Collins stumps for GOP hopeful

CANTON — More than 50 supporters of Republican Dierdre K. Scozzafava's campaign for the 23rd Congressional District turned out Saturday at Phoebe's Restaurant to hear U.S. Sen. Susan K. Collins, R-Maine, and Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Fla., tell them she was the best candidate.

Ms. Brown-Waite, a former New Yorker and a graduate of the SUNY system, said stumping for Ms. Scozzafava was worth the trip north.

Ms. Collins, a 1975 graduate of St. Lawrence University, was in town for the inauguration of SLU President William L. Fox, so was available for the breakfast rally. As a college freshman, she said she was struck by the north country's resemblance to northern Maine.

"That's why I felt so strongly about being here for Dede today. I know this area and what it takes to represent," Ms. Collins said. "You want someone who really understands the concerns of the district. You had that in John McHugh and you're going to have it again in Dede."

Ms. Collins said the first question she asked Mr. McHugh after his nomination as secretary of the Army was if Republicans could keep his seat, and he assured her Ms. Scozzafava would be an excellent successor.

But Ms. Scozzafava's campaign is struggling in the polls. She trails financially behind both of her opponents, Democrat William L. Owens, and Conservative Douglas L. Hoffman.

Ms. Collins urged supporters to help Ms. Scozzafava financially and personally offered her $1,000.

The senator also suggested supporters make a flier using newspaper editorials from the Ogdensburg Journal on Ms. Scozzafava's strengths and the Watertown Daily Times on Mr. Hoffman's limitations, and distribute them door-to-door.

Ms. Brown-Waite urged supporters to keep faith in their candidate.

"I think the tide is going the other way," she said. "Dede is a trusted entity."

Ms. Scozzafava said the election was too important to be hijacked by outsiders more interested in national power plays than what's best for the north country.

"They don't know us. They don't know this region and they don't care," she said. "Victory is all the more sweet when it doesn't come easily."