ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — With just 21 percent of precincts reporting in New York's 23rd House district, Democrat Bill Owens had an early lead of 51.5 percent, or 15,724 votes, to Conservative Doug Hoffman's 43.2 percent, or 13,195 votes.
Republican Dierdre Scozzafava (skoh-zuh-FAH'-vuh), who withdrew from the race Saturday, still picked up 5.4 percent with 1,442 votes.
That's with 112 out of 606 precincts reporting in the heavily Republican district.
The race grabbed national headlines in its final days as it highlighted divisions within the Republican Party.
Some Republicans supported Scozzafava, who favors abortion rights and same-sex marriage, and argued the party needs to be more inclusive. Others backing Hoffman say the party should stay true to its conservative roots.
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