The Club for Growth Political Action Committee endorsed today Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate in the special election for New York's 23rd District. The group endorsed Hoffman over GOP nominee Dede Scozzafava.

Hoffman, Scozzafava and Democrat Bill Owens are running to replace former Rep. John McHugh, who resigned his seat after being sworn in last week as Army Secretary.

“After months of runaway spending, bailouts, and record deficits, the last thing we need in Congress is another rubber stamp for Nancy Pelosi and the liberal Democrats,” said Club President Chris Chocola. “Doug Hoffman is the only candidate in this race who will stand up for taxpayers and fight to protect our freedoms in Washington.”

Scozzafava is a State Assemblywoman, whom the Club refers to as "liberal," and who may have trouble picking up support from the right wing of the GOP. Hoffman was also endorsed this morning by Fred Thompson, a former presidential candidate and senator from Tennessee, and the Susan B. Anthony List Candidate Fund, a national pro-life PAC.

"It's gravely disappointing that the Republican Party chose to nominate a candidate whose position flies in the face of the actual pro-life party platform," said SBA List president Marjorie Dannenfelser. "Dede Scozzafava's support for the extreme abortion agenda is out of step with New York's 23rd District."

The Club released a poll last week that found Scozzafava leading Hoffman and Owens by just 3 points, with 45% undecided.

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