[SuziQ]

"I urge that no one feel defeated, for this was only one of many elections. We came close, we put our agenda in front of the nation and the nation took notice. The worse thing we could do now, is not continue forward. Next year there are other elections and other candidates who have drawn inspiration from our efforts."

That's a excellent statement, and one that shows that Mr. Hoffman always knew this race wasn't about HIM, but about the direction of this country. He's right in that this race DID put the dangers we're facing front and center into the public's consciousness, and to have come so far, so fast, just shows that his ideas resonated with his district.

[MaggieCarta]

Well, he did expose ol' Scuzzy for the extreme RINO that she was...possibly taking Mr. Newt as collateral damage.

It was a very interesting race.

[Fred]

Hoffman will be the GOP nominee for the 2010 congressional race. He will ride the tidal wave in to congress along with all the other new GOP congressmen that will be showing up thanks to Obambi....

[TheThinker]

Hoffman succeeded in fully exposing the liberals in the Republican party in a very glaring light. He did his country a great favor.

[MeekMom]

Damn. And I was really praying hard for Hoffman. Thank you regardless of the outcome Mr. Hoffman.

[Fresh Wind]

So we get a DemocRat who’s honest enough to tell the truth about himself instead of that Daily Kos-endorsed lying duplicitous bitch.

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

Well, I hate losing NY23 after all was said and done, but I'll take two big governorships over a single congressman any day.

This was a victory of sorts for the Conservative movement since the RINO was unmasked for what she was, and the GOP wine sippers, especially Newt, were spanked hard for trying to push her on us. Maybe someone in the GOP leadership will think twice before they try to do that again next year, when it really will count.

[freeangel]

God Bless Doug—I pray that he has opened some eyes.

[LS]

I think this is good insofar as it shows that without conservatives, Republicans have no shot at winning. But we have to admit it's sobering, because it shows that without SOME of the RINOs, it's going to take a miracle to win. This was a "conservative" district, right?

Now, that said, it also shows that (perhaps) had Hoffman had the full support and funds of the GOP early it might have been different, or had he been a better candidate personally (the guy was d-u-l-l), it might have been different. And who knows what his organization was like? But it's NOT a clear sign that "conservatives always win," as some of us hoped it would be. It means ALL races will be close and---the MESSAGE is a given---you also need a) good candidates, with b) lots of money (and that means no third-parties) and c) they have to have good organizations. The message alone isn't enough.

[ViLaLuz]

I wish he didn’t concede at least until all the votes were counted, for the sake of the military.

I also wonder what impact ACORN/voter fraud had in this race.

[Daisyjane69]

I am only halfway through reading the posts, but I hope Mr. Hoffman “pulls a Palin” and hangs on to his Facebook members and occasionally posts on the errant votes Mr. Owens is bound to make!

heh

[Congressman Billybob]

This is one of the classiest concession speeches I have ever seen, or read. Keep in mind that NY 23 is still a dominantly Republican and conservative districts. Hoffman should be able to take the Republican nomination in 2010. Remember that this is an interim election for the remainder of the former Congressman's seat.

So, as long as Hoffman handles himself well -- and this statement suggests he will do exactly that -- he WILL be the Congressman in that District in 2010.

Congressman Billybob

Don't Tread On Me (9/12 photo and poster"

"Wars and Dead Soldiers"

[Little Ray]

I wish Hoffman had won. That would have sent a necessary message to the GOP.
I guess the message is that “Third Party” is the way to oblivion. We need to work within the GOP.

[Christian4Bush]

Bump.