WATERTOWN (WSYR-TV/AP) -- Vice President Joe Biden spent the afternoon in Watertown, helping out a Democratic congressional candidate in the final hours ofthe 23rd Congressional race that has become a referendum on national politics and theRepublican Party.
Biden spoke at a rallyMonday to support Bill Owens, who is facing third-party ConservativeParty candidate Doug Hoffman in the special House election Tuesday.Biden said that Hoffman wants to continue thefailed policies of the Bush-Cheney administration.
Hoffmanspokesman Rob Ryan says the candidate is talking about mainstreamissues like high taxes and big spending. Ryan says Biden and Owens pushextremist views.
Republican stateAssemblywoman Dierdre Scozzafava dropped out of therace Saturday and threw her support to Owens. That's raising questionsabout GOP unity because fellow Republicans had favored Hoffman.
Hoffman is also using some star power today to help his campaign. He is holding a 6:25 PM campaign rally at the Watertown Fairgrounds featuring Senator Fred Thompson and musician John Rich.
Scozzafava endorses Bill Owens
Watertown, NY (WSYR-TV/WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES) - According to reports, former Republican candidate Dede Scozzafava is now endorsing her opponent, Democrat Bill Owens, in the race for the 23rd district Congressional seat.
In a statement released this afternoon, Scozzafava explained that she has given the matter serious thought.
She wrote, "I am supporting Bill Owens for Congress and urge you to do the same...I strongly believe Bill is the only candidate who can build upon John McHugh's lasting legacy."
Scozzafava adds that Owens understands the people of the 23rd district and will be an "independent voice."
The election is Tuesday.
Scozzafava throws support to Owens
I want to thank you for your support and friendship. Over the past 24 hours, I have had encouraging words sent to my family and me. Many of you have asked me whom you should support on Tuesday.
Since announcing the suspension of my campaign, I have thought long and hard about what is best for the people of this District, and how to answer your questions. This is not a decision that I have made lightly.
You know me, and throughout my career, I have been always been an independent voice for the people I represent. I have stood for our honest principles, and a truthful discussion of the issues, even when it cost me personally and politically. Since beginning my campaign, I have told you that this election is not about me; it’s about the people of this District.
It is in this spirit that I am writing to let you know I am supporting Bill Owens for Congress and urge you to do the same.
It’s not in the cards for me to be your representative, but I strongly believe Bill is the only candidate who can build upon John McHugh's lasting legacy in the U.S. Congress. John and I worked together on the expansion of Fort Drum and I know how important that base is to the economy of this region. I am confident that Bill will be able to provide the leadership and continuity of support to Drum Country just as John did during his tenure in Congress.
In Bill Owens, I see a sense of duty and integrity that will guide him beyond political partisanship. He will be an independent voice devoted to doing what is right for New York. Bill understands this district and its people, and when he represents us in Congress he will put our interests first.
Please join me in voting for Bill Owens on Tuesday. To address the tough challenges ahead, we must rise above partisanship and politics and work together. There's too much at stake in this election to do otherwise.
Owens welcomes endorsement
“I am honored to have Assemblywoman Scozzafava’s endorsement. Over the course of her career, Dede has always committed to serving the people of Upstate New York before serving a partisan agenda. I have a tremendous amount of respect for what she's accomplished. We share a commitment to finding common sense solutions to address the challenges we’re facing here in Upstate New York.
“Now more than ever we need bipartisan solutions to help bring jobs to Upstate New York to get our economy back on track and move our country forward. Those are the kinds of priorities I will fight for in Congress because that’s the kind of leadership Upstate New York needs right now.”
