Be careful what you wish for department: ever wonder what it would be like

[hedgehog]

to live in an important district just ahead of an election? Ever feel neglected because no one campaigns in your neighborhood? Well, I'm in the NY 23rd. We're having a special election next week to replace Congressman McHugh. In this corner, we have the Democrat, Bill Owens, an Obama supporter who is conservative on social issues. In that corner we have Dede Scozzafava, the last Rockefeller Republican in captivity. She opposes Obama's programs, but does support gay rights and woman's right to choose. And in that corner, we have Doug Hoffman, the millionaire from the Club for Growth and all around whack job.

I think I've answered the phone more than ten times today to hear robo-calls and hang-ups. (the hang-ups are what happens when the machine dials several numbers at once, then when someone picks up on one line, hangs up on the other line.)

[bbinacan]

1. Who's leading in

the most recent polling?

[hedgehog]

2. Last I heard, Owens is ahead but it's a three way race in a

notoriously conservative district and a lot of the Republican tea baggers are coming out to support Hoffman.


If Owens wins, it's a big win for Obama. If Scossafava wins, it means nothing. If Hoffman wins, it means the end of a Republican center.

[bbinacan]

3. Thanks for the info. n/t

[anigbrowl]

5. If Hoffman wins, won't he be the first 3rd-party member of Congress in quite a while?

I'd prefer Owens to win, but if that's not going to happen then I'd prefer Hoffman since that will send an earthquake through the GOP.

[BolivarianHero]

6. Hmm...

Bernie Sanders before he won that Senate election?

[anigbrowl]

7. He's an independent, not affiliated with a party.

I'm sure this Hoffman guy would caucus with the Republicans, but he is with an actual party: http://www.cpnys.org/

[FarLeftRage]

4. I live in the same district

And my parents are getting robo-calls, now up to 8 a day. They asked me to do something about it... I can't. Both parents are in their late 80's.

[hedgehog]

8. What makes it worse is i have a sick family member, so every time the

phone rings I expect bad news.

[brooklynite]

9. Just spoke to Owens (fundriasing call) and he said...

...polls do show Hoffman rising, and Scozzafava dropping out of contention.