National Organization for Women-NYS Calls Scozzafava's Withdrawal a "Setback For Women"

ALBANY, NY (11/01/2009)(readMedia)-- Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava (R) has bowed out of her race for a seat in New York's 23rd District. National Organization For Women - New York State President Marcia Pappas described the action as "a setback for the women, especially Republican women-and moderates in general." Pappas remarked that the Republican Party is "clearly going so ultra-conservative that many highly qualified women are completely excluded."

Ms. Scozzafava was more progressive than any of the other candidates, including the Democratic candidate, Bill Owens, who is anti-choice. Scozzafava is pro-choice, pro-gay rights, and was in favor of President Barack Obama's stimulus package. The race was recently brought to national attention when former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (R) endorsed the Conservative Party candidate, Doug Hoffman, rather than a qualified woman from her own party.

Sources inside the Republican party report that Scozzafava was drummed out by the ole boys' club. And in recent years, because of the growing power of incumbency, it has become increasingly difficult for any woman to run for political office unless she is independently wealthy. Because there are still too few women in political office, women have uphill battles when they attempt to get into the ole boys clubs.

Regarding Assemblywoman Scozzafava, she has been quoted in the NY Daily News blog as saying: "The reality that I've come to accept is that in today's political arena, you must be able to back up your message with money - and as I've been outspent on both sides, I've been unable to effectively address many of the charges that have been made about my record."

In conclusion, NOW-NYS salutes Scozzafava, and hopes that at some time in the future she will find the wherewith to rejoin the fray. She is indeed a breath of fresh air in the present-day anti-woman, anti-choice Republican Party.