Talk of the town

Good morning! Here's what's making news in the political world.

NY-23

Rep. Bill Owens was picked for the House Armed Services Committee, continuing a long tradition of north country representatives.

With Mr. Owens' victory now almost certain, his former opponent Doug Hoffman is accusing ACORN, unions and the Democratic Party of tampering with ballots.

Mr. Hoffman is "flirting with irresponsible politics," North Country Public Radio's Brian Mann writes.

Making accussations like this "isn't the sort of behavoir that wins over a skeptical electorate" looking at a possible Hoffman-Owens rematch, the Washington Independent writes.

State Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long says NY-23 should serve as a reminder that Republicans can't roll Conservatives any time they please.

North country

Patty Ritchie is playing coy, Mayor Graham writes, about her desire to be the Republican Party candidate in the 48th State Senate District.