Republican candidate Scozzafava has withdrawn from a New York Congressional race to be held this coming Tuesday. The Republican nominee was facing a third-person challenge on the left with the Democratic and on the right with an independent conservative challenger.

The Republican conceded that victory was not possible when it became apparent that the conservative would work as a spoiler and take away votes from the right. Thus instead of splitting the conservative vote and letting the Democratic easily win (as may happen in the New Jersey governor’s race), the Republican has suspended the campaign to unite the right-of-center behind the independent candidate. Whether out of principle or cynical future political calculations, this may ensure a conservative victory (and the independent may register as a Republican once in office).

Scozzafava began to face heat on her right flank when prominent Republicans endorsed the independent over the conservative, including conservative star Sarah Palin.

Veteran Republican Newt Gringrich strongly criticized the Palin et al endorsements of the independent arguing that they do not know better than New York Republican state politicians as to who would do best in an election (Scozzafava was appointed to her seat and running for an election for the first time). Gringrich thought this would set a bad precedent for how Republicans should act.

Gringrich’s point is valid since Palin in Alaska does not know better than state politicians in New York. And while the independent is a more orthodox conservative, New York state requires a liberal Republican to win elections. Better to have a liberal Republican, Gringrich argues, than a liberal Democrat.

Unless Palin wants to reinforce rigid dogma to ensure the Republicans even more limited appeal. Nobody ever accused her of being politically savvy.