ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- New York's Independence Party is courting the one-time Republican candidate in the 23rd Congressional District as she completes her state Assembly term.

Independence Chairman Frank MacKay says he will invite Dierdre Scozzafava, a moderate Republican, to carry his party as her main political affiliation.

She suspended her congressional campaign as it was overtaken by Conservative Doug Hoffman. He lost Tuesday to Democrat Bill Owens in the race to represent northern New York.

MacKay tells The Associated Press that Scozzafava appears to be a true independent. She won re-election last year with the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Working Families lines.

Scozzafava didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.