Hoffman: Bill Owens won 23rd Congressional Race

Watertown (WSYR-TV) – It appears the long special election fight for the 23rd Congressional District seat is over. Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman sent an e-mail to supporters re-affirming Democrat Bill Owens won the race.

"Yesterday, the remaining ballots were counted in the 23rd Congressional District special election. The results re-affirm the fact that Bill Owens won,” Hoffman said in the e-mail sent to campaign supporters.

Hoffman said many of his supporters had asked him to challenge the outcome of the race. “Their concerns centered on the veracity of the new voting machines used, for the first time, in the majority of the eleven counties that make up the Congressional District,” Hoffman said in the e-mail.

Hoffman said the shift in support since election night shows the need for the state and county Boards of Elections, to work closely to ensure the seamless use of new voting machines in the 2010 statewide and midterm elections. “Over the past three weeks, we nearly cut Bill Owens' lead in half. Sadly, that is not enough,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman went on to thank his supporters for all their work over the campaign. “They proved that average Americans can stand up and make their voices heard, all the way from Watertown to Washington. They proved that the voters are sick and tired of wasteful government spending, high taxes and an ever growing deficit. And most importantly, that when it comes to politics: principles do matter.”
 
Hoffman said he planned to stay active in politics.

Statement by Doug Hoffman

"Yesterday, the remaining ballots were counted in the 23rd Congressional District special election. The results re-affirm the fact that Bill Owens won.
 
Since, the morning of November 4th, many of my supporters have asked me to challenge the outcome of this race. Their concerns centered on the veracity of the new voting machines used, for the first time, in the majority of the eleven counties that make up the Congressional District. Over the past three weeks, we nearly cut Bill Owens' lead in half. Sadly, that is not enough.
 
The shift in support since election night highlights one fact; the Boards of Elections, both state and county, need to work closely to ensure the seamless use of these machines in the 2010 statewide and midterm elections.
 
I would like to thank my supporters for everything they did over the past four months. They proved that average Americans can stand up and make their voices heard, all the way from Watertown to Washington. They proved that the voters are sick and tired of wasteful government spending, high taxes and an ever growing deficit. And most importantly, that when it comes to politics: principles do matter.
 
While we may have lost the election, this race proved that Americans are sick and tired of the status quo in both Albany and Washington.
 
Thursday, America celebrates Thanksgiving. It's a time to reflect on the bounty and the beauty of this nation and all we have to be grateful for. High on my list will be all those that supported me in this race.
 
I would also like to extend holiday wishes to all the residents of the 23rd Congressional District, to Congressman Owens and his family, and to all the media who tirelessly covered this race.
 
I plan to stay active in politics and in the weeks and months ahead hope to be able to personally thank all those who made this race so close and exciting."