Scozzafava Leaves NY 23 Race

Republicans everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief. Controversial candidate Dede Scozzafava caused a shakeup Saturday when she suspended her bid to run in New York's 23rd Congressional District's special election next Tuesday. A spokesperson for the liberal-leaning Republican attributed her dropout to spending: "She was unable to define herself where people didn't know her.” In a letter addressed to her supporters, Scozzafava admitted that recent polls showed her chances of winning were unlikely, and conceded that "you must be able to back up your message with money." Scozzafava has been outspent by her two opponents, Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman and Democrat Bill Owens. The state assemblywoman didn't endorse either of the remaining candidates on her way out, but granted her supporters the chance to shift their support.