Dade Scozzafava American politician Date of Birth: 28.04.1960 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Political Career
3. Congressional Withdrawal
4. Later Career

Early Life and Education

Dierdre R. Scozzafava was born in 1960 in Buffalo, New York. Her childhood was spent in the small town of Gouverneur, New York. She received her education from Boston University School of Management and Clarkson Graduate School of Management.

Political Career

Scozzafava's political career began in public service as a trustee and later mayor of her hometown of Gouverneur from 1989 to 1998. In 1998, she was elected to the New York State Assembly as a Republican, where she served on the education committee. Her responsibilities expanded to include education, economic development, and social services.

Initially known for her conservative views, Scozzafava gradually became more moderate on certain issues, alienating some within the Republican Party. Her support for abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and unions angered the party's conservative wing.

Despite the Republican stronghold in her district, Scozzafava's stance was seen as compromising the party, particularly on labor and tax issues. The national Republican right wing rallied against her after her stance against an abortion ban and her support for same-sex marriage.

Congressional Withdrawal

In July 2009, Scozzafava withdrew her candidacy for a special election in New York's 23rd Congressional District. Her withdrawal was controversial as she endorsed not a fellow Republican but her Democratic opponent, Bill Owens. Citing her slim chances of winning due to Republican support for a Conservative Party candidate, her decision was met with outrage and accusations of betrayal by New York State Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox. She faced harsh criticism from the press, with the National Review calling her actions "cowardly and unethical."

Scozzafava's withdrawal boosted the Conservative Party's chances of winning the House seat. Rumors had circulated that she might switch to the Democratic Party, and her actions led many to believe that one of the few Republican strongholds in Democratic New York had fallen.

Later Career

In addition to her political activities, Scozzafava works as a consultant for RBC Dain Rauscher Inc., a brokerage firm based in her hometown of Gouverneur. Her husband and other family members are significant investors in the company. She is an active member of the Methodist Church and serves on the Women's Business Committee and the Arts Council in her community. Scozzafava is married to Ron McDougall and has two children, Matt and Molly.