In the wake of the NY-23 Congressional election in which moderate Republican Dede Scozzafava was forced out by a dirty campaign waged by Dick Armey's Club for Growth, her name has become a verb used to described the process of being screwed over by the Republican purists. In a fascinating article in today's Washington Post, it seems clear that the GOP is in the process of Scozzafavaing itself.
Scozzafava was a long-time Republican NY state assemblywoman with a voting record to the right of the norm for her party in Albany. She seemed like a natural choice for an easy victory in a district that had never sent a Democrat to Congress. The Club for Growth came up with a goofball named Hoffman who knew nothing of local issues and in fact, didn't even live in the district. But he was ideologically pure. There was no sunlight between him and Sarah Palin and Jim DeMint. Scozzafava, on the other hand, had supported gay rights, abortion rights, and even had some contact with labor leaders. After a dirty campaign in which she was bizarely labeled the Acorn candidate, Scozzafava dropped out without endorsing anyone. Hoffman did not call her to offer condolences. Neither did George Pataki or any of the other prominent NY Republicans who encouraged her to run. Who did call? Bob Owens, the Democratic candidate for one. Bill Clinton for another. Also, Senator Shumer, Atty. General Cuomo, and a host of other prominent NY Democrats. As a result, Scozzafava endorsed Bill Owens and he won.
When Scozzafava returned to Albany, the punishment continued. She was stripped of her leadership position and she may be considering a switch to theDemocratic party. The Republicans control all of 40 seats out of 150 in the Assembly. They can ill afford to alienate a member, but that's just what they're doing.
So, while the GOP punishes those who stray from the strict party line, the Democrats are building coalitions. Which party seems like the party of the future?
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