The New York State Conservative party has picked its own candidate to run for John McHugh's congressional seat, and the race is already heating up.

The party has spent the last few days attacking Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava.

"She doesn't represent the people of the North Country," says Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long. "She votes more often than not with the liberal Democrats of New York City."

Scozzafava says she shouldn't have to defend herself from these attacks because her record proves her dedication to the Republican party.

"I always support 2nd amendment rights of people here in the North Country, and that's an important issue," says Scozzafava. "I believe in individual freedom and less government interference in the lives of individuals. I think that's a pretty Conservative stand."

However, it's not Conservative enough for the Conservative party. It's backing its own candidate Doug Hoffman.

"The voters of the district deserve more than just a choice between a liberal Nancy Pelosi Democrat or a liberal career big spending Albany politician," says Hoffman.

Mike Long went as far as to call Scozzafava the "Bernie Madoff" of politics.

Scozzafava says she is used to voting against party lines when it comes to social issues.

She is a supporter of gay rights and takes a pro-choice stance on the issue of abortion, but she says it's about time for an independent thinking candidate.

"Because I take a couple issues that they don't like, that they're scared, or that they're worried about, they want to brand me as a liberal, and that's their prerogative," says Scozzafava.

John McHugh hasn't left the Congressional seat, yet, and likely won't be confirmed as Secretary of the Army for at least another month.

The Democratic party is expected to choose its Congressional candidate Monday.