Doug Hoffman withdraws from NY-23.

Tuesday, October 5th at 3:00PM EDT

14 Comments

Via AoSHQ: state law requires that he’ll still be on the ballot, but he’s calling on his supporters to throw theirs behind Matt Doheny. This must have been a hard decision for Doug Hoffman; but as he himself noted, the important thing here is to not split the Republican vote against the Democratic squatter currently in it. It is my humble suggestion that we take the time to thank Doug Hoffman for ending a potential split in this race. It is also my humble suggestion that we start asking incumbent Bill Owens a question that should have started being asked a month ago: What bribe did Nancy Pelosi give you to get you to break your word on opposing Obamacare, Congressman?

Or was it a threat that Pelosi used to break him? Although there’s not much choice between greed or cowardice when contemplating the motivations of an oathbreaker: Owen’s word is worthless either way, and he’s just as contemptible, too.

See also JammieWearingFool and The Other McCain.

Moe Lane (Crosspost)

14 Comments Leave a comment

Well Done, Sir!

chipbennett (Diary) Tuesday, October 5th at 3:12PM EDT (link)

Thank you, Mr. Hoffman, for doing the right thing.

Voters do remember these sorts of things.

Remember

banzaibob (Diary) Tuesday, October 5th at 3:12PM EDT (link)

Voters in NY-23 should remember Hoffman next time just in case the Republican is voted into office and forgets why he was voted there in the first place.

Prefiero morir de pie que vivir de rodillas
It’s better to die upon your feet than to live upon your knees!
Emiliano Zapata

Doug Hoffman is a patriot

karenmartin (Diary) Tuesday, October 5th at 3:30PM EDT (link)

I supported Doug’s candidacy from afar (SC) with donations both times. Doug, you are the “everyman” candidate that the GOP needs to regain trust and integrity and I thank you both for running and for stepping aside.

http://twitter.com/karmartin
www.spartanburgteaparty.org

Several others who would do well by following your lead Mr. Hoffman.

tngal (Diary) Tuesday, October 5th at 3:33PM EDT (link)

You have fought several hard battles in the last year, thank you for running in all of them.

Kudos to Doug Hoffman

rdelbov Tuesday, October 5th at 3:53PM EDT (link)

for doing the right thing.

Losing an elections is never easy.

Best wishes to the Cause.

Class Act

reaganiterepublicanresistance Tuesday, October 5th at 4:19PM EDT (link)

You’re the kind that still makes this country great, Doug

The Reaganite Republican

not to rain on the parade here...

philhoganjr (Diary) Tuesday, October 5th at 5:37PM EDT (link)

and let me preface my comments by thanking doug for stepping out of the way, but is there a reason it took him 3 weeks to do this?

i wouldn’t think his name remaining on the ballot will be much of an impediment to a doheny win, in light of owens’ about face on obamacare and just his general “campaign as a moderate, legislate as a liberal” persona, but again, 3 weeks?

just asking.

Actually, I understand this.

randy streu (Diary) Tuesday, October 5th at 5:46PM EDT (link)

As much I wanted Hoffman to back down immediately, he had much to consider. I don’t blame him for taking his time with it. I do wish he’d done it quicker, but really, I don’t think he had any sort of pro-lib agenda.

I think that, ultimately, he wanted to wait for a few weeks’ worth of polling data to find out whether or not he had a viable candidacy. Once he realized this wasn’t going to roll like the special election did, and that he really had NO shot at winning, he did the right thing and endorsed the Republican.

Blogging also at
SLC Republitarian
The Minority Report

oh no

philhoganjr (Diary) Tuesday, October 5th at 5:54PM EDT (link)

of course there’s no pro-lib agenda, but it does smell of horse trading a little bit b/c of the timing. especially since he should have known he wasn’t viable about 7 seconds after he lost the primary.

it all worked out in the end, but this sets a bad precedent and can’t be the template going forward. eventually it’ll cost us a seat or two. or worse.

It can't be the way it works, but you have to understand all the details

randy streu (Diary) Tuesday, October 5th at 6:04PM EDT (link)

After the special election, Hoffman had made a name for himself, and garnered the support of a LOT of Republicans. In fact, he only lost the primary this go-round by about 700 votes. Add to that the national mood, particularly among Conservatives. A LOT of Conservatives aren’t that excited about electing less-than-100% Conservatives into office. And he had the support of the Conservative Party which, itself, had gained no small amount of notoriety during the Special.

Utlimately and, I think understandably, Hoffman overestimated the post-primary support he’d have among those registered Republicans who voted for him. As I say, I’d have preferred he drop out immediately, but I fully understand his reluctance, and certainly don’t begrudge him the time he took in understanding his own position.

Blogging also at
SLC Republitarian
The Minority Report

yeah

philhoganjr (Diary) Tuesday, October 5th at 6:20PM EDT (link)

not trying to sound/be combative whatsoever, but i knew all the details. i guess i’m just shocked it took him 3 weeks to come to the conclusion that others came to in 3 hours.

all’s well that ends well.

Thanks Doug. You put party and country over self.

throwback59 Tuesday, October 5th at 5:56PM EDT (link)

ARE YOU LISTENING MURKOWSKI!

Clint Didier Take Note (nt)

IJB Tuesday, October 5th at 6:07PM EDT (link)

kudos

proudgop (Diary) Tuesday, October 5th at 10:20PM EDT (link)

kudos to Hoffman now I wish Scaturro did same thing in NY 4 now. The Republicans voted for Becker we can’t divide vote it only helps MCacrthy