Here it all is. 73wire and Robert Stacy McCain are the only ones on the scene here.
Bravo Dede and her team.
Dear Friends and Supporters:
Throughout the course of my campaign for Congress, I have made the people of the 23rd District and the issues that affect them the focal point of my campaign. As a life long resident of this District, I care deeply and passionately about its people and our way of life. Whether as a candidate for Congress, a State Assemblywoman or a small town Mayor, I have always sought to act with the best interest of our District and its residents in mind—and today I again seek to act for the good of our community.
The opportunity to run as the Republican and Independence Party candidate to represent the 23rd District has been and remains one of the greatest honors of my life. During the past several months, as I’ve traveled the district, meeting and talking with voters about the issues that matter most to them, I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support I’ve received as I sought to serve as their voice in Washington. However, as Winston Churchill once said, Democracy can be a fickle employer, and the road to public office is not always a smooth one.
In recent days, polls have indicated that my chances of winning this election are not as strong as we would like them to be. The reality that I’ve come to accept is that in today’s political arena, you must be able to back up your message with money—and as I’ve been outspent on both sides, I’ve been unable to effectively address many of the charges that have been made about my record. But as I’ve said from the start of this campaign, this election is not about me, it’s about the people of this District. And, as always, today I will do what I believe serves their interests best.
It is increasingly clear that pressure is mounting on many of my supporters to shift their support. Consequently, I hereby release those individuals who have endorsed and supported my campaign to transfer their support as they see fit to do so. I am and have always been a proud Republican. It is my hope that with my actions today, my Party will emerge stronger and our District and our nation can take an important step towards restoring the enduring strength and economic prosperity that has defined us for generations.
On Election Day my name will appear on the ballot, but victory is unlikely. To those who support me – and to those who choose not to – I offer my sincerest thanks.
Dede
Stacie Burke
This is fantastic news.
PadPenLaptop
Great reporting Ali, and the rest of you at 73 Wire. What an awesome styled website with the live twitter feed at the bottom. Looks like the future to me.
Rosa Leda
This isn’t a drop out speech,it’s a COP OUT speech.
It’s a “please don’t really investigate my association with ACORN” speech.If she really cared about her country she would have been directed by who lives here in NY,who’s actually paying her damned salary.(that we know of anyway)
David Hinz
Even in parting she takes shots at Hoffman. Outspent? She had the NRCC behind her. And she turns her supporters loose to vote as they choose? Support the real Republican Dede! http://tinyurl.com/yjovq3s
Great job on the ground you guys!
DCinWF
Congratulations conservatives! Is it too late to get involved in the New Jersey governers race?
tina ferguson
This is JUST what America is all about … having values and LIVING them. I hope this Halloween TREAT keeps the rest of us conservatives fighting!!! Tina in Tennessee
Jennifer
Behold. The power of the American Voter.
Rick
Excellent coverage guys…and great news!!!
gigi
This is the best news I’ve heard in some time. Perhaps there is truly some hope that we can turn things around!! Every conservative win is a win for We the People and the ability for us to uphold the Constitution!
God, I pray every night for some real “hope”. That word has now become a four letter word and we need to find a new one with a positive connotation!
RENA
And let’s not forget George Pataki who most assuredly helped to push this over the top!
Pete Espinoza
Now let’s move on and Hoffman elected!!!! Great job Ali!!! All the way from rainy Seattle.
Mark
For the love of God and country, if you live in NY23, vote for Hoffman Tuesday. A big turnout will send a message to Washington that we’re coming for THEM next!
Phil
Dede like all politicians BUY their position. Whoever raises the most cask for advertising wins.
The RNCC backed off contributions after the flack they recieved when Michael Steele and Newt Gingrich supported her.
This is yet another GREAT tea party accomplishment, more are to follow
Bruce
I can only hope the country will support change in the “Peoples Republic of California” when its our turn. This is great news and shows what the people of this great nation are able to do. Stay commited to our core values and listen to no one except each other. Truth will win in the end if you believe!
BLAKE
(A)= Conservative American
One Nation Under GOD
The current Congress better pay Attention, The AMERICANS OWN THIS COUNTRY….
Go HOFFMAN…Vote Hoffman
Take back OUR NATION…
Diane Munro
Can you hear us now Washington . You are next.
Mary
Wahooooo! I am so excited right now!!! We must keep the heat on the GOP. Newt and his bunch must not be the face of the Republican party in future. Good work to all.
Citygal
I thought it was gracious & classy. A wise move for the betterment of the district.
Recon
Dede made a good decision here, but I admit to being concerned about who her supporters will break for. I don’t assume it to be Hoffman – there’s every chance that someone who supported her would break for Owens instead. I’m pulling for Doug, but it ain’t over til it’s over…break a leg Hoffman. Break a bunch of them, as a matter of fact.
gary
Now we need to help all the other Conservative candidates win their primary battles. The battle will be won or lost next February during the primaries, not next November.
John M. McGrath
GREAT NEWS!
DC here we are on the way.
Marsha
YES! This is fantastic news! Great work everyone who helped make this happen. RINOS, listen up, because you’re next! It should ALWAYS be principles over party! America is finally waking up!! I live in Texas and I contributed to Hoffman’s campaign. Go Doug!! God bless you and God bless America!!
D.C. Loux
So, is this Concord bridge, and the shot heard ’round the world? Guess I’m more concerned that it’s heard in all the 50 States! When its California’s turn we will need all the help you can muster! Go TTP!
rdk
Tremendous accomplishment. Scozzofava should be congratulated for doing the right thing.