The Republican Main Street Partnership political action committee announced Tuesday that it is throwing its support behind New York State Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava (R) in the special election to replace former Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.).

“Now more than ever, as Democrats have racked up record deficits and are now pursuing a trillion-dollar government takeover of health care, we must elect thoughtful Republican candidates like Dede Scozzafava to rein in out-of-control spending and return the government back to the people,— said Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), head of the Main Street PAC.

The moderate Republican group’s endorsement is hardly a surprise given that Scozzafava is to the left of Democratic nominee Bill Owens on some issues. But the Main Street backing could help the Republican financially, especially after the anti-tax Club for Growth endorsed Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman in the race earlier this week. Hoffman is expected to peel off a chunk of the GOP base from Scozzafava in the three-way race, which could ultimately help Owens.

Both national parties are already spending money on ads in the highly competitive special election.

Earlier Tuesday, Gov. David Paterson (D), as expected, set the date for the special election as Nov. 3 to coincide with Election Day.