The Republican candidate in New York's 23rd district congressional special election has now endorsed the Democrat in the race rather than the Conservative Party candidate.

 [Republican state Assemblywoman Dierdre] Scozzafava said Sunday that Democrat Bill Owens is the best of the remaining candidates to build on the legacy of the previous holder of the 23rd Congressional District seat.

The race pitted conservative and moderate wings of the Republican Party. Hoffman painted Scozzafava as too liberal, specifically noting her support of abortion rights and same-sex marriage. He told voters in the historically GOP district that she's not the kind of Republican they want representing their interests in a Democrat-led Congress.
      For more, see this link

The race attracted not just national attention, but actual involvement by some of the biggest names in the Republican party.  Sarah Palin endorsed the Conservative Party candidate over Scozzafava.  Newt Gingrich endorsed Scozzafava.

In a race where the polls have been extremely volatile over the last few weeks this could upset the apple cart and give a last minute boost to the Democrat.

Could this help the Democrat to win?

Or will the Conservative Party candidate manage to win anyway?

What other effects will this endorsement have?  Are local elections like this bellweathers for the 2010 election cycle? 

Are they only about local issues, or are they unofficial plebicites on the current administration?

What about Newt Gingrich, who endorsed the Republican who has now endorsed a Democrat?  Where does this leave him?

Tell us what you think.

I don't have parties nowadays. I'm too old, and I prefer to drink alone.