Statement from Hoffman...

Hoffman's camp released this statement a few minutes ago:

Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate for Congress (NY-23), today conceded defeat in the hotly contested GOP Primary for the 23rd Congressional District seat. He announced that he would "keep his word to the New York State Conservative Party and to all those who believe in conservative principles, honesty and integrity" by continuing his race for Congress on the Conservative Party line. In last year's special election Hoffman pulled over 69,500 votes running on the Conservative Party line. Under New York State Election Law Hoffman's name must appear on the November ballot.

Doug Hoffman said, "Over the course of this week it has become obvious that Matt Doheny has achieved victory in the September 14th GOP Primary. It was not an easy victory for Mr. Doheny; he outspent my campaign by a 12-1 margin and had the backing of all 11 of the GOP bosses and yet only out-polled me by a few hundred votes.

"Over the past few days I have thought long and hard about the next six weeks. I have spoken with family, friends, supporters and staff as I have weighed my next step. So today, with new resolve and a strong commitment to conservative principles, I rededicate myself to this race and announce that I will actively campaign for Congress as the nominee of the Conservative Party.

"Understand, I do not continue this race out of spite or because of self conceived virtues. I continue in this race because of the failings of my opponents to be truthful with the voters.

"Whether we look a Mr. Owens' support of Obama-care or Mr. Doheny claim to be pro-life when in fact he supports abortion through the first trimester, we see two candidates who will do or say anything to get a vote elected.

"When I originally entered the race in August 2009, I did so to stand for conservative principles.
My message today is no different. I gave my word to the Conservative Party that I would fight for their principles and be their standard bearer. And I intend to keep my word.

"In the remaining weeks of this campaign I plan to take those principles of cutting taxes and spending directly to the voters in order to help our economy and create new jobs. I will speak out, as the ONLY pro-life candidate in this race, about defending the rights and lives of the unborn. I will speak about peace through strength and about what needs to be done if every American is to achieve a piece of the American Dream. I will offer common sense conservative solutions to the complex problems that affect both the district and the nation.

"And when they go to the polls on Election Day, I will give voters a choice between two fast talking lawyers and a small businessman who will speak the truth, work to create jobs and stand tall for conservative principles in Congress."