If you haven’t been following the high drama in New York’s 23rd District Congressional Special Election, we’ll forgive you. But suffice it to say that its been historic. Here’s a quick primer:

New York’s 23rd Congressional District has not been represented by a Democrat since the 1850’s. A special election to fill the vacated seat includes a Democratic candidate, a Republican candidate, and a “Conservative Party” candidate who doesn’t live in the district and was recruited and backed by right wing nutcases like Sarah Palin, Fred Thompson, and Michelle Malkin. The right wing fringe sees this as a chance to beat a moderate Republican and gain momentum in their takeover of the entire Republican Party. Leaders in the Republican Party such as Newt Gingrich have backed the Republican candidate, Dede Scozzafava, setting up a civil war within their own party. The internal squabble has made this race competitve for the Democrat, who is now poised to make history by being the first Democrat elected in this district since prior to the Civil War.

The Republican, Scozzafava, has seen her campaign collapse in recent weeks. She suspended her campaign on Saturday and announced her endorsement of the Democrat at 2:00 today. Following is a portion of her statement:

You know me, and throughout my career, I have been always been an independent voice for the people I represent. I have stood for our honest principles, and a truthful discussion of the issues, even when it cost me personally and politically. Since beginning my campaign, I have told you that this election is not about me; it’s about the people of this District.

It is in this spirit that I am writing to let you know I am supporting Bill Owens for Congress and urge you to do the same.

Please join me in voting for Bill Owens on Tuesday. To address the tough challenges ahead, we must rise above partisanship and politics and work together. There’s too much at stake in this election to do otherwise.

We have reported previously on the circular firing squad known as the Republican Party. Lou Ann Zelenik’s ouster and her replacement with Rick Womick seems to be merely a local outgrowth of a national right wing fringe takeover. And now even the Davidson County Republican Party is getting in on the action. Considering the Republicans’ recent disastrous national poll numbers, let’s hope it continues.