GOP leaders swing to Owens two weeks before the election.
The three candidates in the 23rd Congressional District race special election last year listen to moderator Dan Cummings during a debate at WSYR-TV, Channel 9. From left are Democrat Bill Owens, Republican Dede Scozzafava and Doug Hoffman, who ran under the Conservative Party line. Scozzafava dropped out of the race and endorsed Owens, a Democrat who had never been enrolled in a political party. Washington -- In a move similar to last year’s October surprise, three elected Republicans in the 23rd Congressional District broke with their party Thursday and endorsed the Democrat, U.S. Rep. Bill Owens.
The three GOP endorsements included an enthusiastic testimonial from State Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, R-Gouverneur. She pulled out of the 23rd District race last year on the weekend before Election Day and asked her supporters to vote for Owens.
On Thursday, Scozzafava joined two elected Republicans from Oswego County – Granby Supervisor Ed Williamson and Fulton City Alderman Tom Kenyon – in announcing their support for Owens, D-Plattsburgh.
Williamson and Kenyon had backed Doug Hoffman in his failed bid for the Republican nomination in September, which he lost to Matt Doheny, of Watertown.
Scozzafava, Williamson and Kenyon – in rejecting Doheny -- praised Owens for his ability to reach across party lines.
“At a time when our nation is polarized by partisan divide, Congressman Owens provides the type of leadership we need that will work across the aisle for the best interest of all the citizens of New York’s 23rd Congressional District,” Scozzafava said in an appearance with Owens in Watertown.
Likewise, Wiliamson said Owens has shown a willingness to help the town of Granby and set aside politics to help residents of the sprawling 11-county district.
Granby Town Supervisor Ed Williamson (left) is shown here meeting Doug Hoffman in September, before Hoffman dropped out of the race in the 23rd Congressional District. Now Williamson, a Republican, supports Rep. Bill Owens, a Democrat, instead of GOP nominee Matt Doheny. "Congressman Owens was there when we called on him for local issues,” Williamson said in a statement. “When we called for assistance on the cleanup of Lake Neatahwanta, Congressman Owens came and pledged his support. He met with neighbors along the Oswego River concerning the water chestnut and duckweed infestation.”
Williamson added, “While we don’t necessarily agree on every issue, we know Congressman Owens is thoughtful in his decision-making process and will continue to work to improve legislation that impacts the lives of people in Central and Northern New York.”
Kenyon, the Fulton alderman, also praised Owens for his willingness to help constituents regardless of their political leanings.
"Congressman Owens pays attention to the small stuff,” Kenyon said. “When we called for assistance on an issue, he traveled to Fulton on a Sunday afternoon to see for himself what the problem was, and is working toward a solution. He has the people of the region’s interests in mind when he makes decisions."
Contact Washington correspondent Mark Weiner at mweiner@syracuse.com or 571-970-3751.