Political heavyweights travel to NY 23
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/02/art.bidenthompson.gi.jpg caption="Two political heavyweights are descending on New York's 23rd congressional district Monday,"](CNN) - Two political heavyweights are descending on New York's 23rd congressional district Monday, 24 hours before voters in that closely-watched special House race head to the polls.
Vice President Joe Biden is set to hold a morning rally in Watertown with Democrat Bill Owens at 10 a.m. ET. Biden's visit comes two days after Republican Dede Scozzafava withdrew from the race - a seeming blow to Owens who had benefited from Sozzafava and conservative third-party candidate Dough Hoffman splitting the opposition vote.
Meanwhile former GOP presidential candidate Fred Thompson is also heading to the upstate New York district, holding a campaign event with Hoffman Monday evening.
Thompson, among Hoffman's earliest high-profile backers who was the recent star of a campaign commercial for the independent conservative, said in a statement "Dough is Target No. 1 for the Democrats' political machine, they are desperate to win."
A recent Siena College poll conducted before Socozzafava withdrew from the race suggests Owens and Hoffman were locked in a statistical dead heat, 36-35 percent, with Scozzafava far behind at 20 percent. Political observers predict more than two-thirds of Scozzafava's supporters are now likely to cast their vote for Hoffman.
Biden also campaigned with Owens in September while President Obama made an appearance at a fundraiser for Owens in New York City earlier this month.
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While it is likely that Hoffman will win, I don't think that is good news for Republican leadership. Ultimately, they failed to maintain party unity behind a candidate they hand picked. It would appear that instead of mobilizing their base, they stirred up an angry mob that they can't control or predict.
Strangely enough, I also think this proves that the WH's opinion of Fox news & tea baggers is mistaken. These people are not a wing of the GOP, because the GOP can't control them.
When you wrote 'heavyweights,' I thought Rush Dimebag was taking his un American campaign to the 23rd.
Thompson and his far right fundamentalists are desperately driving out all moderates to push my former GOP further to the right of extreme. Sad.
It is reprehensible how the GOP "hierarchy" treated Dede and no wonder she endorsed the moderate Owens for her supporters, rightfully so.
Hoffman and his far right carpetbaggings do not have a grasp on the issues facing NY-23. He has that wide-eyed, deer-in-the-headlights look I do not trust in any politician.
Without Dede Scozzafava in the race, Owens is clearly the better choice.
Just what this country needs. More crazies in Congress.
This country deserves all the bad that happens to it. We have to be the stupidest people in the world.
After being railroaded by the republican party am glad to see that Dede is supporting the democratic candidate. Hopefully that will
give him enough votes for the win.
Cannot believe any intelligent person would support the republicans actions and a candidate who caters to the radical religious right.
Fred Thompson? Politicial heavyweight? I really don't think so. This big mouth clown does not even belong in the same ring as VP Biden, he a actor period. Who in the hell will listen to this clown let alone follow his advice on a canadate.
And, as usual, the question will have to be asked: "Is Biden's participation a gain for the democrats or republicans?"
Since when is Joe Biden a political heavyweight? The DNC should keep him in Washington so his big mouth won't hurt them more than he has already. I like his porcelon veneers and hair plugs though!
LIke the elections in VA, and NJ, the NY 23rd is another election with political shills tripping all over each other telling the peopl of the district what to do. Let the people decide amongst themseleves.
Wow! In a conservative district, a conservative is winning. I gotta sit down!
the only reason this was a story at all, was because a Dem had a chance for the first time in like a century. Now that the Rep dropped out, why is this still a story?
I am an Independent--but I am thrilled that there might be at least 2 big losses for Obama and the Democrats on Tuesday.
And, if Chrisitie can take New Jersey-–3 big losses for Obama and the Democrats!! New Jersey--a Democrat stronghold state--and a Republican is tied in the polls with the Democrat.
Let's hope that the conservatives win in all 3 races-–so that we can save our country from destruction due to Obama and the Democrats.