Election backlash takes its toll

Assemblywoman Dierdre K. Scozzafava, R-Gouverneur, said she resigned Monday as her party's minority leader pro tempore after Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb, told her "it was in the best interests of the conference that I not remain in the No. 2 position."

Ms. Scozzafava said she "fully anticipated" losing the floor leader position after suspending her campaign for the 23rd Congressional District seat Oct. 31 and endorsing Democrat William L. Owens the following day. Her action ran counter to the state and national Republican Party establishments, which quickly lined up to support Conservative candidate Douglas L. Hoffman. Following her announcement, GOP leaders publicly attacked Ms. Scozzafava.

"He indicated it was difficult for him for me to remain in that position and I respect his feelings," Ms. Scozzafava said.

She declined to say if Mr. Kolb threatened to fire her if she did not resign.

The minority leader did not return a phone call seeking comment, but said previously that he was "deeply saddened and disappointed" by Ms. Scozzafava's decision to endorse Mr. Owens. The Plattsburgh Democrat surprised pollsters and won the special election Nov. 3, fueled in part by a wide margin of victory in St. Lawrence County, Ms. Scozzafava's home turf.

Ms. Scozzafava announced her resignation to the 41-member Republican conference Monday. She thanked members who had supported her candidacy, but did not apologize for backing Mr. Owens. The assemblywoman said Monday she had "no regrets" about backing Mr. Owens because she believed he was best equipped to represent her constituents in Congress.

Ms. Scozzafava said she asked members "to think about exactly what our party is and what we stand for — or we're never going to make gains."

The assemblywoman said she received a standing ovation from the group.

Ms. Scozzafava said she has no plans to leave her party or the Assembly conference, but remained uncertain about whether she will seek re-election in 2010.

"Right now, it's my job to look at the budget deficit in this state, and come up with ways we're going to stimulate the economy," she said. "Those are my goals, and looking beyond that is premature at this point."

Ms. Scozzafava said she anticipated Mr. Kolb would pick a new pro tempore before the Assembly convenes for its January session. The floor leader directs debate so all members of the conference have a chance to speak on issues of their choosing. Ms. Scozzafava was appointed to the position April 28.

The position includes a $16,500 stipend, which Ms. Scozzafava is paid weekly. For now, the Republican said she will remain in Room 446 of the Legislative Office Building, a larger office she inherited with the position.