N.Y. Special Election Winner Named to DCCC Frontline

By Emily Cadei | November 18, 2009 7:32 PM | | Comments (0)

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is adding Rep. Bill Owens, the newly elected congressman from New York's traditionally Republican 23rd District, to its Frontline Program for vulnerable incumbents.

Owens is the 43rd Democratic member added to the program, which is designed to bolster fundraising and outreach and force incumbents to prepare early on for competitive contests.

The longtime attorney and first-time candidate won a tempestuous special election in the upstate district Nov. 4 to succeed Republican Rep. John M. McHugh, and has had a target on his back ever since. Hours after he was sworn in, the National Republican Congressional Committee pounced on his decision to vote for the Democrats' health care overhaul legislation.

Owens narrowly edged Doug Hoffman, the New York Conservative Party candidate, in the special election, a result the GOP rank-and-file blame on internal party disarray after Republican nominee Dede Scozzafava dropped out of the race three days before the election.

Hoffman has not ruled out running again in 2010 and several other Republicans who were passed over for the party nomination are also eyeing the race.

CQ Politics rates the general election contest Leans Democratic.

To follow the 2010 House races, check out the CQ Politics election map.

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Categories: House, NewYork

Tags: Owens

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