NY23

Like many conservative Americans, I was disappointed with the results from Northern NY. The polls predicted a narrow victory by the Conservative party candidate- Doug Hoffman, but this did not happen. Whenever an unexpected outcome emerges, we must reflect on this experience. It is important that we learn from our mistakes. Trust me, many serious people in the Republican party have already learned from this lesson.

Equally important when faced with a surprising result, is that we should also scrutinize the validity of that outcome. Looking at election data from district 23, an obvious irregularity jumps out. This was the lowest voter turnout for that county, in many years. Only 1/2 of the voters were present as compared with most of this decade's other years. The only voter turnout anywhere near the number of this years count, was when they had a single unopposed candidate. Perhaps, this is explained by it being an off year election. However, the fact that this race was so publicized and had a national following seems incongruous with such a low voter turnout. I hate the idea of wasting funds on wild goose chases, but a preliminary small scale examination might be in order.

Is there a silver lining here? I think so. Hoffman exposed a disingenuous politician and saved Conservatives and Republicans from another backstabbing embarrassment such as Olympia Snow. Scozzafava was no moderate Republican; she was a saboteur, a cheat, and a scandal in waiting. If she were elected, the Republican party would be far worse off. I sincerely hope that the Republican leadership learns from this fiasco.

I am also not convinced that the candidate who was elected in NY23 is a lost cause. He is an Air Force captain, a business leader, and appears to be a social conservative. His support of the union card check initiative is clearly misguided. However, just think how many of us were once readers of NYT and believed in socialist fantasies. Fortunately we read, conversed, and learned to think independently. There are many around us who still parrot mindlessly-the talking heads of the MSM and Hollywood celebrities are good examples, but I don't have any reason to think that Bill Owens is such a man. Perhaps we can provide him with literature and good conversation so that he can see through the Democrat (Socialist) party lies. He describes himself as a conservative, let him show it through his voting record. On the other hand, if he proves himself to be another Pelosified drone, he need not bother unpacking when he gets to Washington. He should not count on much help from fellow Democrats since Pelosi believes that her Democratic congressmen are very expendable, and very soon we will witness every rat for himself mentality as her ship sinks.

Politicians, let election 2009 serve as a serious warning to you. The conservative movement is here and it has emerged as a major force in all political parties. You will be closely watched and held accountable for your actions.