FOX WWNY TV: Hoffman Campaigns In Watertown

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The race for the 23rd Congressional District seat appears to be closer than anyone could have imagined.

Meanwhile, the candidate most people didn't think had a shot at winning, Conservative Doug Hoffman, is gaining major ground in the polls.

According to the latest Siena College poll, just 10 points now separate all 3 candidates.

Democrat Bill Owens pulled ahead with 33% of the vote.

Republican Dede Scozzafava has 29%.

Doug Hoffman has 23%, picking up seven points since the last poll.

Hoffman was campaigning in Watertown Saturday, where he said he wasn't surprised at his progress.

"We expect to win this race," says Hoffman. "We expected from the beginning to win this race."

Hoffman is calling himself the true Republican in the race, and some voters agree with his message.

"I like to see people that are Republicans really be Republicans," says voter John Humphrey.

Hoffman says because he is conservative on issues such as gay marriage and abortion, he is more of a Republican than his opponent Dede Scozzafava.

Scozzafava is pro-choice and supports legalizing gay marriage.

Carol Tesch is a registered Republican who says her vote is going to the Conservative party.

"He represents the values I would like to see," says Tesch.

Hoffman says he hopes to have at least one debate with Dede Scozzafava and Bill Owens before the election.

However, he could not confirm whether he'd be participating in the October 29 debate in Syracuse.

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