Dede Scozzafava campaign manager Matt Burns backs Doug Hoffman

doug-hoffmanMatt Burns, now former campaign manager for turncoat Dede Scozzafava who endorsed Bill Owens on Sunday, isn’t a turncoat like his ex-boss. but her now ex-mgr Matt Burns isn’t going along with that decision. According to the National Journal, Burns had this to say:

“Dede is entitled to her own opinion, as is everyone, but I obviously disagree with her decision,” Burns told us today, a day after leaving the campaign. “I am supporting Doug Hoffman, because denying Nancy Pelosi another foot soldier is vital to restoring fiscal responsibility and common sense in Washington.”

Burns, who was raised in the congressional district but is now based in Minnesota, said he decided to join Scozzafava’s team in order to keep the Dem-trending seat in GOP hands. “In her heart of hearts, she’s a good person. She’s a capable legislator,” Burns said. “But I don’t think supporting a candidate who would back Nancy Pelosi is the best way to get our nation on the right track.”

He said Scozzafava first considered getting out of the race 10/30, but after the 10/31 Siena poll revealed her stock plummeting, and her unfavorable ratings rising, she decided to leave the race. Burns said the decision came down to the candidate’s lack of resources. “You need money to respond charges, and we were not in a position to do that,” Burns said.

Still, Burns — a self-described conservative — said he sides with many GOPers who say the party needs to recruit both moderates and conservatives if it expects to pick up seats in ’10. He said he agrees with ex-Speaker/ex-Scozzafava backer Newt Gingrich (R) that the party needs to find candidates that fit their districts. Burns: “Otherwise, it’s going to be tough to take back the House.”

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November 1, 2009 · Filed Under Doug Hoffman, Newt Gingrich


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