In New York's 23rd congressional district, the GOP "could lose its fifth of five big special elections in two years -- a development that has Republicans asking why the irregular races continue to bedevil their party, even as it rebounds in other ways," The Hill reports.
"Operatives with special-election experience blame a familiar problem that has reared its head: the ugly primary. There technically weren't any primaries in the race, but Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman did seek the GOP nomination from party leaders before going the third-party route. He is now threatening to overtake GOPer Dede Scozzafava in the polls."