Dede Scozzafava

Dede Scozzafava

Dierdre "Dede" Scozzafava is a liberal Republican who is the GOP candidate for Congress in a special election in the 23rd district in upstate New York. Conservatives oppose her and support a third party candidate. The election will be November 3, 2009, and she has fallen behind in the polls.

Scozzafava has been a member of the New York State Assembly since 1999; she served as Mayor of the Village of Gouverneur from 1993 through 1998. She was appointed Minority Whip and serves on the Assembly Banks, Codes, Ethics and Guidance, Rules, and Ways and Means committees.

Scozzafava's political views are outside the mainstream of conservative Republicans. She is pro-choice regarding abortion and supports same-sex marriage. She voted for Governor David Paterson's 2008-2009 state budget. Additionally, Scozzafava endorsed the 2009 economic stimulus package and cap and trade climate legislation.

She faces two chief rivals, Democrat Bill Owens and Conservative Party of New York nominee Doug Hoffman.

Scozzafava has received the endorsements of House Minority Leader John Boehner and the National Republican Congressional Committee. However, she has received virtually no support from the Republican National Committee and her liberal policies have divided the Republican base. Scozzafava has received the endorsement of Daily Kos founder Markos Moulitsas; "The most liberal candidate leads (and it's not the Dem)."

The district supported Obama by 5-points in 2008. The Sienna poll released Oct. 15 found Democrat Owens pulling into the lead with 33% (a gain of 5), followed by Scozzafava at 29% (a loss of 6) and Hoffman at 23% (a gain of 7).

Scozzafava's campaign has stated she will not rule out changing party affiliation to Democrat if she wins the election.

External links

• Assembly Website
• Campaign Website