BREAKING NEWS: Scozzafava Suspends NY-23 Campaign

UPDATE AT END OF POST: Scozzafava's statement to supporters.

Dede Scozzafava, the Republican and Independence Parties' candidate for the 23rd Congressional District of New York state, announced Saturday that she is suspending her campaign and releasing all her supporters.

So reported the Watertown Daily Times moments ago:

"Today, I again seek to act for the good of our community," Ms. Scozzafava wrote in a letter to friends and supporters. "It is increasingly clear that pressure is mounting on many of my supporters to shift their support. Consequently, I hereby release those individuals who have endorsed and supported my campaign to transfer their support as they see fit to do so. I am and have always been a proud Republican. It is my hope that with my actions today, my party will emerge stronger and our district and our nation can take an important step towards restoring the enduring strength and economic prosperity that has defined us for generations."

Ms. Scozzafava told the Watertown Daily Times that Siena Research Institute poll numbers show her too far behind to catch up - and she lacks enough money to spend on advertising in the last three days to make a difference. Mr. Owens has support from 36 percent of likely voters in the poll, with Mr. Hoffman garnering 35 percent support. Ms. Scozzafava has support from 20 percent of those polled. [...]

The state Assemblywoman has not thrown her support to either Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate, or Bill Owens, the Democratic candidate.

*****Update: The Watertown Daily Times has published Scozzafava's statement to supporters.