November 11, 2009
Posted: November 11th, 2009 04:32 PM ET

From

Washington (CNN) – Dede Scozzafava, the Republican New York assemblywoman who gave up her bid for a House seat late last month, is decrying the "vicious" attacks she underwent from people within her own party.

"The attacks were pretty vicious, especially since it was coming from people that identified themselves as Republicans," Scozzafava told CNN's John Roberts on American Morning Wednesday. "So that was difficult to overcome."

Scozzafava ultimately gave up her bid in New York's special congressional elections for the 23rd district after conservatives rallied around third-party candidate Doug Hoffman and charged Scozzafava was too liberal on a host of issues including government spending, taxes, and abortion rights.

Scozzafava, who maintains she is not as liberal as her critics claim, endorsed the Democrat in the race who ultimately went on to victory - the first time a Democrat won in that district in over 100 years.


"Hopefully a lesson can be learned and we can move forward and make the party stronger and understand that there are many voices that make a party but we can all agree around core principles," Scozzafava told CNN.

Viewed as a battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party, the race attracted national attention and exposed divisions within the GOP between its conservative base and the party's leadership who often back more moderate candidates with a better chance of winning a general election.

In the interview with CNN, Scozzafava said conservatives should seek to understand the local issues in each race before rushing to make an endorsement in future elections.
"I hope that races can revolve around the needs of the district that the people are running to represent," she said. "I think that's the most important thing and the focus on every race. You're never going to have perfect ideology. If you are you're never going to move forward because no one's going to think independently."

Filed under: Dede Scozzafava • GOP • Popular Posts


Senior Lilarose in Oregon   November 11th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

Well, Hon, come on over to our side! Being a liberal is a "liberating" experience! You don't always have to agree with everyone, that is the first liberating experience.

Peggy   November 11th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

She is a whiner, she belongs in the Democratic party!

Lee Bowman   November 11th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

The Republicans are boxing themselves into a corner. They've alienated blacks, most women, Hispanics, gays, most any other ethnic group you can think of, enlightened Christians. Let's see...that leaves them with mostly white Southern evangelical men. That should be good for about 24% of the vote next time around. The GOP is a pitiful lot, letting the fascist wing of Palin, Limbaugh, Bachmann and Beck take over. They have no backbone to stand up to them. And they think they are the strong party? Give me a break!

Zach K   November 11th, 2009 4:17 pm ET

The door is open Mrs. S. We will accept you in the party, because you believe in what a vast majority in the Democratic Party believe in. PEOPLE'S RIGHTS.

Enough already!   November 11th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

Will this woman please stop whining? Please! Seriously! This is the same woman who endorsed a Democrat and yet wants to cry that some Republicans didn't consider her to be Conservative enough.

She's not. That's the bottom line. When the shoe fits, wear it. She ought to step up and own this, admit that she's not very Conservative and live with the fact that she didn't appeal to some people.

Will   November 11th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

The Republicans need to rid themselves of the flat earth bible thumpers and teabagging psychopaths, and the Democrats need to rid themselves of the hardcore socialists and terrorist/illegal immigrant appeasers. Only then will we have real dialogue in this country

Dwayne   November 11th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

Imagine that! The republicans acting like a vicious angry lynch mob... Scozzafava, I wouldn't even look back at the masters of deception and manipulation. You did the right thing cowgirl! For everyone that hates ya...there are two that love ya. Drive on!

annie s   November 11th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

Of course the attacks were vicious. That's the only way conservative Republicans operate. They have nothing whatsoever to offer, so they use baseless attacks and fear. The real shame is that it usually works.

Thomas, Baton Rouge, LA   November 11th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

That's the GOP fer ya....

Mooman   November 11th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

She should be independent. The more I hear stories like this the more I think moderate republicans should be independent. The extremists in the Republican party seem to be so self destructive they may never get anything done.

Pappy   November 11th, 2009 4:10 pm ET

Suprise, suprise, the repugs are vicious, hateful and spread lies. I think we already knew that.

Justin Rice   November 11th, 2009 4:08 pm ET

Oh Really? She endorsed a democrat after she didn't like the response to her own party???? She was on the wrong side to begin with...

If you can change your stance that quick, then you are a democrat or even worse....

liberal

Bill in Austin   November 11th, 2009 4:08 pm ET

What did you expect from the party of "mean"? Remember they beat up on John McCain in the 2000 Primary. For all their pseudo- idolization of Ronald Reagan, they ignore one of his main posits; "do no harm to others in the party"

Larry - Hazleton, pa   November 11th, 2009 4:07 pm ET

Is anyone surprised that the REPUBLICANS would do this to one of there own – Just consider what they have done and said those in the democrat party in the past few months – They (repubs) of today are certainly not what the party of LINCOLN was all about. A real pity that they are low that only 20% of the people even consider themselves to be repubs.

indyreader   November 11th, 2009 4:07 pm ET

Dede, are you really surprised? The core value of way too many Republicans is not "fairness and equality for everyone" – it's "you're either just like us or you're our enemy." The second you do something that deviates from the party line, you become the enemy, and find yourself on the business end of their pitchforks.

Jeff   November 11th, 2009 4:06 pm ET

This is an example of why there will continue to be a migration away from the Republican party. If it continues to embrace and subjugate itself to the right wing fringe ultra-neocons more and more people will leave the party. The irony is the members of this Republican faction decry government involvement in and creation of programs to help people and America (true compassion), but then want government to enforce their social views/ ideals...i.e. telling people what to do/ not to do with their own bodies and how to be – religious (preferably "Christian") and not gay, and so on. Then it's do as I say, but not as I do. It is quite literally cultism delirium in my view. And the height of hypocrisy as well. Thank God I am intelligent enough to know this so I can keep myself and family away from these very scary people. No I am no "lib"...I am an Independent (including thinking), centrist, working, insured white male hockey dad. Pass health reform NOW!

Shadysider   November 11th, 2009 4:06 pm ET

..of these issues (though they always seem ineffective in getting these morally righteous issues finished), I myself look to the Democrats rather than Republicans. The religious Right has taken over the Republican Party and they are purging all libertarian sentinment. Not to mention the Republican Party knows nothing of the fiscally responsible stewardship of which they speak.

frank c   November 11th, 2009 4:05 pm ET

DEMS GOP. they all lie. i will never vote again.what a joke.

that1guy   November 11th, 2009 4:05 pm ET

Dede's finally figuring out how people who want nothing but absolute power operate. Let's see if she can connect the remaining dots & figure out that such people WANT that power to profit only themselves.

This is why I once took an oath to defend the Constitution–not a party, not an ideology. Just the document that keeps such wolves out of the fold in order to keep the dream of America alive for all.

That is why I am a veteran, and also why the extreme Right must never be allowed to control this country.

Todd   November 11th, 2009 4:04 pm ET

Terry, have a big tent. Tolerant of many views. We want you and all your fellow RINOs to know you can find a new home away from the crazies who have taken over your party. Actually – they have not really just taken over, they have just come out from behind the curtain they used to hide behind. And they are an ugly bunch. Crazy as bed bugs, and mean as old toothless houndogs.

Shadysider   November 11th, 2009 4:03 pm ET

This isn't even about liberal/conservative or Democrat/Republican.
-It's about those who fight for social equality and those who don't.
-It's about those who believe women should have a choice about their bodies and those they bring into the world and those agents of intolerance who want to decide for women.
-It's about those who look to civil discourse and understanding problems in order to solve them and those who will continually try to push a square peg into a circular hole.
-It's about those who push for change for good when they see wrongs in the world and those who are content with the status quo and would rather stick their heads in the sand and think everything is fine.
As the Democrats seem to be on the right side

juge   November 11th, 2009 4:03 pm ET

The people of NY 23 are not as stupid as the right wing thinks they are. You are a good person! You care about your constituents! I am proud of you!

Bob   November 11th, 2009 4:03 pm ET

The only thing sadder than some of these moronic candidates are the people that write-in on these blogs. Clearly, the only people to weigh-in on these postings are not well.

Robert   November 11th, 2009 4:03 pm ET

If she weren't as liberal as people said, she would not have endorsed the Democrat.

Bob in VA   November 11th, 2009 4:02 pm ET

The people who made vicious attacks on Scozzafava are the same people who scream and bleat and moan and whine everytime their fairy queen Sarah Palin gets criticized in the slightest.

headhog1   November 11th, 2009 4:02 pm ET

I hope the Republican do run Sarah Palin in 2012. That will guarantee four more years for the Democrats.

The Dude   November 11th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

No biggie, the ends justify the means.

Jon, Pittsburgh, PA   November 11th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

All this talk about Republian "core values" of small govt and fiscal responsibility. All a person has to look at is GWBush's 2 terms to see that he expanded the size and role of the federal govt more than any Democrat could dream of. In addition, he was a liberal spender to say the least. BTW, they (Republicans) thought the federal govt could better be trusted to secure our air travel than the private sector. But, not good enough to do anything else, apparently. The Republican party is a joke to most of us.

Julius   November 11th, 2009 4:00 pm ET

Palin 2012! <– to ensure another Democrat victory!

New Age Independent   November 11th, 2009 4:00 pm ET

Scozzafava, who maintains she is not as liberal as her critics claim... Yet she endorsed a liberal. Uhm yeah, whatever...

Corwin7   November 11th, 2009 3:59 pm ET

Apparently she missed the vote in the senate last month where 30 republican senators actually voted in FAVOR of shielding companies that advocate gang rape.

J   November 11th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

She's a drama queen but let's face it- human decency is at an all time low. Using politics to be hateful is not a new tactic and both sides of the coin are guilty. The bias has never been more evident. After 9/11 we were civil to each other for about a month or less. Then the finger-pointing started and it hasn't stopped.

Ivan   November 11th, 2009 3:57 pm ET

The people in charge of the Republican Party today, want all Republicans to march to the same drummer with no variations.
It is known as the "New Goose Step."

joel palmer   November 11th, 2009 3:56 pm ET

Nothing like a gop circular firing squad

It is a beautiful thing to see the Far Right Wing Fringe (FRWF) attacke moderates within the party. Yes let's roll back the calendar to the days of back alley abortions,to the days when minorities "knew their place"; when women stayed home , when big business ran the country.

Spare me. the gop is on a slef destructive roll and I am cheering on the nut jobs like Huckabee and Palin; destroy the party of Lincoln; Sarah in 2012

deb0155   November 11th, 2009 3:55 pm ET

Dede Scozzafava is out for only one party – the party of Dede Scozzafava. She does not have one original idea in her head. She's a loser and always will be!

Dede – stay with the Democrats – WHINERS all of you!

John Shore, Raleigh NC   November 11th, 2009 3:55 pm ET

I did not see any story where the "dems' attacked her? Does not the article state from her own party – obviously with her positions – abortion, card ck, fairness doctrine, tarp, healthcare, etc, etc...she could not belong to any other party? Matter of fact – within the 'D'" tent – she's even considered a 'liberal'.

JD   November 11th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

She is a RINO that could not take the heat, quit, then switched side to punnish the Republicans. She is no more than a petty back stabing has been. Hope we don't hear of her again.

Jeff   November 11th, 2009 3:53 pm ET

The Republicans like to think they stand for small government and financial conservatism, but the past 8 years, they did not. And anyways, the Republicans have developed a bad habit of entwining religion into too many things. They have moved too far right.

Stuck in the middle are the poor moderates, who don't have friends on either side. Tired of Bush and Iraq, they vote for Obama. Then Obama lets power hungry Pelosi and Reed take things too far to the left. Moderates will eventually vote for a Republican, again hoping for moderation, which they won't get, since the party does it's best to purge anyone who shows an ounce of compromise or independence.

Later, rinse, repeat. We seem doomed to swing left to right back to left back to right. I wish the parties would go away- they were never written into the Constitution to begin with, and they are damaging the country with this stupid pendulum cycle of inefficiency in which we are stuck.

Kathy   November 11th, 2009 3:52 pm ET

I find it interesting that you find 'Republican' attacks, even within their own party 'vicious'. What else would expect. If the shoe fits, wear it.

Paul   November 11th, 2009 3:52 pm ET

GOP sure does a lot of crying these days.
Grand Old Pouters

Dan in Noo Yawk   November 11th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

Scozzafava has principals and is decent, so it's a little scary to see the right wing of the Republican party still clinging to the Bush-era ideal that ideology trumps decency, intelligence, knowledge and competence.

P. D.   November 11th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

I can't beleive how the Republican Party hijacked this election, only to put in a inexperienced outsider who had no idea about local issues. The fact was ,Dede was picked by her own Party and has served in her district for many years. The fact Palin and Armey barged in and told her she was 'Pure' enough. Then incrediably Dick Armey blamed Hoffman for the lose when it was Armey who pushed him in. Unreal.

Nick   November 11th, 2009 3:50 pm ET

That's what you get for hanging out with the neo-nazi party of America.

Repubes has no shame, they already showed they're ready to angrily tear apart a Vietnam Vet (of their own party) sitting in a wheelchair and call him a loser. What do you expect?

MARK   November 11th, 2009 3:50 pm ET

The truth hurts. She shouldn't have claimed to be a republican, She lied only in an attempt to get elected. It backfired on her, BIGTIME!

seabob   November 11th, 2009 3:49 pm ET

You can always expect the GOP to viciously attack anyone with a different idea. We will never have any progress with this attitude toward the opinions of others.

heartlight3   November 11th, 2009 3:49 pm ET

"Republicans do have a set of core principles that they gather around. Small government and responsible financial management are at the top of the list. Too bad for her she wasn't paying attention." Four and the Door

No, you mean Republicans have a set of core principles that they SAY they gather around. What they actually DO is an entirely different story.

Bush's Favorite Things: Blanky, Bikey & Nappy   November 11th, 2009 3:48 pm ET

Republicans eating their own!

Joe the Comment Leaver   November 11th, 2009 3:46 pm ET

"liberal" isn't a dirty word any more. "Conservative" has become one, though.

Jim O   November 11th, 2009 3:45 pm ET

"
Ms. Scozzafava: I would respectfully and sincerely invite you the Democrat Party. We embrace all differing view points, as long as the well being of the nation comes before ideology. As I feel that is your creed also, and you will feel welcome because we welcome women, minorities, moderates, humanitarians, gays, centrists, and patriots. We might not be the party of "no" and "only", but our party is all inclusive.

CNN do you job right   November 11th, 2009 3:44 pm ET

I'm just thankful she's not in, as she will be a contribute to the mess. She reminds me of liberal Bush. Big government spender. Need people who would cut spending big time

Will S   November 11th, 2009 3:44 pm ET

How about a "moderate" party for the majority of the voting base? Life as well as politics is painted using shades of grey, not pure black and white.

jfeeney   November 11th, 2009 3:42 pm ET

In the end, the Republicans lost. So their plan to insert a extreamist conservative failed again. They still don't get it. Regan conservatism is dead. King George killed it, and good riddens to it. It is a flawed political dogma, just like Liberialism. Extreamist politics doesn't work, and never will weather it be right of left.
What this person needed is a third party, one that is centrist in nature. If the American Moderate Party AMP were to form tomorrow, I'de be there to support it.

Anonymous   November 11th, 2009 3:42 pm ET

Most "Republicans" aren't really Republicans.
They are religious-hyper-conservative fanatics;
existing along parallel lines to the religious fanatics
we are fighting over seas.

I'd endorse ANYONE other than a Republican – she did
the right thing. The 'CONS' are just that – CONS who will
do anything immoral to get people to join their side.

Shame, shame. So gross

Matt   November 11th, 2009 3:41 pm ET

what happened to "Compassionate Conservatism"?

bobcat1a   November 11th, 2009 3:41 pm ET

I guess Tom thinks giving someone money with one hand while you put a knife in them with the other is moral behavior...but then, he is a republican.

Peggy   November 11th, 2009 3:41 pm ET

I can't believe she is so surprised by the behavior of her party. Republicans eat their young!!!!!!!

Independent   November 11th, 2009 3:40 pm ET

Yes, the Republican party is becoming more a party within a minority. They may win local elections in very conservative districts in many sections of the south and some sections of the west, but in most parts of the country on a state level or national election the Republican party does not represent the majority of americans and will not win state wide and national levels. Think about it, how many Republican Senators are left in the Middle Atlantic, England (remember the current "conservatives" don't like the two Senators from Maine), Upper Mid-West, Mid-West, the West Coast and some sections of the West. How many women and minorities are elected each year within the party?

GAK   November 11th, 2009 3:40 pm ET

I so enjoy watching Republicans stab each other in the back.. If Dede was not candidate for the Grand Old Party,WHY did they nominate her??? If there is no room for moderates in the party,because the small conservative section of the Repub's can't have their way all the time(just like spoiled children).Perhaps they should take a page from Palin and QUIT!! (another child like response)she has shown you they way,get out(quit when it gets tough),start your own party,Have Rush as your leader with Sarah as your spokes person..Show the rest of the nation why you lost the presidental election soo badly,You are out of touch with the mainstream!!!

LMC   November 11th, 2009 3:39 pm ET

This is the state of affairs that the Republican Party has come to: "our way or the highway." The Republican Party is no longer the "Grand Old Party." It is being run by ultra-conservatives who can see only there own views and no one else's. My mother was Republican and my father Democrat, yet they both seemed to be moderates in their beliefs and pretty much agreed on all political views. My mother had the audacity to even believe in a woman's right to choose what to do with their own bodies–shocking! If the Republicans continue on this right-wing swing to ultra conservatism, they will lose many followers. That's totally OK with me! I sincerely believe that most people are moderates and we don't care which party comes up with a plan to provide adequate health care to all or peace on earth, as long as it happens!! The Republican leadership today does not seem to care one iota for the people of this country. They don't seem to care if people are denied insurance or health care or whether they can afford health care. The Republican Party seems to only identify itself as anti-Democrat. That's an extremely sad state of affairs.

Rick, ex marine, liberal   November 11th, 2009 3:38 pm ET

Did anyone notice that Hoffman looks like a cross between Jindal and Sarah Palin??

Dex Houston TX   November 11th, 2009 3:35 pm ET

Oh Dede, don't you know that Republicans prefer their women dumb and meaningless.....haven't you learned anything from Sarah Palin!

True colors?   November 11th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

"Former Republican candidate." When will you be announcing "Former Republican?" You and Cao should join Specter, at least you will be with your "own" and they won't make you cry. Did you get money for your district like Cao did? He really made out like a "bandit." He got 1.2 billion dollars of taxpayer money that does not have to be paid back for his vote.

Henry   November 11th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

Dede says she is a good Republican and believes in less government control of our lives. Republicans want to tell us who we can marry (not a member of our own sex) when we can choose to have an Abortion. How can you say that Republicans believe in less government control of our lives?

Eric   November 11th, 2009 3:33 pm ET

Thanks for helping us get a liberal Democrat elected Dede. Really classy of you. "Oh, they were so mean to me, they wouldn't support me just because I'm pro abortion and pro gay marriage." Earth to Dede, those are kind of bedrock issues for the party. You're a RINO and now you've proven it by getting a liberal Dem elected. Nice touch.

normajean   November 11th, 2009 3:33 pm ET

Bless her sweet heart. Who knows, maybe she'll vote Democratic from now on as will a lot of former Repubs. They just don't get the obvious, that they are alienating their own.You can't just continue to push people around,spread lies and refuse to act like mature adults without turning those around you away.Keep it up Repubs, it's going to cost you in 2010.

Jim O   November 11th, 2009 3:33 pm ET

>b<Palin/Bachmann 2012*****hooray*******
Now we are talking !!!!!!!!!!
Who needs minorities, gays, centrists, women, limburger, humanitarians, moderates, or Scozzafava, when we have these two.
GO GOP'ERS..

renobill   November 11th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

This women has no place in today's GOP. She seems to care about people.

Debbie in VA   November 11th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

She is a RINO but seriously how can any believe that she is a Republican. She doesn't stand for anything Republican she is a Democrat and deserved to lose in that district. I cannot understand her at all.

John P.   November 11th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

Vicious attacks? The only thing anyone ever called her is what she really is. A Democrat in a Republican's clothing. What is the point of having a Republican in the seat if she sides with Democrats most of the time (see Olympia Snow). She is the epitome of the acronym: RINO. How else can you explain her supporting the Democrat after she voluntarily withdrew from the race?

susanj   November 11th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

Just the way Hoffman looked, would have made me not vote for him. Goofy looking.

Linda from Minnesota   November 11th, 2009 3:31 pm ET

What did she expect from her party? The party of No, the party of exclusion to everyone but rich, white Americans and I can say that, I am a white American although not rich and definitely not in that party.

Darth Vadik, CA   November 11th, 2009 3:31 pm ET

Welcome to your party....

John D.   November 11th, 2009 3:29 pm ET

This woman was just another ploy By the Democratic Party. She was a Liberal trying to disguise herself as a Patriotic Republican. I say good ridiance to her. It was well worth loosing the seat temporarily to get rid of her. Can you say COMRADE?

Edwin   November 11th, 2009 3:29 pm ET

You can't have it both ways. If Scozzafava was a traitor for endorsing outside of her party, then everyone who endorsed Hoffman (including Hoffman himself) was a traitor as well - they endorsed the Conservative candidate over the Republican one.

If betraying your party is so bad, why are the conservatives not attacking other conservatives? That is truly as treasonous as what Scozzafava did!

rosslaw   November 11th, 2009 3:29 pm ET

Hopefully the Repubs will continue to gather in a circle and start shooting each other-should do wonders for the country's DNA. For those Repubs who think the world is more than 6,000 years old, is not flat, who are queasy about participating in a political party which is a wholly owned subsidiary of K Street, where sleaze is the contemporary version of conservatism, and will raise questions the next time a draft dodging, deserting chickenhawk promises a cost-free war that another country's oil will pay for, look to the middle, Democrat or Independent-you'll sleep better.

brian   November 11th, 2009 3:28 pm ET

Basically this all comes down to her not being bigoted and homophobic enough, if at all, for the GOP.

Carlton Desmoney   November 11th, 2009 3:27 pm ET

Obviously, her critics were right, since she endorsed the democrat and left her name on the ballot. If she had taken her name off the ballot, the republican/conservative candidate would have won the election. Her defunct name on the ballot received more than enough votes to secure the conservative candidate's win. She was not interested in a conservative (republican) idiology win. She is where she should be - nowhere – and should stay that way as she is nasty spirited toward her own people. Had she stayed in the race and won, she would have been just another liberal vote in the congress; phooey on that!

A.B.   November 11th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

Dede Scazzofava's decision to remain a Republican is a gross mistake in light of the fact that she was stabbed in the back by the party leadership and hacks, stripped of her position in the party. There is a big bulls eye target on her back and she seems to be ignoring that fact. If Dede has any sense, she will leave the republican party. Arlen Spector had the sense to do just that after he saw the writing on the wall and realized that he was being set up for defeat by the Republicans. If Dede stays in the Republican Party, she will stay there at her peril.

Craig in Washington   November 11th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

"...Scozzafava was too liberal on a host of issues including government spending, taxes, and abortion rights...." Apparently she wasn't for her constituents who elected her or the guy she ended up endorsing. Maybe her detractors should look at the district's demographics before they make bigger fools of themselves.

Marc L   November 11th, 2009 3:25 pm ET

I love the short term memory libs here talking trash about the GOP. It was not too long ago that a certain Democrat from Connecticut was pushed out by his own party for voting Republican on some issues. If you highly intellectual libs remember correctly, since you are all such geniuses, you might recall the revenge the Democrats planned for him, if it wasn't for the President stepping in. You want to talk like an intellectual, know your facts and leave the subjective opinions at the door.

John Van Ness   November 11th, 2009 3:24 pm ET

Dede , you are lucky. Talk to some of the fine people , including two Senators who come to mind immediately – one from Georgia and one from Mass. – whom they did their best to crucify . With Max , their lies were believed . John held his head high and lived with it. Our country is much the better for these two. You survived. Now have a happy and productive rest of your life. May we all survive the extremists ! OF ALL KINDS.

John in Kentucky

Bye bye Dede......   November 11th, 2009 3:24 pm ET

you quit......you lost......you're a loser....big time......

Go join the Democratic Party......

Sarah Palin/Liz Cheney 2012'

Obama is ONE and DONE.

cowboys61   November 11th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

People who don't stand for anything shouldn't go into politics. They are too easily swayed by which way the wind is blowing . We need people in Washington who know the difference between right and wrong , have morals ,common sense, and are willing to fight for their beliefs. This lady wasn't one of those people.

Ken   November 11th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

I fear this nation will fall when I see people spouting off that they will vote for Palin in 2012. She quit!!!! She cannot handle an unstaged interview to save her life! Come on people vote with your heads and not your parties wishes!!!!! She does not have the experience to be our President! In time she might have had she remained Governor of Alaska, but SHE QUIT!!!!!!!!!

What makes you think she won't quit as President if the going gets tough? She's already done it once!!!!!

Indiana Pagan   November 11th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

Small government? Seriously? Since when has the GOP spent little and kept their noses the hell out of our private lives?

NH Independent   November 11th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

She is a closet democrat...........for God sakes Acorn supported her......she should just join the democrats socialist , marxist agenda and call it a day and stop whining

NH Independent   November 11th, 2009 3:22 pm ET

She is a closet democrat......she should just join the democrats socialist , marxist agenda and call it a day and stop whining...for God sake Acorn supported her.....

CW   November 11th, 2009 3:22 pm ET

I think a lot of you hard core GOPers are missing a piece of the big picture here. You just lost the 23rd district which has been held by Republicans for over 100 years. How is it that you don't realize that not every Republican/Conservative is a card carrying member of a mega church. Not every Republican is a hard core social conservative. You people are destroying your own party and hurting America in the process. Whatever happened to the "Big Tent"? That is what you'll have to get back to on a national level; this Rush Limbaugh/Sarah Palin/John Beck party will only make it in the redest of red states. This country is in a lot of trouble without a viable 2nd party, and I agree with others that it's time for a 3rd party. At this rate, the GOP is going to turn into a regional and marginalized party. Very sad.

Grace   November 11th, 2009 3:21 pm ET

This vicious form of Republicanism is reprehensible. It is driving moderates right out of the party. One used to refer to this element ( every political party has some) as the lunatic fringe..now it's become the main body of the GOP. After 47 years as a Republican in NY's 25th district, I will be switching to an independent status tomorrow.

I am the flaccid and bloviating Wizard of Rush   November 11th, 2009 3:21 pm ET

Party purity demands that all members of the RebirtherTea Party pledge alligence to the destruction of anything Obama.

The less RINOs the more pure.

Peter E   November 11th, 2009 3:20 pm ET

This whole story is blown out of proportion. The only reason it ever got a foothold is because Foxnews was desperate at showing the 'referendum' on Obama on an off-year election. Once they realized that in this one congressional district their wishes will not come true they started demonizing the GOP candidate, trying desperately to find a scapegoat why their predictions on the 'referendum' hold no water whatsoever! Had Foxnews not jumped this one, trying desperately to discredit Obama, nobody would have paid any attention to any of these candidates whatsoever. Foxnews is just trying to cover their embarrassment.

Johnny K   November 11th, 2009 3:19 pm ET

Republican party like to eat their own. They have no shame and no credibility. No wonder only 20% of the American people consider themselves Republicans. The party of No.... is totally irrelevant
Asta lavista........ and don't slam the door on the way out...

Sea.gem   November 11th, 2009 3:19 pm ET

She is a republican in name only...she needs to switch parties like Specter...leave the self-loathing and lying to the Left...

Ken   November 11th, 2009 3:19 pm ET

Good for her. I am so sick and tired of the low blow vicious attacks by the ultra-conservatives who claim to be Christian! They wear the label when it's convenient, but do unChristian acts whenever it is to their advantage. I will never vote for someone who acts this way and neither should anyone else. Let's send them a message to change their ways or do not serve us in office. Since the Democrat got a gift, I hope he realizes that people crossed party lines to vote for him and that he should remember this when voting on issues. He needs to represent all of his voters and not just the Dems!

Frozone   November 11th, 2009 3:18 pm ET

Scozzafava shouldve known better than to run as a Republican. If you're not a white male or an Alaskan blogger, there's no place for you in the GOP.

Bob Reynolds   November 11th, 2009 3:18 pm ET

I am a socially minded disabled veteran who believes in a strong US military, and a proud member of the Republican party, which I believe in enviromental issues, civil rights, and support social causes that help those who are less fortunate. As a native New Yorker I can understand the divide between abortion which I am opposed to, but that's not the sole issue here. What gets me is Skazzafava who claimed to be a Republican candidate whining about vicious attacks and accusations from conservatives and Republicans is no different then the family of the Palestinian Army Shrink who already had a perpensity to be a terrorist, came out in the media saying that he is a good American.
Let's get real....Skazzafa who threw her support behind the Liberal Democrat candidate is a Yellow Belly Liberal Democrat herself from a very politicly liberal state of New York, and the Army shrink who slaughtered his fellow soliders not because he was taunted by fellow soliders after 9/1/1, but because he is a Muslum terrorist who wears the very Army uniform that symbolizes freedom against those whom he openly threw his support behind as Muslum Jihadists. Wake up New York, and wake up America!

Mike Syracuse, NY   November 11th, 2009 3:17 pm ET

OK liberals, this is no different than what you did to Leiberman, so stop acting so morally superior. If you didn't need their votes you do the same thing to the Blue Dogs.

Joe in CT - not Lieberman!!!   November 11th, 2009 3:17 pm ET

OK, so here is a local politico who is familiar with the district and she gets the nod from the local party bosses to be the Republican Candidate.
The NeoCons aren't happy with her because she doesn't pass their purity test, so they get some goombah Carpetbagger who doesn't even know where the district is, or what they produce to run as a Conservative. In comes Rush, Glenn and Sarah and all of a sudden, Dede is a poison pill to the party! At least the Liberal Democratic Carpetbaggers (RFK, Hillary) who came in to run had the courtesy to run for statewide office instead of a congressional district!
Get with it, folks! I grew up in New York! Our Republicans have pretty much always been moderates. Look at Teddy Roosevelt, Jacob Javits and Nelson Rockefeller! For those without a sense of history, Barry Goldwater's followers pretty much forced Nelson Rockefeller off the stage in '64! The state Republican party has never really forgiven the national Republican party for that one!

Ben   November 11th, 2009 3:17 pm ET

She quite and endorsed the Democrat. She favors the Union card check over secret ballots. Exactly what is it that makes her a Republican, cuz there's very little that matches the right ideologically. If you walk like a Dem, talk like a Dem, vote like a Dem, and endorse Dems, then you are NOT a Republican.

cjr   November 11th, 2009 3:16 pm ET

DeDe

Democrats are more ethical and a whole lot more fun. The republicans of today are mean, racist and self centered. They are a dying breed and won't be missed.

South Shore   November 11th, 2009 3:16 pm ET

IIt was not the GOP that did this it was the right wingnuts. Not only did they hurt her they cost the GOP a seat and who knows how many more in 2010

Cile McNeese   November 11th, 2009 3:15 pm ET

You lie down with dogs, and you come up with fleas. Welcome to the Repbulican party of bush, palin and limbaugh! Kind of makes your skin crawl.

Limbaugh is a liberal   November 11th, 2009 3:15 pm ET

Doesn't she understand that as a republican she is only allowed to be a yesman (or yeswoman) to Rush Limbaugh? Whatever he spouts she has to parrot?

Donnatella   November 11th, 2009 3:14 pm ET

You republicans can go extreme all you want, but just remember people like Beck, Limbaugh, Hannity, Palin, are taking you down, there are a lot of smart americans that see right thru their hate and fearmongering, we want a United States not a divided states.

B   November 11th, 2009 3:12 pm ET

What else would you expect from the Republicans?

They are just Vicious people now, even with their own...

ISAYS   November 11th, 2009 3:12 pm ET

Turn Coat!

donttreadonme   November 11th, 2009 3:12 pm ET

I think this article is missing the point, Dede was not supported by the base of Republicans in the Ny 23 District.

Hoffman should have been the candidate in the first place.

Michael   November 11th, 2009 3:11 pm ET

I was raised in a Republican household-My whole family (with only two exceptions) were all republican.
I learned long ago that the party of Lincoln had turned into the party of the rich, the ultra conservative, the party of of fear & smear, of hate and NO- That's why I switched parties- Something I'm sure Abe Lincoln would have done too.
For those who feel their party has abandoned them- come on over to the other side-

ang   November 11th, 2009 3:11 pm ET

I read more about her. She endorsed the Democrat because she thought he knew more about the local issues and the needs of her district. Also, why would she endorse an outsider who knows nothing of her district and who participated in such slanderous, disgusting tactics toward her?

Socrates43   November 11th, 2009 3:11 pm ET

Dear Dede..
The ones that are being mean to you, from the GOP (Greedy, Obnoxious & Pathetic) are as radicals as Osama Bin Landen is.
All of them are macho chauvinistic and self righteous. These guys have no compassion neither sensitivity.. a clear reflection of the level of IMMATURITY they are in. You are more welcome to join the party of inclusion. Democrats tend to be more ACCEPTING, TOLERANT, UNDERSTANDING, COMPASSIONATE, SENSITIVE, FORGIVING & NON-JUDGMENTAL. These traits are the 8 basic elements of MATURITY. How many of them do you think these so called conservatives/republicans, believers in God practice? You guess...
Myself.. I think any one that belongs to the GOP doesn't have the capacity to practice any of the above elements...

J.   November 11th, 2009 3:11 pm ET

It is time for a third party. Enough with the left wing nuts and the right wing nuts. VOTE THEM ALL OUT IN 2010 AND 2012!

Jayson   November 11th, 2009 3:09 pm ET

Instead of crying about how unfairly she was treated she should be apologizing for going along with a nomination process that obviously ignored the wishes of the party members that reside in the 23rd district. If not for the choosing of a candidate that in no way represented the constituents of the Republican party in the district maybe there would have been a candidate chosen more in line with the outgoing Republican represenative. Instead you ended up with varying levels of appeal to different parts of the party.

BB   November 11th, 2009 3:08 pm ET

This 'Big Tent' is turning into a pup tent. Party purity is continuing to wreck reasonable conservatism. If the party won't buck the religious/social hot button issues that are generally a waste of time and money, then they will NEVER increase in numbers and will cede every national election.

Deuce   November 11th, 2009 3:08 pm ET

White people are not scared of blacks. It is the reverse.. Who would/could be scared of Barack Obama? They would love to destroy History, and I dont blame them. Just cut this crap about """""""""The Moment""""""" CNN And all you Black Obama dreamers. The Man of the Moment, was John McCain. And you know this CNN .... This was my Plug a year ago. Nothing to do with CNN. TYou stole it for Barack Obama...

A. Goodwin   November 11th, 2009 3:08 pm ET

We'll take her in the Dem party...she wasn't really equipped for the Republican party anyway since she seems to have a brain.

Mike   November 11th, 2009 3:07 pm ET

This is a perfect example of the current Republican party... both their candidates and Constituents. Heck look at what some of the Republicans on this site had to say about her... and she's a fellow republican – just a little less crazy.
"GO away you bitter liberal. GO for a joke and help us with health care"
"She's a mole for the liberal agenda of Obama, Pelosi and other anti-American gov't office holders."

How can you possibly say this? Did you hear anything that came out of Hoffman's mouth?? It was nice of them to let him leave the house without his helmet! I just dont get it...

Lana   November 11th, 2009 3:07 pm ET

Hooray to all the SMART republicans!! wAY to go Dede!

Flick   November 11th, 2009 3:07 pm ET

She endorsed the Democrat. No, she's no liberal. What a loser.

cleve   November 11th, 2009 3:07 pm ET

Poor thing, she only encountered the same treatment given to anyone not in alignment with the GOP Conservative base. By the way, has Bristol Palin married yet?

markiejoe   November 11th, 2009 3:06 pm ET

My fervent hope is that the arch-conservative fringe of the Republican Party will break off and form their own Conservative Party. That way neither the remaining Republican Party nor their new Conservative Party will win an election outside the South for generations to come.

Lana   November 11th, 2009 3:06 pm ET

Hurry to all the SMART republicans!!! Way to go Dede!

SeaWife   November 11th, 2009 3:05 pm ET

The Dems WILL oust the GOP. Wait and see.

The GOP is the party of NO and HATE. This is not the way American will be run.

kari   November 11th, 2009 3:05 pm ET

She endorsed Owens because Hoffman was unqualified, knows nothing of the local issues and was only endorsed by the right wingers because of his conservative views.
Right wingers are so incredibly spiteful.
Spin it however you like, but Hoffman and the right wingers are and will continue to be the losers.

NY   November 11th, 2009 3:03 pm ET

Rebublicans will rise again as this country begins to wake up and see how the Democrats have changed into turning against true American values. Bush failed in about 7 years, Obama is failing in less than 1 year. Hopefully we can get a moderate President in 2012, not an extreme rightist or leftist.

SeaWife   November 11th, 2009 3:03 pm ET

Good for Ms. SoFa. She calls it like she sees it.

The vicious attacks must stop coming from the GOP.

Bev   November 11th, 2009 3:02 pm ET

In regard to NY-23.............

You do realize that Owens has to campaign for reelection to that seat in 2010.

You do realize that Hoffman was a complete unknown-–up until 2 weeks before the election. Yet, he only lost by 3 points.

Hoffman will DEFINITELY be more known by the 2010 elections-–and will thank Owens for keeping the seat warm for him over the past year.

Eleanor   November 11th, 2009 3:02 pm ET

The difference "Reuben" is that Palin is an I-D-I-O-T! A quitter, and an extremist. Ms. Scozzafava does not appear to be ANY of these things.

Too True For You   November 11th, 2009 3:01 pm ET

The republican "party uber alles" philosophy at work again, a caricature straight out of the Soviet Bloc: "You disagree with the party, comrade? Off to Siberia!"

Can't say it any better than Paul Krugman of the NY Times did in 'The Politics of Spite': “…we learned that the modern conservative movement, which dominates the modern Republican Party, has the emotional maturity of a bratty 13-year-old …The key point is that ever since the Reagan years, the Republican Party has been dominated by radicals — ideologues and/or apparatchiks who, at a fundamental level, do not accept anyone else’s right to govern."

Mark L.   November 11th, 2009 3:00 pm ET

Wake Up People – Doesn't this tell you the story behind the GOP Republicans? The GOP is the most disgraceful and pathetic party this country ever had today !! GOP = Grand Ol' PLUNDERERS !! That's what the GOP represents !! They are NOTHING BUT A BUNCH OF CROOKS – They steal from the poor to give to the wealthy. They call Democrats "Socialists" while they, themselves, are nazi-loving FACIST PIGS !!

Stephan   November 11th, 2009 3:00 pm ET

"maybe this traitor should "decry" the sleazy attack she made on Gov Palin..Palin was only doing what was best for the party" – yeah, the big tent is collapsing in on the GOP. You think the Tea Baggers were harsh on her – wait until you see the stuff they'll throw at Charlie Crist in Florida. We're just scratching the tip of the iceberg with this group.

Brenda   November 11th, 2009 3:00 pm ET

Hmmmmmm.........

Dede voted in favor of the stimulous Bill, She said that she supported the health care disaster. She is pro-abortion. She was supported by ACORN. I bet that she favored amnesty for illegals as well.

Time to find a new job DeDe!!!

It sounds to me, like you would feel more comfortable running as a liberal Democrat!!!!

MiMi   November 11th, 2009 3:00 pm ET

DeDe shouldn't have pretended to be something she wasn't. Her core beliefs were on the side of the Dems not the Repubs. She infiltrated the Repub party under false pretenses just so she could get elected. She does not share the Repups core beliefs; she wants to change the Repubs core beliefs. It bites but the Repub party IS going back to its conservative roots; the moderates/liberals in the Repub party that continually vote Dem need to move on over to the Dem side. The only reason they are Repubs anyway is because that was the only way they could get elected.

Eleanor   November 11th, 2009 2:59 pm ET

I like Dede, though as a proud Progressive, I am very happy that the Democrats won the election. What is remarkable, is the astonishing damage the Repugnants continue to do to their own party, by ousting moderates of every stripe as "liberal". This amazing race to bottom looks to me like the beginnings of a true 3rd party in this country...and not a moment too soon, either, in my opinion. You're young Dede. There will be other elections. Take this momentum and run with it!

kevin   November 11th, 2009 2:59 pm ET

Americans do need a 3rd party. The Left and Right extremes are always hijacking every agenda.
The moderates of America need to rise up.

rcox   November 11th, 2009 2:57 pm ET

thank you palin for your psycho ways, and pushing more people away from the lunatarian right.

usualone   November 11th, 2009 2:57 pm ET

What is a Republican? The ones who speak out nowadays are really vicious and self-centered. It is all about "me". They can attack Democrats all they want but that doesn't take away from their terrible behavior. Democrats certainly don't have tact all the time but they tend to show more reasoning, without following a strict unwavering (unthinking) path. Where are the middle-grounders, who do give thoughts before just running their hateful mouths?

Sara   November 11th, 2009 2:56 pm ET

It didn't take Dede long to realize that the Republician Party is only out for themselves! It's there way or the hightway!

Kiki   November 11th, 2009 2:56 pm ET

Oh poor Dede, cry me a river...............pleeeze!! What did she expect? She is the traitor in this scenario. If she was a true Republican, she would have quit the race and NOT endorsed any candidate. She wants "many voices to make a party" ........well, she forgets that she abondanded HER party and instead went with the other. Get over it lady, you're done!!! You get no sympathy from me.

Hiroakshima   November 11th, 2009 2:55 pm ET

Lie down with dogs sweety and you WILL get fleas. The Repug party has such a high level of scum in it (Vitter, Hall, Mr. Wide Stance, Newt Gingrich, Fake tan Boehner, Michelle {certifiable} Bachman, et. al.) You can't help getting some splashed on you when the play gets rough.

Let this party od self interested idiots eat their young that way maybe we won't have to suffer them in the future.

Alex   November 11th, 2009 2:54 pm ET

oh boo hoo. you swim with sharks, you're gonna get bitten.

Patty   November 11th, 2009 2:51 pm ET

She's a hero. She stood up to the takeover by a crazed fringed and did what was right.

Jim   November 11th, 2009 2:50 pm ET

Republicans, ask yourselves this simple question: which is better, a Republican who is conservative 100% of the rime but who lost the election, or one who is conservative 85% of the time and who won?

tom in Tennessee   November 11th, 2009 2:49 pm ET

That she is so good playing the victim prooves she is not a repub. She's taken lessons from the libs and they have turned the whine into an art form.

James   November 11th, 2009 2:49 pm ET

Why is it that only Republicans need to be "moderate"? Are Democrats excluded from this seemingly important requirement? If I'm not mistaken, Sen. Leiberman was a moderate for the Democratic party and he was eventually forced to leave it behind and become Independent. Perhaps the Congresswoman needs to contemplate the same idea...

Joe   November 11th, 2009 2:49 pm ET

She's a quitter like Palin–LOSERS

non-sense   November 11th, 2009 2:49 pm ET

"Republicans do have a set of core principles that they gather around. Small government and responsible financialmanagement are at the top of the list. Too bad for her she wasn't paying attention."

You wouldn't know that looking at recent history!!

Mark from Philadelphia   November 11th, 2009 2:48 pm ET

She is not now, nor ever was a real GOP'er. She even endorsed a Dem in order to show her true colors.

Ron   November 11th, 2009 2:47 pm ET

If she feels attacked by the republican party, maybe she should join the democrats. Truth is, she'd be a much better fit on that side anyway!

Ben in Texas   November 11th, 2009 2:47 pm ET

The whiner Repugnants around here complain that Dede took Repugnant money and then dropped out and endorsed a Democrat. That's typical wingnut thinking. Ignore inconvenient facts and base your case on only those items that fit your preconceived notions

Deal with ALL the facts: She was the party choice, put a bunch of her own money and time into the race, and then got thrown under the bus by a bunch of corporate mouthpieces named Palin, Limbaugh, Beck, and Hannity. Everything she had invested was stolen by these outside aggitators, these carpetbaggers, in favor of another outsider with no qualifications other than that he worshiped the same corporate god as Palin, et. al.

Anyone who is abandoned in such a fashion is fully justified in switching loyalties.

Me   November 11th, 2009 2:47 pm ET

Ummmm, Dede, you favor increased government power, higher taxes, and pro-abortion policies. In what world can you say you're conservative?

Shannon Shiflett   November 11th, 2009 2:46 pm ET

Republicans are gun-loving and vicious. She's just now figuring that out?

Barbara   November 11th, 2009 2:46 pm ET

You did the right thing Ms. Scozzafava. Terrible thing to get ripped to shreds by those claiming to be in your party.

Hope to Change   November 11th, 2009 2:45 pm ET

Dede,

What do you mean by the lesson to learn??? Do you mean it's the lesson for Republicans to learn to support you next time if you get another chance to be the candidate or is it the lesson for you to learn not to endorse Democrat when you lost the bid????Well It' doesn't matter any way they're going put your in supermarket for the 2nd time or you'll lose your mind again.

Dan   November 11th, 2009 2:41 pm ET

Um, you were endorsed by ACORN and gladly accepted the endorsement. You support bigger government and spending. But still you're surprised the conservatives dropped their support? Conservatives are willing to vote where their values are met rather than just a party line. As the Republican party line has moved left, Conservatives have had to go with them or against them. This time they went against. And that's looked at as a betrayal of the party? I don't see it. It looks to me to be more of a reshaping of the party that only left 5-6% of Republican voters behind with Dede (and I bet a significant number of those simply didn't know Dede had withdrawn).

dennisk   November 11th, 2009 2:40 pm ET

Vicious attacks? From Republicans?!?! I would never have suspected! (cough, Karl Rove, cough).

Diane   November 11th, 2009 2:39 pm ET

It's really too bad that people from either party and independents think that name calling is the way to go in any election. Come on people, most of you on here seem to think that you are the only one entitled to an opinion and anyone who disagrees with you is wrong and stupid. Try working together to solve the problems of this country and world. We'd all be a lot better off.

Minnesotan   November 11th, 2009 2:39 pm ET

Republicans are nothing more than rabid dogs willing to tear each other apart in an attempt to get a larger piece of the pie. They've come up with nothing good for decades and it's about time they finally destroyed themselves!

Steve   November 11th, 2009 2:39 pm ET

Every time Palin backs someone they fail miserably. I say keep going, she's a one-woman party-killer.
Everytime Republicans hit the 'conservative values' button they're kids end up having underage sex or seedy sex-tapes show up. Conservative values no longer exist in the real world, which is fatal for Republicans who's fanbase become more and more radical and intolerant of others with each passing day

too bad the republiklans lack ideas   November 11th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

this woman endorsement carried more weight than that Pain-Lin woman; Dede's endorsement alone changed the election result and put the NY-23rd congressional seat in the hands of a democrat for the 1st time in a over a 100yrs!

Pailin is ONLY good in spouting gibberish!....she is a quitter, a loser, a dimwit and an incoherent air head!!!!

uisignorant   November 11th, 2009 2:37 pm ET

You should have run on the Democrat ticket, since that is what you are.

bettie   November 11th, 2009 2:36 pm ET

Dede should leave the GOP to the right-wingnuts and come on over to the Democratic Party. The GOP as a conservatives-only party will never win another national election, so best to leave now while the leavin's good.

Ex-NC-Pub   November 11th, 2009 2:36 pm ET

Scozzafava urged a concept that is not in Palin's vocabulary... "seek to understand before rushing to make an endorsement"...
That not only would take thought, but it would also take a brain!

ObamaWillPayMyBills   November 11th, 2009 2:35 pm ET

Dede stop your crying and join the liberals. We want you and your big government tax increase ways.

Come on down where you belong with us liberals.

Luke Brown   November 11th, 2009 2:34 pm ET

She's no liberal, but she is not a Nazi either and that is why the new Republican Party rejected her.

Ron in California   November 11th, 2009 2:33 pm ET

What a whiner....she had her loyalties on the wrong side of the line.

Mike in LR   November 11th, 2009 2:31 pm ET

Waah, waah, waah. I'll show you!

RINO of the year.

Conservative is conservative, not liberal. Period. If she wants to be liberal I'm okay with it. At least she was flushed out before she was elected. Not like BO. Advertise yourself one way and govern another. Liar-in-chief.

Barry In Las Vegas   November 11th, 2009 2:31 pm ET

This lady is not a moderate Republican – she is a liberal Democrat and she threw her support behind a Democrat.

She supports Obama and there is nothing wrong with that, but to try and push herself off as a moderate Republican is a joke. She should just change parties and be honest about who she really is.

Seant   November 11th, 2009 2:31 pm ET

Dede was a mole for the dems. I'm glad she was outed just like Arlen. Both are turncoats. They turn on their party as the far left wing dems turn on their country. I actually love to read these comments on cnn. They show me how ignorant and childish a majority of dems are. The difference from a conservative and a dem is that a conservative wants to take care of themselves without government intervention and a dem wants to steal from a conservative through government intervention. The new republican party is not much better as their bureaucracy beliefs somewhat mirror the dems. Big government bureaucracies inability to manage our money and well being should be a concern for all dems and reps. Time to get rid of the far left wack jobs and the far right wack jobs and the corruption of big government. Then and only then will we have bipartisan support.

Larry S   November 11th, 2009 2:30 pm ET

I would think that it is clear about this person . . . she is acting like a liberal as she was shown to be before she dropped out of the race. And we all know that liberals main talking point is to blame others for their own lack of abilities.

Joe   November 11th, 2009 2:30 pm ET

I love it the Grand Old Party are starting to cannibalizing themselves.

Richard L   November 11th, 2009 2:28 pm ET

Just typical of the vicious Republicans who have trashed our president with anything they could think of.

SCOTT O'CANADA   November 11th, 2009 2:25 pm ET

Future election victories will increasingly come to those who can capture the moderate, slightly off center voters. What the hell the GOP is doing is beyond me and why the GOP leaders are allowing this to happen is so far down the road and around the corner that it's almost comical. I'll give it 5 years and America will have a viable third party.

Vic of New York   November 11th, 2009 2:23 pm ET

Yep. . . . and now the Republican Party is even eating their own!

Who was the last guy to do that? ...Oh, yeah – Caligula!

Paul B   November 11th, 2009 2:22 pm ET

She was more liberal than the Democrat who ran so how on earth did she expect to get the support of people who believe in those "little things" that really matter like smaller government, less taxes, and personal responsibility.

the dude of truth   November 11th, 2009 2:20 pm ET

when you play with the devil (neo-cons), your going to get burned

the dude of truth   November 11th, 2009 2:19 pm ET

she endorsed intelligence and character. Man republicans on this thread are so hate filled

midwest liberal   November 11th, 2009 2:18 pm ET

According to Republicans, her endorsement of the democratic candidate was no doubt the result of subversive brainwashing by that evil overlord Obama in his quest for a new socialist order. The Republican party is as pathetic as my statement is ridiculous.

File under "Sarcasm"   November 11th, 2009 2:11 pm ET

Get over it, Dede! Join your buddy Arlen Specter and sign up with the Democrats. You thought you were getting a free ride to Congress in a safe Republican district and are bent out of shape because it didn't happen.

George   November 11th, 2009 2:08 pm ET

I would suggest that the normal republicans, please stand up.
Wackos have been your mouthpiece. Speak soon, or your party will silence itself because the wackos are driving normal people to be
non voters, turn to democrat, or turn to independant.
Even if a good republican votes for health care because he is there to represent his people who are poor and need insurance; he is told by Mr. Steele, we will get you. Wow, Steel is upset because he voted for his people. Do you normal republicans get the picture? Lame brains are destroying your party. THE PARTY OF LINCOLN.

A. Goodwin   November 11th, 2009 2:07 pm ET

Republican's = Crazy Religious Zelots!

hal   November 11th, 2009 2:02 pm ET

What did she think was going to happen?! The Democrat party would have done the same thing if one of their own endorsed a Republican. She isn't too smart!

Albo58   November 11th, 2009 2:01 pm ET

When she endorsed that proven liar that is the Democrat Party candidate, she surrendered what little creditability she had. Time for her to pull an Arlen Spectar and join the loons!

TangledThorns   November 11th, 2009 2:01 pm ET

Dede endorsed a Democrat and she expects a pat on the back??? Sarah Palin is the true conservative leader who called this liberal in GOP clothing out!

Blame first think later   November 11th, 2009 2:01 pm ET

Dede thinks she's a Democrat.

kd   November 11th, 2009 1:59 pm ET

Republicans – they eat their own.

Tommy   November 11th, 2009 1:57 pm ET

I cannot fathom how someone can be conservative! I mean, they're such insane hypocrites that I think they should all be diagnosed with psychosis. When that republicant congressman brought in that baby on the day of the healthcare vote, she's about as old as anyone the republicants make any sense to. Now you see why your party is such a vast minority? Besause people like Assemblywoman Scozzafava have been purged from your party for people like that psycho Doug Hoffman who looks like he has about a 5th grade education.

Kate   November 11th, 2009 1:55 pm ET

Republicans will attack their own.......so makes you think they will stand up for anyone else in this country that doesn't share their own ideas.......their party is the party of NO NO NO and WHINE WHINE WHINE........their party is being taken over by the Radicals, Racists, Hate, Tea Baggers, Club for Growth, the party of Limbaugh, Beck, Palin, and their followers.......their is no room for moderate Republicans, or even conservative republicans......now days you have to be a far right wing radical conservative......or there is no room for you in the GOP..... this will be their down fall in 2010 and in 2012.....if the REAL Republicans (what they call the Reagan republicans) don't start standing up for themselves and distancing themselves from this bunch of idiots they will lose big time in the next elections........

katiec   November 11th, 2009 1:51 pm ET

This is typical of the party of NOthing. They hide behind the Bible, yet resort to sewer tactics, lying, distorting, inciting hate, anger, racism, division of our country, fear mongering and anything they can possibly do to destroy our president, consequently our country. They have become extremists, sacrificing the American people for their love and support of big business and greed.
They are well on their way to becoming our country's most dangerous domestic terrorists.

Keith in Austin   November 11th, 2009 1:48 pm ET

Dede quit because she was a republican by name only. She would have been slaughtered in an election because she's a liberal!

Eddie   November 11th, 2009 1:48 pm ET

Whaaaaaa whaaaaaa what a Liberal Cry Baby......but isn't that what all Liberal Democrats do! (and yes, she is a Dem)

reresparks   November 11th, 2009 1:47 pm ET

Conservative Democrat....one who believes in small government, make sure the budget is balanced. work rewarded (no welfare to those who dont need it), helping fellowman...relishes the right to privacy( for the anti-choicers) and do not believe in the death penalty. Dede..this is what you are and most of us are too.

Mike in MN   November 11th, 2009 1:47 pm ET

She's not a liberal but she endorsed the Democrat. She was third in the polls, the voters in her own party rejected her when they had a better choice. The attacks against her were justified. She should just become a Democrat and quit pretending.

Scotay   November 11th, 2009 1:47 pm ET

This is so funny! Did anyone expect her to support Hoffman? I wouldn't have after being attacked by my own party. As for her being a quitter and coward, I present to you QUITTER AND COWARD #1 "SARAH PALIN". She was the governor and quit. Am I wrong? I rest my case.

victim of republican greed   November 11th, 2009 1:46 pm ET

If the wingnuts did not have to run on stupidity and intimidation, and could face facts without claiming liberal bias, they could almost be credible.

No Hillary = No Obama   November 11th, 2009 1:46 pm ET

How do we classify people who vote or make decisions that are not in line with their own afflications – are they turncoats or independent thinking individuals who make ethical choices or are flattered because they get a personal call from Obama? Now I wonder if that lone Republican congressMAN who voted for health care reform is also the focus of vicious attacks or is this another case of domestic abuse against a woman – easy punching bags?

Kingofva   November 11th, 2009 1:42 pm ET

It's funny how democrats are rallying around this like they didn't get smashed in that last election. This seat meant nothing. CNN makes it out to be the "heart and soul" of conservatives, give me a break. Any conservative would've taken VA or NJ instead of this meaningless seat, and we got em both!!!! This last round of elections was a HUGE win for conservatives, no matter how you look at it.

Becca   November 11th, 2009 1:40 pm ET

People need to examine the candidates grasp of the local issues when deciding who to vote for in a local election. Many Republicans from NY-23 were upset at the national endorsements for Hoffman because he did not have a strong grasp on the local issues. He was running against someone because he felt that she was not conservative enough on social issues and was not qualified.

Anyone who would rather choose an inept candidate from one party because of an out-and-out refusal to consider a more qualified candidate on the other side is contributing to the downfall of this country. If we care ONLY about which party a candidate is aligned with , then we lose sight of the important issues that should be the focus in an election.

I don't think you can fault Dede for endorsing the more qualified candidate. If more of our politicians would make decisions that are reasoned and logical, rather than a knee-jerk response, we would be in better shape.

Cynthia, NJ   November 11th, 2009 1:39 pm ET

Ms. Scozzafava, stay away from the bloods and the crypts(republicans and conservatives). Either switch parties or become an independent. What those gang members Palin, Limbaugh and company did was terrible. Stay out of there gang sit back and watch them self destruct.

Gus   November 11th, 2009 1:38 pm ET

Democrat in Republican clothing. Showed her true conviction when she endorsed the democratic candidate.

K   November 11th, 2009 1:36 pm ET

What have we become as a nation that we align ourselves politically by race.....

Republicans want only pure white people that hate any person thats not white....And for the white people that stick with the Republicans based soley on white tribal unity are bordering on insanity...

Atleast the Democrats make up look more like the REAL AMERICA, a nation of Diversity, all types of ethnicitys and colors....

When you look at the Republicans and how they act, it's appears all about remaining Purely White, it's as if they don't want to come into the future with the rest of the country.

One thing is for sure, Adolf Hiltler wanted a pure white aryan blue eyed nation, seems like the Republicans have something in common with Hitler......

obummer, 1 and done(if there still is a USA to salvage)   November 11th, 2009 1:28 pm ET

All she does is whine.
I guess that does make her a democrat.

Willy Brown   November 11th, 2009 1:27 pm ET

Shut up! You brought this on yourself Ms. Liberal.

victim of republican greed   November 11th, 2009 1:27 pm ET

Dede has discovered how the wingnuts and Fox operates. It is refreshing to see so many paid Fox bloggers attacking her, though.

K   November 11th, 2009 1:27 pm ET

What has this country become? We have elected officials (Republicans) that OPENLY support the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, and Fox News....

I mean if you really think about the issues that effect regular Americans, and compare it to the way some elected officials behave, it's absurd......

The Republicans care nothing about the average person, they seem to be driven by the next election, everything appears to be just a big game for them.....I haven't seen much of this from the Democratic or Independent sides, just the Republican side.......

victim of republican greed   November 11th, 2009 1:24 pm ET

This is the way the party of hate operates. All they have is spreading fear and hate. What a sorry bunch they are.

Larry   November 11th, 2009 1:23 pm ET

Good for you Dede

You did the right thing

The Republican Party Of NO ... will try to crush anyone that doesn't do as they say

At least you have a mind of your own, unlike so many Republicans that follow whatever smelly tail is in front of them ... voters included

BAAAAAAAAAH BAAAAAAAAAAH,

kansas   November 11th, 2009 1:23 pm ET

Just be a Democrat mam. Don't play games.

Vets4Obama   November 11th, 2009 1:20 pm ET

Someone eluded to republicans being pro national security? You mean like draft dodging Cheney? Or AWOL Bush? Or "Song Bird McCain"? You mean the party that ALWAYS denies our veterans better benefitis, the republicans, is somehow being patriotic in doing so?

Morons are born every minute, you can find them all at your local GOP meeting! These ignorant fools actually believe the lies they tell themselves!

As a vet, I can tell you, no republican has EVER done anything good for the military or the security of this nation. When the fights happen, you'll find the democrats on the front lines fighting for your cowardly butts, like Cheney.

ThinkAgain   November 11th, 2009 1:18 pm ET

The treatment Scozzafava received from the GOP is proof positive that there is no "tent" in that party: You either line up in a very straight row or you're out!

There are a lot of moderate Republicans out there – I know several – who believe in fiscal responsibility (and didn't like what Bush did in that regard), who are also socially progressive.

They don't like the way their party has been taken over by the religious "right" and the fear- and hate-mongers like Beck and Limbaugh, let alone the airheads like Palin.

Scozzafava is just a very public example of the treatment these moderate Republicans receive from their own party – no wonder people are leaving the GOP in droves!

Purists   November 11th, 2009 1:18 pm ET

When in the party of absolutism, you have to take the purity test... until you become a star, and then you can jost lob pot shots an everyone else.

You can get addicted on pain killers but slam everyone else who has an addiction.
You can make a sex tape and still hold up the banner of family values.
You can have extramarital affairs and vote to impeach a president for the same sin.
You can kill a doctor in the name of life.
You can say that we all need to soldier on and then quit your service to the people who elected you.

These are the ways of GOP celebrity. So DeDe, you haven't paid your dues yet sista.

May121205   November 11th, 2009 1:18 pm ET

Good for the conservatives. We need candidates that reflect their constituents instead of supposedly "moderate" republicans that are really democrats in disguise.

Padraig   November 11th, 2009 1:16 pm ET

She needs to stop her whining and crying. Grow up and get on with your life. What we do not need in leaders are ones that label themselves as "victims".

DSW   November 11th, 2009 1:15 pm ET

How anyone can support the Republicans is just beyond me.
And how any woman with half a brain can say that Palin is good for the country is simply brain-dead!
The Repbulican's are forcing women back into the dark ages.
What does your religion have to do with my rights as a citizen?
There is far too much religion in governement – separating of church and state really does need to be established.

southerncousin   November 11th, 2009 1:09 pm ET

You can see the way liberals think by reading these vicious posts attacking the republicans and conservatives. If she thought republicans or conservatives were bad, it is a good thing she did not run as a Republican or a conservative, you can see how the libertards skewer anyone who disagrees with their lies on a sword of hate and drug induced vitriol. Read the comments following any article about Sarah Palin that appear on CNN. Liberals also hate women and children of a republican or conservative. They are just full of self loathing comments.

Ted   November 11th, 2009 1:09 pm ET

The Republican party is eating its own now. Amazing.

Greg, MN   November 11th, 2009 12:59 pm ET

Listen to her whine!!!! She is a Democrat thru and Thru!!!! OHHH I am the VICTIM feel bad for me... please send money or conduct an investigation or demonize anyone who has said something true, I mean bas about me.

Fitz in Texas   November 11th, 2009 12:57 pm ET

She's blaming everyone else...just goes to show she's been hanging out with the Democrats too much.

ericdravenmi   November 11th, 2009 12:56 pm ET

Us Dems will take Dede, you take Lieberman!..

nic   November 11th, 2009 12:55 pm ET

Voters are forced to choose between two extremes whose main focus is to get themselves and those of like mind elected instead of looking to resolve the many issues that we face. If there was ever a time for a third party this is it. Moderates arise!

ericdravenmi   November 11th, 2009 12:54 pm ET

Ok.. did anyone even listen to the conservative party candidate Hoffman?? OMG.. he didn't even know why he was running.. Fox News did whatever they could to try and make him look good, but it was a stretch even for them.. he couldn't answer the basic questions that every candidate should be able to answer.. so if they are going to try and run to the far right of thier conservative base for the midterms,, i say thats great news for the democratic party.. The country will remember the last 8 years, and we are fed up with thier scare tactics.

Terry from West Texas   November 11th, 2009 12:54 pm ET

What happens to those who challenge Conservative power?
1. A team of private detectives starts working through your personal history, the history of your family, and your employment searching for scandals or enemies who will talk about you, maybe fro cash.

2. No matter what you believe, you will be called a Liberal Socialist.

Tom in Delaware   November 11th, 2009 12:51 pm ET

This woman must be related to Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania.

Melissa   November 11th, 2009 12:46 pm ET

Madam, this is what the GOP do. The fact that you didn't realize it before make you even more the fool.

Party Purity will never bring Political Power!   November 11th, 2009 12:46 pm ET

Yes, indeed the republican party is feasting, the cons are eating the moderates alive and the party leaders stand by and watch.

Bon Appetit!

Palin/Bachmann 2012

Four and The Door   November 11th, 2009 12:45 pm ET

Republicans do have a set of core principles that they gather around. Small government and responsible financialmanagement are at the top of the list. Too bad for her she wasn't paying attention.

C. Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 11th, 2009 12:45 pm ET

If Republicans don't like their own, how can anyone possibly think they like people of diversity groups. The Republican party don't represent the America we live in because they aren't looking for support from a broad spectrum.

lovable liberal   November 11th, 2009 12:44 pm ET

The elected leaders of America represent America and by definition can't be anti-American. Wingnuts who call them that don't grasp the political ideas of democracy – or else they don't believe in them.

Marc   November 11th, 2009 12:44 pm ET

Technically speaking, the act of being betrayed does not allows someone to betray other people.
She was betrayed by her Party's higher authorities who decided to support a candidate from ANOTHER party instead of her, NO DOUBTS ABOUT IT, but that did not meant that she had the right to support a rival, specially if said rival was a Democrat.
The fact that even out of the race she received around 6% of the votes showed that there was still people who supported her, and to THESE SUPPORTERS (not the traitors in her own party) she owes a few honest and decent words.

Patricia Dickson   November 11th, 2009 12:44 pm ET

I am sorry to hear what happen to you Miss Scazzafava but that must show you what kind of people the Republican are and if they are doing that to you can you imagine what the President is going through Republican are very ruthless red neck type of people and they dont care about the poor or any one else but their self i can't imagine african american vote for the republican i realy dont get, i belive that all those people who is attacking the President is just because he have a skin that doest not easily wrinkle and look old before time and all the pressure they put him under he still looking dam good and that why they are so jealous i hold my peace right here ok.

Rueben   November 11th, 2009 12:43 pm ET

That was baby stuff compared to how liberal ravage Palin on a daily basis. Plus she endorsed the Democrat so toughen up if you want to be in politics. Wishing her nothing but the worst.

Bill   November 11th, 2009 12:42 pm ET

Her 30 seconds are up.

TCM   November 11th, 2009 12:41 pm ET

She's a mole for the liberal agenda of Obama, Pelosi and other anti-American gov't office holders.

sifto77   November 11th, 2009 12:32 pm ET

maybe this traitor should "decry" the sleazy attack she made on Gov Palin..Palin was only doing what was best for the party and is definitely more qualified that this woman to be a republican. Palin has more class than Scozza and can definitely speak more intelligently–in spite of what the smearing liberals have to say about her. If Hoffman had jumped in sooner, he would have beaten Scozza and Owens by a landslide.

Obama 2.0   November 11th, 2009 12:30 pm ET

Become an Indepepndent

HJA   November 11th, 2009 12:29 pm ET

Please! Your'e in the party of Rush & Beck and you didn't see this coming? Wake up Dede!

sissy   November 11th, 2009 12:27 pm ET

Why did she take Republican money and then endorse a Democrat? Probably because she is basically dishonest which is what really caused her downfall.

Marion/Alabama   November 11th, 2009 12:27 pm ET

She is a Democrat in sheeple clothing,she supported the Democratic canidate,she is for card check,and a union supporter.She had no real attacks on her,nothing like Sarah Palin endured.

Former Republican   November 11th, 2009 12:27 pm ET

It was reprehensible the way my former GOP treated Scozzafava, while the party continues to push out moderates in its ridiculous appeasement of the far right with narrow-minded social politics and hypocritical fundamentalism.

Thanks, but no thanks.

a health economist   November 11th, 2009 12:25 pm ET

The only positive thing I can see coming out of the way the GOP is turning on anyone that strays from the herd (i.e. right-wing ideology) is the formation of a viable third party. As an independant I hate the fact there are only two viable parties. The only the worse than a two party system is a one party system. If the GOP isn't careful with its action that is an outcome that could happen too.

trustisearned   November 11th, 2009 12:23 pm ET

The last paragraph illuminates that she is "all over the place". In the context of the issues facing the US, the people are looking for concrete not nuances.
People, also, "kinda" like politicians to do what they say. Owens, who won this race, voted "yes" to HCR after saying he wouldn't.

It'smetodd   November 11th, 2009 12:22 pm ET

She wasn't even a Republican. She is more liberal than her Democrat adversary. She should shut up and hope the Republicans don't sue her in court for the $1million they gave her for her campaign...she then flipped them the bird on her way out the door endorsing the Democratic candidate. She needs to just go away!

Wise Latina   November 11th, 2009 12:22 pm ET

Liberal Repubs lose every time, unless in a Dem stronghold. The wave of overwhelming support for conservatives is here. Pay attention, RINOS, for 2010 is upon us...

ross berg-buffalo ny   November 11th, 2009 12:22 pm ET

My guess is that Hoffman had a real chance of winning until he recieved the backing of Sarah Palin. That was his kiss of death.

Swing voters in the exit polls of the 23rd. gave Palins endorsement of Hoffman as a major reason they voted for Owens. As swing voters always are the deciding factor in every close race you'd think the Republicans would get the message regarding Palin...but I guess not yet!!

Dimslie   November 11th, 2009 12:21 pm ET

"Hopefully a lesson was learned ......................." Thank you, Lefty, it may not be the lesson you think but yes, a lesson was certainly learned.

STAND AS ONE   November 11th, 2009 12:21 pm ET

Way to go Dede!!!!! Come over to us Dems.. We would love to have you.

T'SAH from Virginia   November 11th, 2009 12:19 pm ET

Have you noticed all of the new HOT COMMODITIES for GOP hopefuls are MEN!!! White MEN!!! The ONLY woman they have running around making a FOOL out of herself is PALIN!!!

Scozzafava you should be GLAD the REPUBLI-CAN'Ts treated you the way they did. They are and always will be the Party of NO sense, NO solutions, NO suggestions and................ NO WOMEN!!! (except the GOFER Palin who is being used by the Republican Men to set the stage for them and eventually, she will be KICKED TO THE CURB!!!)

David   November 11th, 2009 12:18 pm ET

If ever a group of people got what they deserved, that group would be the defeated conservatives who flocked to NY-23 to impose a conservative candidate on the electorate.

May they not learn from their mistakes.

Dimslie   November 11th, 2009 12:18 pm ET

No, of course she's not liberal, she just endorsed her leftist Dim opponent because ................................ Fill in whatever you want. Anyone that's stupid enough to believe her won't care.

Jake   November 11th, 2009 12:18 pm ET

The Republican party, vicious? You don't say!

when the number 2 on last election's party ticket self-describes herself as a "pitbull"...you know your party has problems!

George Bush - Worst President Ever   November 11th, 2009 12:12 pm ET

What did she expect? Maybe she should spend a few days watching Fox "We make it up, You decide" Views to see what her party is all about. If she thinks that a lesson will be learned by the GOP, then she isn't smart enough to hold office.

Robert J 1   November 11th, 2009 12:12 pm ET

So whats new? How could anyone (even a republican) expect anything more from the party of no – no ideas / no thinking / no ethics / no morals / no leaders. Just war mongering / fear mongering "broken records" driven only by money without caring.Maybe she should consider chnaging the party of good and progress? If nothing else it gets her away from ding dong Palin and co!

Hope to Change   November 11th, 2009 12:10 pm ET

Dede there are a lot of Republican's candidates that loss to their opponent but they didn't drop off the race and go endorse the Democrat opponent. It's your entire fault if you decided to commit it you have admitted. I know you were upset that they didn’t support you but you were just orange and apple in the super market that people will choose their choices. Upset can cost you big.

T'SAH from Virginia   November 11th, 2009 12:10 pm ET

Scozzafava states "...conservatives should seek to understand the local issues in each race before rushing to make an endorsement..."

It's not about the districts and each district needs – it's about OVERPOWERING and FORCING their beliefs on everyone. If NO ONE conforms, they will be KICKED TO THE CURB!!!

The majority of Americans do not think like that and the REPUBLI-CAN'Ts will realize that when it's too late. Eventually, they will be left out on the limb on a tree that is so FAR RIGHT, NO ONE will know they exist and their so-called FAR-RIGHT values would be NULL and VOID!!!

Jim W   November 11th, 2009 12:10 pm ET

Independent thinking in the Republican Party? What is she thinking? Oh, she's not a Republican, she's actually thinking.

Laura in KS   November 11th, 2009 12:10 pm ET

She sounds smart :) Maybe that's why her party threw her under the bus...

LacrosseMom   November 11th, 2009 12:10 pm ET

Poor Ms. Scozzafava! Now you know who the GOP REALLY is, Dede!

IF you do not agree with their far-right-fringe ideology the GOP will quickly throw you under the bus.

IF you are not approved by the Tea-baggers, you are doomed.

The GOP is removing anyone who is not a Limbaugh-Hannity-Palin-Beck far-right-extremist.

Ms. Scozzafava, might consider joining the Democrats!

Jack   November 11th, 2009 12:10 pm ET

If she isn't a liberal why did she endorse the Democrat?

If she endorsed the Democrat out of spite for the Republicans she is too childish to be a responsible legislator anyway.

They (politicians) just just large ego actors that could not make it in public life or the movies.

Tom   November 11th, 2009 12:09 pm ET

Scozzafava was verbally attacked precisely because she has typical, immoral, liberal, democratic views, but CLAIMS to be a Republican.

She accepted $ 900,000 of GOP campaign cash, and then dropped out and endorsed the democrat, and she wondes why people are angry at her ??

Hammerer   November 11th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

Scozzafava is the Dems new spokesperson and poster child. She has replaced Alan Grayson as their idol.

KLS   November 11th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

I miss the old Republican party of the 60's that stood for strong fiscal responsibility and individual opportunity. Now big business will win over the small business owner and individual every time. They no longer support any moderate views on how to effectively governor our country. The GOP has become 'vicious'.
Yes, the Dems have their extreme groups too but they still believe in middle class America.

tate   November 11th, 2009 12:05 pm ET

GO away you bitter liberal. GO for a joke and help us with health care.

Steph   November 11th, 2009 12:04 pm ET

I would again like to thank the conservative wing of the republican party for giving the democrats a seat they haven't held since the civil war. Keep up the great work amazing leaders Rush, Hannity and Palin. Continue to eat your own.

J.P.   November 11th, 2009 12:04 pm ET

Conservatives no longer have a use for the parties, either of them. There is little need for two Democrat parties.

Why bother voting for "republicans" who legislate just like the Democrats we refuse to vote for in the first place?

A political party cannot be all things to all people.

Scozzafava was not attacked by "republicans." She was rightfully abandoned by conservatives who no longer have any use for the "republican" party, BECAUSE it no longer stands for anything. The fact she cannot grasp the differences is telling.

If a democrat came out tomorrow and honestly believed and defended the simple notions of smaller, less-intrusive government, lower taxes and more individual liberty, I'd vote for him/her in a heartbeat.

DJ   November 11th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

Vicious is an understatement...the lunatic right-wing extremists that are ripping apart their own party and consumed with hatred towards anyone that opposes their fringe views.

Brian Siegel   November 11th, 2009 12:00 pm ET

By the way, how in the heck can politicians call the highlighting of one's own positions and voting record, "vicious attacks?" Gee, you wonder why voters are fed up with career politicians...

Peoples Voice   November 11th, 2009 11:59 am ET

Hey, Dede. Welcome to the new Republican Party. Your party has been taken over by the lunatic fringe.

SLP   November 11th, 2009 11:59 am ET

Unless you are small government, fiscally conservative, prolife, and pro national security don't run on a republican ticket. If you think like a democrat, be a democrat. Why should I, as a conservative, vote for you just because you call yourself a republican. I deserve to have a canidate that runs on the values that are important to me. If you don't, I won't vote for you, regardless of the fact that you put an "R" after your name.

Brian Siegel   November 11th, 2009 11:58 am ET

Dede says she's not that liberal? She's for the anti-democratic Card Check law, for Cap & Tax, the Stimulus waste, bank bailouts, and probably for Obamacare. Forget the social issues; regardless, she would have been no better than a leftist big gov't Democrat.
Plus I bet she's more comfortable in her new party. And when people like Heath Schuler wake up and smell the coffee, he'll find he's more comfortable in the GOP.

southerncousin   November 11th, 2009 11:58 am ET

If she thinks the Republicans are bad, she should play tapes of Barbara Boxer, Barney Frank, Durbin, Pelosi or read the comments from the liberals about Sarah Palin, then she will know what vicious, mean and hateful really is. There is no more viscious species on earth than a liberal trying to protect a lie they have told.

ladonna   November 11th, 2009 11:56 am ET

Okay Ms.Scozzafava, you betray your party and still want everyone to like you? Whatever.

Alban Smith   November 11th, 2009 11:55 am ET

Duh! What did she expect. She put her support behind the Democratic candidate. That is hardly what I would call at team player.

Rafael VA   November 11th, 2009 11:55 am ET

This lady is so stupid, I feel sorry for her...

JD   November 11th, 2009 11:53 am ET

Considering Scozzafava's traitorous endorsement of the Democrat when she took her ball and went home, I'd say she's earned every "vicious" remark hurled at her.

If she's looking for a sympathetic audience, I suggest she look up Arlen "the defector" Specter to see how turncoats fare after they betray their constituents.

Really??   November 11th, 2009 11:50 am ET

"Vicious," DeDe? How so. Could ya maybe give a concrete example or two?

Danny J   November 11th, 2009 11:50 am ET

She's not a liberal, yet she endorses a democrat? What planet is she from?

worriedmom   November 11th, 2009 11:48 am ET

Oh Dede, things were all fine when you were nominated by a select few, you had no problems with that but when someone caught onto you, now you cry foul. Why don't you do everyone a favor, either join the Democrats or just go!!!
You didn't have the votes to win anyway even if you did stay in. so boo hoo

A guy   November 11th, 2009 11:46 am ET

Dear Ms. Scozzafava:

Welcome to how YOUR party typically campaigns. Smear and fear. I don't know why you are even remotely surprised about this, it's how Republicans win elections. They throw as much mud as they possibly can.

If this election was any clue as to what is coming for Republicans, it would appear that your party has been taken over be the extreme right win fringe, and will be further marginalized as time goes on.

I, for one, could not be more thrilled, since I view Conservatism as a poison on our society.

Enough   November 11th, 2009 11:45 am ET

Oh cry me a river.............go away.

J of K   November 11th, 2009 11:44 am ET

So, she claims "she is not as liberal as her critics claim," THEN WHY DID SHE ENDORSE THE DEMOCRAT, who is liberal – just like her.!
She is a traitor to her own party. WE THE PEOPLE want CONSERVATIVES in government !

Bob in Pa   November 11th, 2009 11:44 am ET

Deal with it lady, you lost.

The Lonely Libertarian of Liverpool NY   November 11th, 2009 11:44 am ET

So true Dede are you sure your are not a Libertarian?

Fair is Fair   November 11th, 2009 11:43 am ET

Playing the victim? Oh please. If there was any doubt she was a liberal, playing the victim card just sealed it.

frank   November 11th, 2009 11:43 am ET

Dede is a quitter and a coward to stand up against the criticism she was experiencing and should join the progressive left, since they are all cowards and spinners.

Vets4Obama   November 11th, 2009 11:41 am ET

I feel for Dede, but at the same time, she should have known better. It's part of the GOP policy to be complete and total turn coats. They will turn on their country, flake on drafts, and ruin a nation. History has proven this time and time again!

The last and only good republican, was Lincoln.

D-Rob   November 11th, 2009 11:39 am ET

I would say that she's a poster child for being a RINO.

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