Conservative set to run in NY special

With it looking highly unlikely that Republican Dede Scozzafava will secure the Conservative Party endorsement in the upcoming New York special election, a Conservative Party activist is stepping forward.

Jim Kelly, who managed John Spencer’s campaign against Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) in 2006, sounds very much like a candidate.

Kelly managed John Spencer’s unsuccessful Senate bid against Hillary Clinton in 2006, and said he traveled 48,000 miles around the state while doing so.

“I’m going to work this fight,” Kelly said. “I stand for conservative values; Dede Scozzafava and the Democrat don’t. I’m going to expose her voting record.”

Kelly said the 23rd District, like the 20th District where Democrat Scott Murphy beat Republican James Tedisco earlier this year, has a plurality of registered Republicans but also a large number of independents. However, he said, the people of the 23rd are more conservative, noting the 20th has a large number of New York City natives with seasonal homes in Dutchess and Columbia counties, and in the Albany area.

It should be noted that the state Conservative Party chairman mentioned Kelly’s name when I called him last week, so he seems a pretty good bet for the Conservative nod.