Vice president plans trip to Watertown to support Democrat

Democratic Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. is coming Monday to Watertown to rally support for William L. Owens, his party's candidate in the 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. Biden's 10 a.m. appearance at the North Side Improvement League is part of a cavalcade of politicians and celebrities coming here to make one final push for their candidate of choice before Tuesday's election.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten D. Gillibrand, D-N.Y., threw her support behind Mr. Owens during a Friday visit to Tug Hill Vineyards, Lowville. Former Gov. George E. Pataki is coming today to stump for Douglas L. Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate — although the Hoffman campaign could not provide details on Pataki's visit late Friday night.

John Rich, half of the county music duo Big & Rich, announced he'll headline a "get out the vote" concert Monday for Mr. Hoffman. The bash, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Agriculture Exhibition Hall, 615 W.T. Fields Drive.

City Manager Mary M. Corriveau said the city does not anticipate any expenses related to the Hoffman rally. She was called Friday morning by Mr. Hoffman's camp, seeking permission to hire off-duty officers for the event, and that was granted, Mrs. Corriveau said.

If traffic congestion develops because of the rally, on-duty patrols will be available, she said.

The lack of star power stumping for Assemblywoman Diedre K. Scozzafava hasn't stopped her from hitting the campaign trail.

On Friday the Republican candidate spoke at the West Carthage Veteran's Administration clinic about health care.

"I think people should have access to affordable health care," she said to a small audience of doctors, nurses, board members and hospital administrators in the VA conference room. However, she added, she is not confident in the ability of legislation currently on the table to accomplish that goal.

Although she has not had the chance to read over all 1,990 pages of a health care reform bill introduced to the House of Representatives on Thursday, Ms. Scozzafava said she has read parts and is concerned about the ability of the bill to reduce health care costs.

Ms. Scozzafava instead advocated tort reform, streamlining reporting requirements for hospitals and encouraging competition across state lines as strategies to drive down health care costs. She also does not support a federal requirement for employers to supply health insurance for employees.

"An employer mandate at this time is a very scary thing for me. Businesses are struggling already," Ms. Scozzafava said.

Times staff writers David Shampine, Robert Brauchle and Julia Foy contributed to this report.