Plattsburgh, NY, Nov 04, 2009 — For the first time since before the civil war, much of the North Country woke up this morning with a Democratic Congressman. Bill Owens defeated Conservative Doug Hoffman, 49 to 46 percent, in the 23rd district special election, with 95% of precincts reporting. Republican Dede Scozzafava, who abruptly dropped out over the weekend, still captured 6% of the vote. Hoffman conceded last night. The historic race featured millions of dollars in attack ads, appearances by the nation's biggest political figures, and a fight for the identity of the Republican party. David Sommerstein was at Owens headquarters in Plattsburgh and has this story.