Hoffman to Run Again in 2010
Accountant Doug Hoffman is seeking a re-match against Rep. Bill Owens (D) in 2010, after losing a Nov. 4 special election in upstate New York by approximately 3,000 votes.In a lengthy message on his campaign Web site, Hoffman wrote he is moving “full speed ahead to 2010,— after deciding not to contest the election results, which were finalized Monday.“This gives us time to carefully articulate and communicate thoughtful positions on issues that impact the great people of our district and ensure that our campaign promises are NOT broken,— he wrote. “We take away lessons from this year’s campaign that will make us stronger and more competitive in the future. Next time we will be better prepared,— Hoffman added.Hoffman will likely pursue the Republican Party nomination in 2010 after running on the Conservative Party ticket in the special election. County GOP officials tapped Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava as their nominee, but the party endorsed Hoffman when Scozzafava dropped out days before the election.Several other Republicans who were passed over for the special election nomination have also expressed interest in running in what is likely to be another highly competitive race in 2010. Former Rep. John McHugh (R) represented the district for nine terms before leaving Congress to become secretary of the Army this fall.