoffman |access-date=November 1, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20091104082835/http://newt.org/EditNewt/FeaturedBloggersDB/tabid/193/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4629/I-Am-Endorsing-Doug-Hoffman.aspx |archive-date=November 4, 2009 |url-status=live }}
• Former Representative and 2010 Gubernatorial Candidate Rick Lazio{{cite web |url=http://www.observer.com/2009/politics/collapse-dede-scozzafava-moderate-republican-0 |title=The Collapse of Dede Scozzafava, Moderate Republican |publisher=Observer |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616100740/http://www.observer.com/2009/politics/collapse-dede-scozzafava-moderate-republican-0 |archive-date=June 16, 2011 |url-status=dead }}
• New York State Young Republicans
• Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb{{cite web |last=Vielkind |first=Jimmy |url=http://www.observer.com/2009/politics/kolb-there-will-be-frank-discussions-about-dedes-endorsement |title=Kolb: There Will Be 'Frank Discussions' About Dede's Endorsement | The New York Observer |publisher=Observer.com |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616100717/http://www.observer.com/2009/politics/kolb-there-will-be-frank-discussions-about-dedes-endorsement |archive-date=June 16, 2011 |url-status=dead }}
• Conservative activist Michael Johns
• Former Governor of Colorado Bill Owens{{cite web|url=https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/politics/bill-owens-running-for-congress-in-ny-as-a-dem/73-338885062|title=Bill Owens running for Congress in NY as a Dem?|access-date=April 26, 2020 }}

}}

}}

{{Election box begin| title=2009 NY-23 special congressional election{{Cite web|url=http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/23rdCDSpecialVoteResults.pdf|title=STATEMENT OF CANVASS|website=New York State Board of Elections|access-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230192613/http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/Elections/2009/Special/23rdCDSpecialVoteResults.pdf|archive-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Bill Owens

|votes = 66,548

|percentage =

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Working Families Party

|candidate = Bill Owens

|votes = 6,589

|percentage =

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate|

|party = Total

|candidate = Bill Owens

|votes = 73,137

|percentage = 48.3

|change = +14.0

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Conservative Party of New York

|candidate = Doug Hoffman

|votes = 69,553

|percentage = 46.0

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Dede Scozzafava

|votes = 7,260

|percentage =

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Independence Party of New York

|candidate = Dede Scozzafava

|votes = 1,322

|percentage =

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate|

|party = Total

|candidate = Dede Scozzafava

|votes = 8,582

|percentage = 5.7

|change = -59.6

}}

{{Election box majority|

|votes = 3,584

|percentage = 2.4

|change = -28.2

}}

{{Election box turnout|

|votes = 151,272

|percentage =

|change = -24.0

}}

{{Election box gain with party link|

|winner = Democratic Party (US)

|loser = Republican Party (US)

|swing = 13.6

}}

{{Election box end}}

On Election Day, Owens appeared to defeat Hoffman, with the margin of defeat initially reported as 49.0% to 45.5%. Although Hoffman initially conceded, an initial re-canvass resulted in a Hoffman gain of approximately 2,000 votes before military and absentee ballots were further factored in. Poll inspectors reported Mr. Hoffman had inadvertently received zero votes in four districts.{{cite news |title=Vote: Hoffman closes in on Owens |first=Jude |last=Seymour |url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091113/NEWS03/311139951 |newspaper=Watertown Daily Times |location=Watertown, NY |date=November 13, 2009 |access-date=November 17, 2009 |quote=Sean M. Hennessey, Jefferson County Democratic elections commissioner, said poll inspectors in four districts reported Mr. Hoffman had received zero votes after inadvertently reading the wrong line of the poll system's printout. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091116064659/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091113/NEWS03/311139951 |archive-date=November 16, 2009 |url-status=live }}

With absentee ballots having yet to be tallied, the results of the election could not be officially certified by the State of New York, though Owens was sworn in based upon unofficial results.{{cite news|last=Madsen|first=Nancy|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091104/NEWS03/311049975|title=Owens takes election|access-date=November 4, 2009|date=November 4, 2009|work=Watertown Daily Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091107064544/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091104/NEWS03/311049975|archive-date=November 7, 2009|url-status=dead}} Owens was seated in time to vote "yea" on the Affordable Health Care for America Act on November 7, 2009.{{cite web |url=http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll887.xml |title=Roll Call Vote on H.R. 3962 |publisher=Clerk.house.gov |date=November 7, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505042426/http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll887.xml |archive-date=May 5, 2011 |url-status=live }}

Hoffman withdrew his concession on November 17, 2009.{{cite web |last=Rudin |first=Ken |url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/politicaljunkie/2009/11/hoffman_unconcedes_in_new_york.html |title=Hoffman 'Unconcedes' In New York 23; Absentee Count Begins Today : It's All Politics |publisher=NPR |date=November 16, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118192201/http://www.npr.org/blogs/politicaljunkie/2009/11/hoffman_unconcedes_in_new_york.html |archive-date=November 18, 2012 |url-status=live }} On November 18, in a letter posted on his campaign website, Hoffman declared that "ACORN, the unions and Democratic Party...tampered with the ballots of voters in NY-23."{{cite web |url=http://www.doughoffmanforcongress.com/stolenelection.html |title=Stop Another Stolen Election! |author=Doug Hoffman |date=November 18, 2009 |access-date=November 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091120091939/http://www.doughoffmanforcongress.com/stolenelection.html |archive-date=November 20, 2009 |url-status=dead }} Jerry O. Eaton, Jefferson County Republican elections commissioner, called Hoffman's assertion "absolutely false".{{cite news |title=Hoffman: ACORN, unions, Dems tampered with NY-23 election |first=Jude |last=Seymour |url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091118/BLOGS09/911189972 |newspaper=Watertown Daily Times |location=Watertown, NY |date=November 19, 2009 |access-date=November 19, 2009 |quote=Mr. Hoffman trails Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, by 2,832 votes after 42.6 percent of absentee ballots districtwide were reported Wednesday. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121165821/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091118/BLOGS09/911189972 |archive-date=November 21, 2009 |url-status=live }} On November 19, the Gouverneur Times alleged that a computer virus had "tainted" results and "cast doubt on the accuracy of the counts retrieved from any of the machines."{{cite news |title=Hoffman lacks votes to catch Owens |author=Jude Seymour |url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091120/NEWS03/311209950 |newspaper=Watertown Daily Times |location=Watertown, NY |date=November 20, 2009 |access-date=November 20, 2009 |quote=As Mr. Owens' victory became certain, the Gouverneur Times alleged Thursday that a computer virus had "tainted" results and "cast doubt on the accuracy of the counts retrieved from any of the machines." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091123064403/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091120/NEWS03/311209950 |archive-date=November 23, 2009 |url-status=dead }} John Conklin, director of public information for the NY State Board of Elections, stated that "the article...unfortunately quoted a single word from a commissioner who mischaracterized the issue in question."{{cite news |title=State elections official: Gouverneur Times is "full of inaccurate information" |author=Jude Seymour |url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/section/blogs09 |newspaper=Watertown Daily Times |location=Watertown, NY |date=November 20, 2009 |access-date=November 20, 2009 |quote=John Conklin, the board's director of public information said: "There was no virus in the voting machines on Election Day in the 23rd District or anywhere else. The article is full of inaccurate information and unfortunately quoted a single word from a commissioner who mischaracterized the issue in question." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231162302/http://watertowndailytimes.com/section/blogs09 |archive-date=December 31, 2009 |url-status=dead }} Hoffman later retracted his accusations.

With the tallying of absentee-ballots near completion, on November 20, 2009, Owens' lead over Hoffman surpassed the total number of absentee ballots left, making it mathematically impossible for Hoffman to win. On November 24, Hoffman ended his campaign, stating "...it is with a heavy heart that we declare this election over. We will formally end this election and not ask for a recount."{{cite news | url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2009/11/620002786/1 | work=USA Today | first=Eugene | last=Kiely | title=Doug Hoffman: 'Full speed ahead to 2010' | date=November 24, 2009 | access-date=January 12, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101109102750/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2009/11/620002786/1 | archive-date=November 9, 2010 | url-status=live }} The final election results showed that Owens prevailed by a margin of 48.3% to 46%.{{cite web |url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091216/NEWS03/312169963 |title=Special election results certified |publisher=Watertown Daily Times |date=December 16, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716223932/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091216/NEWS03/312169963 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

Owens was later re-elected to Congress in 2010 and 2012.

A week after the 2009 election, Scozzafava was stripped of her Republican leadership position in the State Assembly.{{Citation | last = Horowitz | first = Jason | title = 'Scozzafava' turns into epithet | newspaper= The Washington Post | date = November 10, 2009 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/09/AR2009110903690_pf.html | access-date = November 11, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120508075854/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/09/AR2009110903690_pf.html | archive-date = May 8, 2012 | url-status = live }} After Scozzafava's unsuccessful congressional campaign, she acknowledged that her name had begun being used as a verb: "scozzafavaed."{{cite web |first=Rachel |last=Slajda |url=http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/11/scozzafava-my-names-a-verb-now.php |title=Scozzafava: 'My Name's A Verb Now' |publisher=Talking Points Memo |date=November 10, 2009 |access-date=May 12, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305013110/http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/11/scozzafava-my-names-a-verb-now.php |archive-date=March 5, 2011 }}{{cite news|last=Horowitz|first=Jason|title='My name's a verb now': Dede Scozzafava sadder, wiser after bruising political race|url=http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091115/CURR04/311159984/|access-date=November 1, 2011|newspaper=Watertown Daily Times|date=November 15, 2009|agency=The Washington Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322012123/http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091115/CURR04/311159984/|archive-date=March 22, 2012|url-status=live}} Commentator Chris Good described the term as follows: "The gist, basically, is that if you're a moderate Republican and the conservative wing of the GOP sets out to get you, and does, you got Scozzafavaed."{{cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2009/11/a-new-term-scozzafavaed/29778/ |title=A New Term: Scozzafavaed - Chris Good - Politics |publisher=The Atlantic |date=November 6, 2009 |access-date=May 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023172318/http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2009/11/a-new-term-scozzafavaed/29778/ |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |url-status=live }} In April 2010, Scozzafava announced that she would not run for re-election to the New York State Assembly in November 2010.{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Kleefeld |url=http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/04/former-ny-23-gop-nominee-dede-scozzafava-to-retire-from-new-york-state-legislature.php |title=Former NY-23 GOP Nominee Dede Scozzafava To Retire From New York State Legislature |publisher=Talking Points Memo |date=April 21, 2010 |access-date=January 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319175505/http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/04/former-ny-23-gop-nominee-dede-scozzafava-to-retire-from-new-york-state-legislature.php |archive-date=March 19, 2012 |url-status=live }} In January 2011, Scozzafava was appointed New York Deputy Secretary of State for Local Government by Democratic Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.{{cite press release |url=http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/010511appointments |title=Governor Cuomo Announces Appointments and Nominations |publisher=Governor.ny.gov |access-date=January 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107171234/http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/010511appointments |archive-date=January 7, 2011 |url-status=live }}

While some observers called the race "a referendum on President Barack Obama" and "a fight over the identity of the Republican Party", others saw "a victory for populist conservatism".{{cite web |url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29234.html |title=Elites overlook power of populists |author=Craig Shirley |publisher=Politico |date=November 6, 2009 |access-date=November 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109014937/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29234.html |archive-date=November 9, 2009 |url-status=live }} One commentator stated that "Hoffman's third-party candidacy is striking for how much it has galvanized the Republican Party's base."{{cite web |last=Peters |first=Jeremy W. |url=http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/159785.html |title=Republicans work to defeat one of their own - National |publisher=NewsObserver.com |date=October 27, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029015559/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/159785.html |archive-date=October 29, 2009 }} According to one commentator, "[t]ea party conservatives see the GOP loss as a victory for conservativism over mere political party loyalty. They’re describing the defeat as a warning shot fired in defense of principle."{{cite web |author=John Tomasic |url=http://coloradoindependent.com/41530/musgrave-to-gop-%E2%80%98dont-just-assume-were-yours%E2%80%99 |title=Musgrave to GOP: 'Don't just assume we're yours' |publisher=The Colorado Independent |date=November 4, 2009 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820223745/http://coloradoindependent.com/41530/musgrave-to-gop-%E2%80%98dont-just-assume-were-yours%E2%80%99 |archive-date=August 20, 2012 |url-status=live }} According to Marilyn Musgrave of Susan B. Anthony List, "Republican party leaders in Washington should take the message of the campaign and the election seriously, that the Party base should not be taken for granted." Elected officials and observers opined that Scozzafava's showing in the congressional race affected the New York State Senate's December 2, 2009, vote against same-sex marriage legislation.

{{reflist|30em}}

• [http://doughoffmanforcongress.com/ Doug Hoffman's official campaign site]
• [http://www.billowensforcongress.com/ Bill Owens's official campaign site]
• [http://www.dedeforcongress.com/ Dede Scozzafava's official campaign site]
• [http://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary.php?id=NY23&cycle=2010 2010 Race: New York District 23] campaign contributions at OpenSecrets
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100131012133/http://www.pollster.com/polls/ny/09-ny-23-ge.php 2009 New York CD-23 Special Election: Dede Scozzafava (R) vs Bill Owens (D) vs Doug Hoffman (C)] chart of aggregated poll results from Pollster.com

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