With Aubertine out, Independence Party endorses Scozzafava

The state Independence Party endorsed Assemblywoman Dierdre K. Scozzafava, R-Gouverneur, on Friday for the 23rd Congressional District seat.

The third party often cross-endorses GOP candidates for state and national offices, although state party Chairman Frank M. MacKay dropped a surprise twist last month. He vowed to give the line outright to Democrat Darrel J. Aubertine if the state senator opted to run for Congress. But Mr. Aubertine announced Thursday he was staying put, so the party returned to familiar moorings.

Ms. Scozzafava, who was nominated by Republicans to be their congressional candidate Wednesday, was endorsed by the Independence Party during previous bids for the Assembly.