WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Scozzafava Drops Out of Race

Scozzafava Drops Out of Race

Plattsburgh, New York - October 31, 2009

Major developments today with just three days to go in the race for Congress in New York.

Republican Dede Scozzafava has suspended her campaign after a new poll shows she's fallen way behind.

The Siena poll puts Democrat Bill Owns and Conservate Party candidate Doug Hoffman in a virtual tie. Scozzafava is polling 15-percentage points behind both opponents.

She isn't endorsing either candidate, but several Republican leaders are throwing their support behind Hoffman. That includes former Governor George Pataki , who was stumping with Hoffman in Plattsburgh Saturday.

"And I don't want anyone in here supporting me to think we have won. We started this race as underdogs and we have to finish this race fighting like underdogs," said Hoffman.

Vice President Joe Biden is coming to Watertown Monday to try and win over last minute support for Bill Owens.

Scozzafava says many of her supporters were pressuring her to step down so they could shift their support to a more viable candidate.