QUICK THOUGHTS ON NEW YORK-23
Posted by Andrew Roman on November 4, 2009
To deny my disappointment in Doug Hoffman’s loss last night in New York’s 23rd Congressional District race would be to deny reality. Right up to the end, despite the embarrassing debacle created by the Republican establishment up there, I still went on record as predicting a victory for the conservative, Hoffman. Without question, it would have been the fairy-tale cherry on top of an already scrumptious election night cake. Perhaps it was wishful thinking on my part, but ultimately, it was a letdown.
I can’t lie.
Yet, on the morning after, setting aside my disappointment – with an otherwise glorious election night in the books, and at the risk of coming off like a cable news channel spinmaster - it may be more productive to think of the entire New York-23 affair as a victory of sorts for conservatives, and an opportunity for a lesson to be learned by Republicans (if they’re willing to pay attention).
For those in New York’s 23rd District who embrace the idea of fiscal responsibility and smaller government, Doug Hoffman’s candidacy gave them a genuine voice. For those who believe that such things as traditional marriage and protecting the unborn actually matter, Doug Hoffman’s run for office finally gave them validation. For those who believe that the individual - and not government - is central to America’s success, Doug Hoffman was their man.
Despite his four-point loss, I still have to take a “hip-hip-hooray” out of petty cash for common-sense conservatism.
The entire mishandling of the situation by the GOP in upstate New York – including the endorsement of the Democrat (and winner) Bill Owens by the sham-Republican drop-out, Dede Scozzafava – only reinforces the fact that conservatism, when embraced by Republicans, will win them elections. It is not a difficult concept to grasp.
For those who went out and pulled the lever for Doug Hoffman, the election was not about personality or glitz. It was not about fashion or star-power. It wasn’t even about party.
For them, it was an election propelled by issues.
What a novel concept.
What a motivator.
So, while the top of my post election-day cake is a trifle bare this morning, it still tastes a little like victory.
Sweet victory.
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