In a bit of a surprise, ex-NY-23 candidate Dede Scozzafava has endorsed her former rival, Democratic candidate Bill Owens. The decisions comes shortly after her husband endorsed Owens, and only a little more than a day after she quit the race after polls showed her collapsing into third place behind Owens and Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman.

“In Bill Owens, I see a sense of duty and integrity that will guide him beyond political partisanship,” said Scozzafava. “He will be an independent voice devoted to doing what is right for New York. Bill understands this district and its people, and when he represents us in Congress he will put our interests first.”

Yesterday, Democratic strategists were quietly grumbling that the race was unwinnable unless Scozzafava endorsed Owens. This move raises the stakes and expectations considerably.