The new Daily Kos/Research 2000 poll of the race in New York’s 23rd Congressional District has Democratic candidate Bill Owens in the lead, benefiting from the split between GOP candidate Dede Scozzafava and Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman. The topline: Bill Owens (D) – 35 percent Dede Scozzafava (R) – 30 percent Doug Hoffman (C) – 23 percent Owens leads among Democrats, Scozzafava leads more narrowly with Republicans, and Hoffman barely leads with independents.

Deidre Scozzafava, candidate for US Representative in the New York 23rd District When, at the end of September, Rep. John McHugh (R) resigned as the congressman from New York’s 23rd District to become Secretary of the Army it represented an opportunity for the Republican party. The off-year special election to fill McHugh’s seat — set by New York Governor David Paterson to be held on November 3rd, to coincide with the scheduled general election – is the closest thing to a preseason game the GOP will get in preparation for the 2010 midterm elections that many analysts feel are vital both to the future of the party and our nation.