In shift, GOP leaders embrace Hoffman

By ALEX ISENSTADT & JOSH KRAUSHAAR | 10/29/09 5:57 PM EDT


Dede Scozzafava, Doug Hoffman and Bill Owens are running in the NY-23 special election. Photo: Composite image by POLITICO

The House Republican leadership is prepared to welcome Doug Hoffman into its ranks, National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) said Thursday, a sign that the GOP establishment is recalibrating its approach toward the contentious New York special election and the Conservative Party nominee whose candidacy has divided the party.

“He would be very welcome, with open arms,â€