Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate in the NY-23 special election, appeared on Glenn Beck’s TV show today, and said a victory in the special election will send a strong message to the GOP about future candidate selections.
“I’m fighting for the heart and soul of the Republican Party,” said Hoffman. “And I think if I win this campaign, that people will take notice, and the next time they select a candidate, they will look at the principles.”
Hoffman is running against Democrat Bill Owens and moderate Republican Dede Scozzafava, whose selection as the GOP’s candidate has triggered a revolt by right-wing activists and politicians across the country. Scozzafava is pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, and even pro-Employee Free Choice Act. So if Hoffman wins, or even just spoils the race in favor of the Democrats, the GOP will know that moderate candidates need not apply for other races — thus foiling efforts by some in the party to expand their ranks and ideological reach.
