Owens (D) declared winner in NY-23 (voters, Congress, Democrats, Republicans)

[CityPerson09]

So Bill Owens (D) was declared the winner in NY-23 over Doug Hoffman (C). How does this work out to the advantage of the Republicans, Democrats, or Conservatives?

At first glance the headline "Democrat Wins" implies the obvious. However a Hoffman victory would of rallied the right wing conservatives and forced the GOP to nominate more right wing candidates in districts where they are unelectable. This would benefit the Democrats much more than a single congressional seat.

[texdav]

Bascailly what it is a blow to partry politcs in a sate where the parties decide the candidate and not the voters. bscailly the party pick was wrong in guessing the mood of the voters whuich lead to their candidate having to withdrww and a independent coming very close to winning.