PLATTSBURGH — In a major development in the 23rd Congressional District race, Republican Dierdre “Dede” Scozzafava dropped out Saturday.

When the latest independent poll results from the Siena Research Institute came out Saturday morning, it showed Democrat William Owens in the lead with 36 percent of the vote, followed closely by Conservative Party candidate Douglas Hoffman with 35 percent.

Scozzafava had fallen way behind with just 20 percent.

Shortly after the poll was released, Scozzafava pulled out of the race and released her supporters to get behind the candidate of their choice.

“In recent days, polls have indicated that my chances of winning this election are not as strong as we would like them to be,” she said in a statement.

“The reality that I’ve come to accept is that in today’s political arena, you must be able to back up your message with money, and as I’ve been outspent on both sides, I’ve been unable to effectively address many of the charges that have been made about my record.”

Scozzafava said it was in the best interests of the residents of the district for her to drop out of the race.

“It is increasingly clear that pressure is mounting on many of my supporters to shift their support. Consequently, I hereby release those individuals who have endorsed and supported my campaign to transfer their support as they see fit to do so,” she said.

The Republican National Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee both said they would now throw their support behind Hoffman.

“Effectively immediately, the RNC will endorse and support the Conservative candidate in the race, Doug Hoffman,” RNC Chairman Michael Steele said.

“Doug’s campaign will receive the financial backing of the RNC, and get-out-the-vote efforts to defeat Bill Owens on Tuesday.”

Hoffman was riding the crest of his campaign wave Saturday as news of the poll and Scozzafava’s departure spread.

He was in Plattsburgh appearing at the VFW with former Republican Gov. George E. Pataki and Plattsburgh Mayor Donald Kasprzak, also a Republican, who endorsed Hoffman on Friday.

“This morning’s events prove what we have said for the last week; this campaign is a horse race between me and Nancy Pelosi’s handpicked candidate, Bill Owens,” Hoffman said.

“They (Democrats and their supporters) are throwing mud; they are trying to stop me. It’s time for us to send a message to Washington — we are sick and tired of big spending, high taxing, career politicians and by voting for me on Tuesday you will send that message loud and clear.”