ENDORSEMENTS: Newt Gingrich, Peter King, Bricklayers, Conservative Victory Fund
Newt Gingrich, the conservative Republican lawmaker considered to be the architect of the "Republican revolution" in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994, has endorsed Dede Scozzafava in the 23rd Congressional District race.
Mr. Gingrich has reached out to his network of supporters on behalf of Ms. Scozzafava, writing: "This special election in New York's 23rd Congressional District could be the first election of the new Republican Revolution, but we need the momentum to get it started. This election is our chance to send a strong message that common sense will soon be restored in Washington. I am proud to support Dede Scozzafava's candidacy and hope you will join me."
The former House speaker said he supported Ms. Scozzafava because she is a "champion of low taxes," "tough on crime," "opposes the left's big government health care bill," "supports common sense tort reform," and "opposes cap-and-trade."
"She supports the type of all of the above, comprehensive energy plan I championed during our Drill Here Drill Now Pay Less campaign at American Solutions that garnered over 1.5 million signatures," added Mr. Gringrich.
Georgia's former representative also said Ms. Scozzafava signed the Americans for Tax Reforms' "Taxpayers' Protection Pledge." This is a very recent development, and a change of stated position.
As of Monday, ATR was still calling for her to sign. Yesterday, she signed the document with zero fanfare from her campaign.
Ms. Scozzafava also told the Adirondack Daily Enterprise less than two weeks ago that she wouldn't sign the pledge because - quoting the writer's paraphrasing of Ms. Scozzafava - "the income tax is just one form of tax, and that more people could be impacted if, for example, you refuse to increase income taxes under any circumstances but raise other taxes or fees instead."
Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party's candidate, signed the pledge soon after being picked in August. At the time, he called on Ms. Scozzafava and Bill Owens, the Democrats candidate, to join him. They refused, with Ms. Scozzafava's team calling it "a stunt," and Mr. Owens' team said their candidate refused to sign because "a national crisis is possible at any time and taking a pledge never to raise taxes is not responsible."
I think it's hard to argue with either Ms. Scozzafava's original point or Mr. Owens' continued point. Our future congressperson just doesn't know what lies ahead. It's admirable to vow not to raise income taxes, but it may not be feasible given whatever may occur.
It appears like Mr. Gingrich's endorsement is worth more to Ms. Scozzafava than sticking to her stated belief on this particular issue.
The Post-Standard had this story first, and emphasized its national context more than I did here.
Rep. Peter King has endorsed Ms. Scozzafava. Read more here.
The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local No. 2, Albany, also endorsed Ms. Scozzafava. They have more than 1,500 members in upstate New York.
"Your bipartisan approach to government is very important to working families during this time of crisis in Washington," said Bob Mantello, head bricklayer, in a statement. "We are proud to give our endorsement to you and pledge our staunch support in the coming weeks."
Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party's candidate, was endorsed by the Conservative Victory Fund, the nation's oldest conservative campaign committee. It was founded by former U.S. Rep. John Ashbrook more than 35 years ago.
"Only one candidate has spoken out consistently against higher taxes, against big business bailouts, against the government taking over our health care, and for traditional values. That candidate is Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate," the fund's leaders said. "Doug Hoffman also fights for family values. He supports the right to life. Doug Hoffman represents the values that make America great. Conservative Victory Fund is proud to support him."
