Just a minute congressman, you may not be one

November 12th, 2009, 3:14 pm · 4 Comments · posted by Mark Landsbaum

The special election in New York’s 23rd congressional district may be more special yet.

This report from Gary Bauer: “Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman may have conceded too early. Recanvassing has dramatically narrowed Democrat Bill Owens’ lead to just 3,000 votes, with thousands of absentee ballots still to be counted.”

Interesting, hm? Especially because Democrat Bill Owens has been was sworn in. But New York state officials mailed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to make it clear “no winner had been determined in the 23rd District, and therefore the state had not certified the election.”

FreeRepublic.com quotes a New York elections official: “We sent a letter to the clerk laying out the totals. The key is that Hoffman conceded, which means the race is not contested. However, all ballots will be counted, and if the result changes, Owens will have to be removed.

If so, will Owens be distinguished for having the briefest congressional tenure?

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Orange Punch bloggers write from a particular libertarian point of view. We’re dedicated to advancing human freedom and believe that the primary role of government is to defend Americans’ liberties. We seek a smaller, more limited government, expanded and freer trade at home and abroad, open markets and secure property rights. We believe in the power and goodwill of the individual; that he or she will aspire to a better tomorrow for themselves, for their family and for the community. We would hope for people to exercise integrity and self-responsibility along the way. The bloggers are Alan Bock, Brian Calle and Mark Landsbaum. The genesis of this particular brand of libertarianism is R.C. Hoiles, founder, Freedom Communications, Inc., parent company of the Orange County Register.

Catfish says:

November 12, 2009 at 4:37 pm

No Democrat would have conceded so early like Conservative candidate Hoffman did on election night. Wouldn’t be wonderful to have this seat go the other way? I’m sure the Dems would make a big stink about it, and figure someway of getting around the New York election laws.

OC Dem says:

November 12, 2009 at 4:51 pm

Hoffman screwed up by conceding.

Whose fault is that?

Johnny Blaze, Ghost Rider says:

November 12, 2009 at 5:35 pm

It doesnt matter what party is in office today-they are both beholden to the all might campaign buck, bought and paid for.

Marc960 says:

November 12, 2009 at 6:42 pm

Hoffman, being the Conservative candidate, probably doesn’t normally stay up late partying.
He may have conceded early, knowing that action had no final consequence, so he could turn in early.

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