Doug Hoffman Still Running in NY-23

Republican Doug Hoffman, of Lake Placid, was passed over by Republican Party leaders in New York’s 23rd Congressional District a few weeks ago when they selected Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava to be their nominee for the soon-to-be vacant seat currently held by Congressman John McHugh. Doug Hoffman, however, is still a candidate. After the Republicans selected the liberal Scozzafava, the New York State Conservative Party refused to allow her to run on their ballot line. Just last week, they announced that Doug Hoffman would be the Conservative Party’s pick for the seat. Hoffman is a businessman, community leader and is active in his local Republican Party organization. The Democrats have yet to name a candidate in the race, but their selection could come as early as today. Democrat Mike Oot, who ran against McHugh in 2008, has reportedly taken his name out of consideration.