Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX) formally endorsed Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman in the NY-23 special election, further deepening the split on the right in this campaign for a GOP-held swing seat.
Hoffman is running against Democrat Bill Owens and the regular Republican nominee, Dede Scozzafava, who has been assailed on the right for her liberal positions on issues like abortion, gay marriage and the Employee Free Choice Act. A recent Siena poll; showed Owens narrowly ahead of Scozzafava in a three-way race, and benefitting enormously from the split in Republican ranks.
Said Armey: “Though Doug may not be running on the Republican line, Doug is the real Republican in this race and that’s why I’m endorsing him today.” Those are some strong words for a former House GOP leader, to be disowning his party’s official candidate.
Check out the full Hoffman campaign press release, after the jump.
DICK ARMEY ENDORSES DOUG HOFFMAN
Former Majority Leader: Hoffman is the real Republican in race
Doug Hoffman, the conservative Republican candidate for Congress (NY-23), today received the endorsement of former House Majority Leader Dick Armey. Citing Hoffman’s support for “lower taxes, less government and more freedom” Armey endorsed Hoffman in front of a room filled with supporters at Hoffman’s Watertown, NY campaign headquarters. Armey, a Texas Republican, served in the House of Representatives from 1985 – 2003 and held the title of House Majority Leader from 1995-2003.
Dick Armey said: “I am endorsing Doug Hoffman in this crucial race for Congress for three very basic reasons; Doug Hoffman believes in lower taxes, less government and more freedom. He’s not a career politician; he’s private citizen (sic) who has had enough and has the courage to stand-up and take action for the good of his community and his nation. As an Army veteran, a CPA, and a small businessman Doug understands the problems that affect the voters of the 23rd Congressional District. As a husband, a father and a grandfather he realizes that if we don’t take action now, what sort of America will we have to pass on to succeeding generations. Though Doug may not be running on the Republican line, Doug is the real Republican in this race and that’s why I’m endorsing him today.”
Doug Hoffman said: “I want to thank Dick Armey for his kind words and his heartfelt endorsement. Dick Armey knows what it means to be in a hard-fought race. When he first ran for Congress in 1984 he wasn’t given much of a chance, but, by standing on principles and standing up for freedom he pulled off an against all odds victory. In less than two weeks I plan to do the same thing. Dick Armey and I share a vision for America. It’s an America based on freedom. Freedom from high taxes, which weigh heavy on the back of hard working Americans. Freedom from oppressive bureaucratic red tape and regulations, that shackle the business community and stifles an economic recovery. And, freedom from a government that seems intent on regulating every facet of its citizens lives. Over the next twelve days I plan to work hard and with the support of Dick Armey and the voters of the 23rd Congressional District we will win this race.”
