Hoffman drops his third party run for NY-23 leaving Doheny and Owens to battle for the seat

By Sam Foster

Who better than RSM to explain why this is such a tragedy, but regardless, today Doug Hoffman has announced that he will end his campaign as a third party bid on the conservative ballot.  Unlike Dede Scozzafava, who backed Democrat Bill Owens, Doug left with an endorsement of Republican Matt Doheny.  After which, local Tea Party, UNYTEA, threw their support in for Doheny as well.  

Via Adirondack Daily Enterprise:

Hoffman's name will still appear on the ballot on the Conservative line; however, Hoffman said Tuesday morning that he wants his supporters to vote for Republican Matt Doheny.

"Our nation is at a crossroads, and it is imperative that on Election Day we wrest control of Congress from Nancy Pelosi and the Democrat majority," Hoffman said in a prepared statement. "It was never my intention to split the Republican vote."

"Matt Doheny and I may have differed on some issues during the course of our primary race," Hoffman said. "Now, we must put those differences aside and do what is best for our nation."

Hoffman spokesman Rob Ryan wouldn't elaborate on the statement Tuesday morning.

Sources close to the story have said repeatedly over the past month that Hoffman's campaign didn't have the financing or staff to be viable this year. His campaign offices in Plattsburgh and Watertown closed after the primary. His main office on Saranac Lake's River Street has usually been closed since then, although there has been some activity visible over the past week.

"My reaction is, Doug has done the right and noble thing," said Mark Barie, chairman of the Upstate New York Tea Party, when informed of Doug Hoffman's decision. "By suspending his campaign, he is giving Matt Doheny a clear shot at the incumbent, Mr. Owens, and increased the likelihood that Matt Doheny will be victorious on Nov. 2."

You will note that Hoffman's name will still appear on the Conservative ballot.  While the Libs will try and make this some sort of potential GOP spoiler and while Hoffman will take a few votes, I think the argument is unjustified.

Best of luck to you Doug.