Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), a leading right-wing voice in Congress, has endorsed Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman in the NY-23 special election, instead of moderate Republican nominee Dede Scozzafava.

By our count, this makes DeMint the fourth sitting member of Congress to endorse Hoffman, and the first Senator to do so, following Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), and Rep John Linder (R-GA).

DeMint said: "Too often, we're told that Republicans have to be like Democrats to be competitive in states like New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. But the truth is voters don't want to be forced to pick between two liberals; they want a real choice. If voters want to give Washington more control over our lives, they can always vote for Democrats."