2. Dede Scozzafava « The Washington Independent

Republican Scozzafava was the clear front-runner in the special election in New York’s 23rd Congressional District — until Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman picked up endorsements from key Republicans and Tea Party leaders. Frustrated at the way the race — and particularly its funding — had become nationalized, she dropped out just three days before the election and endorsed her Democratic opponent, who prevailed on Nov. 3.

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