Palin Endorses Conservative in Divisive New York Race

By NADIA TAHA

Former Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska has dipped into New York State politics by endorsing a third-party candidate in a divisive congressional race.

Mrs. Palin backed Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party nominee, in the traditionally Republican 23rd District. The Republican nominee, Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, is a moderate who has broken with the G.O.P. by supporting same-sex marriage and abortion rights.

The seat was vacated by John McHugh, a Republican, when President Obama tapped him to become Army secretary, forcing a special election on Nov. 3.

The Republican Party’s selection of Ms. Scozzafava has alarmed some more conservative Republicans, who feel the party is selling out its ideals to retain the seat. In selecting Ms. Scozzafava, state Republican leaders may have been mindful that Mr. Obama carried the traditionally Republican district. And Mr. Obama recently hosted a fund-raiser for the Democratic nominee, Bill Owens.

Mrs. Palin announced her endorsement on her Facebook page, writing that in an election in which “there is no real difference between the Democrat and the Republican,” “Doug Hoffman has not been anointed by any political machine.”

While Mrs. Palin’s endorsement could anger some New York State Republicans, it could also help her in appealing to her conservative base as she considers a presidential run in 2012.

The endorsement comes just a week after a Gallup poll found that Mrs. Palin’s favorability had dipped to its lowest point since she became Senator John McCain’s vice presidential nominee. According to the poll, her approval rating took a hit when she abruptly resigned as governor in July, and has not recovered during her relative absence from the political scene.