| The 23rd congressional district race is a bit more clearer, although the backgrounds of the respective candidates will make you dizzy.
On the Democratic side, Bill Owens is an independent who was selected by the 11 county Democratic chairs to run for the seat that will be vacated by Rep. John McHugh, who is leaving to become the Secretary of the Army in President Barack Obama's administration.
The Republicans picked Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, a pro-choice and pro-marriage equality candidate who is known as a bit of a maverick in Republican circles.
In response to the Republicans' choice, the Conservative Party has nominated Doug Hoffman to run on their line as the conservative candidate in the race. The Conservative Party, which is known for putting social issues at the forefront of their selection process, decided against endorsing Scozzafava because of her social liberal views.
There are those who are wondering why the Democrats picked a moderate independent to run. The reason is that you aren't going to win NY-23 with someone who is a staunch progressive. Scozzafava, while being a social liberal, isn't liberal on too much else. She, like the man she wants to succeed, is fairly moderate and will vote with the Republicans most of the time. Owens, the Democratic choice, makes it known that he is a moderate and doesn't deviate from that.
The enrollment in the district shows you what we are looking at in terms of voters:
| 23rd Congressional District Enrollment |
| DEM |
REP |
IND |
CON |
WFP |
GRE |
LIB |
SWP |
BLK |
TOTAL |
| 120,887 |
167,272 |
19,619 |
5,561 |
1,482 |
911 |
77 |
3 |
76,194 |
392,006 |
The reality is that you aren't going to win NY-23 with a staunch progressive or a staunch conservative. McHugh has served the district well and is known as a moderate. That is why he was such a tough election foe. In order to serve the district, you have to be able to balance yourself.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- People have pointed out that Owens is to the right of Scozzafava on marriage equality. That's true, but he isn't to the right on the issue. He is actually in the middle, arguing that his religious beliefs prevent him from being a supporter, but does believe that equal rights are important. The conservative in the race, Hoffman, is opposed to marriage equality altogether. If you had to pick from Owens or Hoffman, which would you rather have? Also, I would like to hear Owens on repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell and whether or not he would support other key LGBT legislation. As a friend reminded me, a certain high-profile Democrat held a very similar view of marriage equality that Owens does. We just happened to elect that Democrat our president.
- Scozzafava will be tough, especially when it comes to getting the minor party lines. She has already secured the Independence Party line and will also be in the running for the Working Families Party line. Owens might be able to secure the WFP line, but that will be up to the party to decide.
- Hoffman won't win, but he will play spoiler. The conservatives (and Conservative Party) will try and make this about social issues. With Owens and Scozzafava both pro-choice and Scozzafava pro-marriage equality, the Conservative Party will seek to steal votes that may have been headed in Scozzafava's direction.
While voter turnout for this special election might not be high for a congressional race, it's not your typical special election. If everything falls into place, the election will take place on Election Day 2009. That means down-ticket races (county legislature, town board, mayoral races, etc.) could benefit from having a high-profile race on the ballot. Voter turnout won't be at record levels, but it shouldn't be as bad as some are assuming it will be.
Is Owens a progressive candidate? No. But the Democratic chairs weren't looking for a progressive candidate. They were looking for someone who fit the district. There will be people who question why Democrats would pick an independent to run on their line. It is a good question to ask, but the decision was apparently a unanimous one and a decision that was supported by the DCCC.
There is a lot more to learn about these candidates. That I will say. There has been a lot of reactionary comments made about Scozzafava's pro-choice and pro-marriage equality stances as if those positions alone make you a progressive. That only makes her progressive on those issues.
The election is still a few months away, but it sure will have the attention of New Yorkers. A lot will be on the line. There is a lot of work to be done. So let's get to work. |
