I would say that this is shocking, but when it comes to Democrat-lite RINOs like John McCain and Dede Scozzafava, it isn’t really. They’re all about being beloved by the liberal establishment, and not so much concerned with conservative values and serving their constituents. All the goodies come with being adored by liberals, see. You don’t get fame and notoriety and goody bags just by serving your constituents and adhering to your conservative principles. That gets you mostly scorn and very little reward — except, of course, the reward of knowing you’ve stuck by your principles and served your country as a person with dignity, integrity, and honor. It’s just hard to find politicians like that these days, and when we do, they’re spurned by the GOP establishment.

In today’s breaking news, Dede Scozzafava has endorsed Democrat Bill Owens in the NY-23 race.

After bowing out of the 23rd Congressional race Saturday, Republican Scozzafava released the following statement at 2 :06 p.m.:

I want to thank you for your support and friendship. Over the past 24 hours, I have had encouraging words sent to my family and me. Many of you have asked me whom you should support on Tuesday.

Since announcing the suspension of my campaign, I have thought long and hard about what is best for the people of this District, and how to answer your questions. This is not a decision that I have made lightly.

You know me, and throughout my career, I have been always been an independent voice for the people I represent. I have stood for our honest principles, and a truthful discussion of the issues, even when it cost me personally and politically. Since beginning my campaign, I have told you that this election is not about me; it’s about the people of this District.

It is in this spirit that I am writing to let you know I am supporting Bill Owens for Congress and urge you to do the same.

It’s not in the cards for me to be your representative, but I strongly believe Bill is the only candidate who can build upon John McHugh’s lasting legacy in the U.S. Congress. John and I worked together on the expansion of Fort Drum and I know how important that base is to the economy of this region. I am confident that Bill will be able to provide the leadership and continuity of support to Drum Country just as John did during his tenure in Congress.

In Bill Owens, I see a sense of duty and integrity that will guide him beyond political partisanship. He will be an independent voice devoted to doing what is right for New York. Bill understands this district and its people, and when he represents us in Congress he will put our interests first.

Please join me in voting for Bill Owens on Tuesday. To address the tough challenges ahead, we must rise above partisanship and politics and work together. There’s too much at stake in this election to do otherwise.

Dede

Whenever someone releases a statement saying that something isn’t about them, they never mean it. It’s always about them. Endorsing Bill Owens is a slap in the face to Doug Hoffman, to Sarah Palin, and to all of the right wing bloggers who didn’t want her. I personally think she endorsed Bill Owens primarily out of spite. She isn’t very big on Republican principles anyway. Endorsing Owens lets her keep her name in the spotlight a little bit longer and it makes her a Democrat media darling. I can’t say that I’m all that surprised.

What will be interesting will be Newt Gingrich’s response to this. He got himself into a big mess by endorsing her, and after she dropped out of the race it put him in a sticky situation. It’s now even worse for him. How will he handle it? How can he save face now?