UPDATE (Eric Odom here editing this story with the updates):
Ali posted this earlier and we’ve been waiting for the “developing” parts that apparently never came. It appears as though this might not be voter intimidation, but instead could be a flat tire by broken bottle.
The police department is not really confirming it either way, but indications lead us to believe there isn’t much to this story. I’ll post updates as they come in.
Thanks to everyone helping us get the accurate information!
Several days ago we attended the Candidate’s Forum at SUNY in Plattsburgh. As I was there in my capacity with the group from 73wire – my job was to manage interactive media, gain coverage, and special access.
I got a tip a day prior. It was a former employee of CommutAir. Several of those employees have lost their livelihoods because of the acts of Owens, allegedly.
Owens seemed really dodgy on the issue. You decide, here’s the video (which the local media covered like hyenas on fresh meat):
The NRCC touched on this issue in a one sentence jab on a website they created, but it was hardly publicized. It was news to me until I googled it.
My source hasn’t sent me their story, so I can’t tell it now, but I personally feel for those affected in Clinton County. Should Owens somehow stumble into an election win (I hear ACORN is on the way, no, seriously… Clinton County too), I’ll investigate and get the full story. I’ve said all along – this could be the epicenter of the election. With more registered Democrats than Republicans yet a pillar in the Hoffman grassroots operation, one can’t help but be on pins and needles.
Long story short on CommutAir (as I understand it): They had jobs here. They took their shop out of the District and moved it to Ohio. They owed money (among other scandals) to the employees. Bill Owens helped their defense and fought to make sure these employees didn’t receive a dime after the court ordered otherwise. Did I mention Bill Owens also got shares in the company and flies for free (to this day)?
My friend Robert Stacy McCain would call this an “exclusive” to say the least.
We knew this was an election between Owens and Hoffman early on. Yes, 73wire sat on the story. Call it… pay back? Maybe we’re paying it forward for the inevitable hit-jobs that Hoffman’s reputation will ensue on Monday. Hell, they may make this mornings editorial page if the machine is really ready.
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.
I’m hearing that the NRCC is pulling out of NY-23. It’s coming from a credible source familiar with the operation inside of the beltway Committee.
That being said I just reached out to Matthew Burns, Spokesman for the Scozzafava campaign, who denied this claim. He said it was “False.” Protecting the candidate or categorically true – we’ll let this flesh itself out in the public.
I’ll also avoid giving you the analysis of what this could mean for now. Look for links in the comments.
UPDATE: I’m on the ground and I have personal confirmation from an additional, credible source that the NRCC is indeed pulling back its operation here in New York’s 23rd Congressional district special election
73wire was covering’s Hoffman’s Meet and Greet in Plattsburgh yesterday when we caught a beltway staffer (which I believe to be affiliated with the NRCC) video taping license plates, local citizens, and any movements from the rival candidate – Doug Hoffman.
He was asked many times to leave, before the owner, a registered Republican who is also friendly with Democrat Bill Owens, ordered him to leave for disturbing his guests. He waited outside and I decided to confront him. He said no words, but lodged questions at Doug Hoffman.
It’s never comfortable to be an operative having to do this, so I feel for him, but would go out on a limb to say that NY-23 voters reject these gotcha politics from the beltway.
