There's been speculation all day that moderate Republican Dede Scozzafava might endorse Democrat Bill Owens in the special congressional election in NY-23. That was mostly kicked off when the local Waterton Daily Times switched its endorsement from Scozzafava, who suspended her campaign yesterday, to Owens, and mentioned that, "During the day Saturday, she began to quietly and thoughtfully encourage her supporters to vote for Democrat William L. Owens."

Well, now it's official.

In a statement released this afternoon, Scozzafava endorsed Owens.

I am supporting Bill Owens for Congress and urge you to do the same.

It's not in the cards for me to be your representative, but I strongly believe Bill is the only candidate who can build upon John McHugh's lasting legacy in the U.S. Congress. John and I worked together on the expansion of Fort Drum and I know how important that base is to the economy of this region. I am confident that Bill will be able to provide the leadership and continuity of support to Drum Country just as John did during his tenure in Congress.

In Bill Owens, I see a sense of duty and integrity that will guide him beyond political partisanship. He will be an independent voice devoted to doing what is right for New York. Bill understands this district and its people, and when he represents us in Congress he will put our interests first.

Please join me in voting for Bill Owens on Tuesday.

Read the full statement here.

This isn't exactly the biggest surprise -- not after so many prominent Republicans, including Sarah Palin and Tim Pawlenty, openly opposed Scozzafava in favor of Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman. But Democrats must be pleased. Just this morning, White House Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett said on This Week that "we would love to, of course, have her support." Well, now she's got it.