SYRACUSE -- National attention is focused on the 23rd Congressional District especially now that Republican Dede Scozzafava has dropped out. Rather than endorse Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman, Scozzafava threw her support behind Democrat Bill Owens. Some political observers see this race as an example of conservatives taking control of the Republican party from moderates.
Robert McClure of the Maxwell School at Syracuse University says the Republican party must include members who are moderate in their political views. "If you drive those people out of the party, you are a certain loser."
Corey Goyeneche is a student who says she's become "completely alienated" from the Republican party. She says she's a social liberal and fiscal conservative who closely identifies with Dede Scozzafava. Goyeneche says she was especially upset when conservatives attacked Scozzafava for favoring same sex marriage and abortion rights. "I felt as if my generation is not represented." she said.
Alejandro Fernandez-Lovo says he used to lean toward Republican ideals, but now considers himself more of a Democrat. Fernandez-Lovo feels the conservative wing of the Republican party is out of step. "You have to be open...times are changing." he said.
Dan Fitzpatrick who heads the S.U. College Republicans says there are many moderates in the party, like Presidential nominee John McCain. Fitzpatrick thinks the national media is "making too much" of a local race in a district that has always been staunchly conservative. "I think it's absolutely a regional type of reaction." he said when asked about Hoffman's surge in the polls.
