RNC Backs Hoffman In NY-23 Shakeup

The Republican National Committee announced it will immediately back Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman following GOP candidate Dede Scozzafava's campaign suspension in the special election in New York's 23rd Congressional district.

Here is Chairman Mike Steele's statement.

"The Republican National Committee respects Dede's decision to suspend her campaign. This selfless act of releasing her supporters provides voters with the opportunity to unite around a candidate who shares Republican principles and will serve the interests of his constituents in Congress by standing in opposition to the liberal policies of President Obama and Speaker Pelosi.

Effective immediately, the RNC will endorse and support the conservative candidate in the race, Doug Hoffman. Doug's campaign will receive the financial backing of the RNC, and get-out-the-vote efforts to defeat Bill Owens on Tuesday.

I appreciate the hard work Dede put into her campaign, and for understanding the political reality of this race. By releasing her supporters she has gracefully placed the Party before her own self interest, and for this she deserves enormous credit and respect."

The DCCC weighs in as well with a jab at the National Republican Congressional Committee.

"From day 1, the NRCC has mishandled the race to replace former Congressman John McHugh. The NRCC spent nearly $1 million - a quarter of their current cash on hand - on a race where they didn't understand the district or how NY State ballots worked, and couldn't lock in the endorsements of their own leadership," said DCCC spokeswoman Jennifer Crider.