The election received significant national attention, and was alternately described as "a referendum on President Barack Obama" and "a fight over the identity of the Republican Party.

In January 2011, Scozzafava was appointed as the New York Deputy Secretary of State for Local Government by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, a post she held until June 2016.

[14] In February 2008, Scozzafava was reportedly approached by Democrats about switching parties after she was passed over for the Republican nomination in the 48th Senate District special election.

[14] Scozzafava's husband, Ron McDougall, reportedly put out feelers to the Democrats about possible support for Scozzafava in a 2009 congressional race in New York's 23rd congressional district in the event that Democratic State Senator Darrel Aubertine opted not to seek the office; the seat was being vacated by John M. McHugh, who resigned upon Senate conformation as the new Secretary of the Army.

[18][19] Scozzafava had voted for same-sex marriage in the New York State Assembly,[20] and she had also received an award from a Planned Parenthood affiliate in 2008.

[28] Scozzafava received endorsements from former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich,[29] Congressman Pete King (R-NY),[29] the National Rifle Association of America (NRA),[29] the Log Cabin Republicans,[29] and the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT).

[30] A Siena College poll released on October 1, 2009, showed Scozzafava leading the race with 35% support, followed by Owens with 28%, and Hoffman with 16%.

[33] An article in The Politico stated that the White House had made a concerted effort to persuade Scozzafava to endorse Owens, dispatching Long Island Congressman Steve Israel, New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to request her support.

"[39][40] Commentator Chris Good described the term as follows: "The gist, basically, is that if you're a moderate Republican and the conservative wing of the GOP sets out to get you, and does, you got Scozzafavaed.

"[42] Also, conservative commentators, including Maggie Gallagher, have used the phrase "the Dede effect" to describe Republican lawmakers' fear of alienating their constituents by voting for same-sex marriage legislation.

[45] However, Scozzafava told WWNY-TV in Watertown on the day after the election that she intended to remain a Republican for the time being; she also acknowledged that she felt betrayed by the national GOP for its quick endorsement of Hoffman following her exit from the race.

[50] In January 2011, Scozzafava was appointed as the New York Deputy Secretary of State for Local Government by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and held that position until June 2016.