Is Scozza-Favored?

The GOP appears to be recruiting several moderates in the Northeast this cycle, particularly in CT. But that strategy may get a test in NY-23 if Assemb. DeDe Scozzafava (R) decides to run in the special election.

-- Late last week, Dems began a movement to "Draft DeDe for Congress." Organizers claim to be working with Scozzafava's "closest allies" to make it happen. Scozzafava wasn't available by deadline to verify if she's considering such a move.

-- But on the surface, a move like this isn't out of the question. Scozzafava's vote for the gay marriage bill has angered some conservatives who were already dubious of her record, including NY Conservative chair Mike Long, who told us the vote is a "non-starter" for his party's endorsement. That would be a blow to any GOPer, as the Conservative line brought John McHugh (R) over 9K votes in '08. (And as we saw in neighboring NY-20, every vote counts). Of course, as a state legislator, Scozzafava hasn't earned the Conservative line since '04. Since then, she's one of the few NY GOPers who has also run with the liberal Working Families Party line.

-- But some GOPers have rallied to her side, including '06 NY-24 nominee Ray Meier (R), a social conservative who briefly considered running in the special. Some in DC also view her favorably.

-- It's way too early in the process. But even though her candidacy, by all accounts, would be a strong one for GOPers, it would also likely cause a few headaches for the conservative (big and small "c") and institutional GOP apparatus.