Scozzafava hits trail with GOP women

Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava (R-N.Y.) brought two female GOP lawmakers with her on the campaign trail today after a week in which several national Republicans endorsed Conservative Party challenger Doug Hoffman.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-Fla.) joined Scozzafava today at a campaign event. Ex-Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaksa), arguably the Republican Party's most visible woman, endorsed Hoffman this week. Most conservatives have shied away from Scozzafava or endorsed Hoffman, arguing that she holds too many liberal positions.

Scozzafava took to Twitter to share news of the event: 

It was great having Sen. Susan Collins and Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite in #NY23 for me today. Watch the video here: http://tinyurl.com/yf4krz3

The candidate's choice of lawmakers is interesting. Collins is one oft the most noted centrists in the Senate but Brown-Waite is a more conservative legislator. She picked up another high-profile conservative backer earlier this week, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.)

But most on the right disagree with the choice on Gingrich and others backing Scozzafava. Most conservatives view her socially liberal stances and her support for union card check legislation as unpalatable. 

She will face Hoffman and Democratic lawyer Bill Owens in a November special election to replace former Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.) whom President Barack Obama tapped as Army Secretary. The district has long been held by Republicans, but that could change this year if Republicans split their vote between Hoffman and Scozzafava.

The video of Scozzafava, Collins, and Brown-Waite is listed as private despite the fact she shared it with the public on Twitter.

In recent days, Scozzafava's campaign has been plagued by gaffes. She staged a photo-op surrounded by Hoffman supporters and called the police on a reporter. 

Cross-posted to the Briefing Room