Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate in the NY-23 special election, has picked up two more endorsements from sitting House Republicans, Tom Cole of Oklahoma and Dana Rohrabacher of California, who are joining in the right-wing revolt against the nomination of moderate Republican Dede Scozzafava.
Cole’s endorsement is big news, because he is in fact a former chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee — the party organization dedicated to electing Republicans to the House. He was NRCC chair during the disastrous 2008 cycle, and is now going against the party’s candidate in a seat that the GOP could potentially lose as a result of the Republican split.
“Doug Hoffman is right on the critical issues facing America — and he is the only Republican who can win this special election,” said Cole, whose endorsement was initially reported by Bill Kristol. “For those reasons I have chosen to endorse Mr. Hoffman and my leadership PAC has contributed to his campaign. I look forward to working with Doug in Congress and welcoming him into the Republican Conference.”
Rohrabacher said in a statement: “We don’t need Tweedle-Dum or Tweedle-Dee, we need Hoffman. He’s not afraid to stand up and speak the truth. A Republican Majority in name only means nothing, especially in a district that can elect a real Republican.”
Hoffman has been endorsed by five GOP House members: Michele Bachmann (MN), Todd Tiahrt (KS), John Linder (GA), plus Cole and Rohrabacher. And he has been endorsed by one Republican Senator, Jim DeMint of South Carolina.
