The bizarre campaign for Congress from the North Country took one more odd turn Sunday, as Republican Dede Scozzafava endorsed Democrat Bill Owens, while the rest of the Republican hierarchy continued to line up behind Doug Hoffman.

The Hoffman camp quickly issued a statement blasting Scozzafava for 'betraying' the Republican party. They also announced former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani is officially backing Hoffman.

Scozzafava quit the race Saturday morning, after polls showed she was trailing badly in the three way race with Owens and Hoffman.  She also lacked the money to keep fighting.

Saturday, she issued a statement releasing all of her supporters and asking them to vote as they saw fit.  But Sunday, as labor groups (including one run by her husband) that had supported her shifted their backing to Owens, she, too, lent the Plattsburgh businessman her support.

Here's the heart of her statement:

"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. To address the tough challenges ahead, we must rise above partisanship and politics and work together. There's too much at stake in this election to do otherwise."

UPDATE:  3:35 PM:  Owens offered his thanks:

“I am honored to have Assemblywoman Scozzafava’s endorsement. Over the course of her career, Dede has always committed to serving the people of Upstate New York before serving a partisan agenda.  I have a tremendous amount of respect for what she's accomplished. We share a commitment to finding common sense solutions to address the challenges we’re facing here in Upstate New York."

Political operatives offered hints to reporters such as the New York Post's Liz Benjamin that Scozzafava's non-endorsement on Saturday was coordinated with Hofffman's campaign, that a Scozzafava endorsement would do more harm to Hoffman than good.  But her neutrality lasted about a day.

The statement from the Hoffman campaign Sunday was swift and to the point:

This afternoon Dede Scozzafava betrayed the GOP. She endorsed a Pelosi Democrat who will spend more, tax more, and push the liberal agenda that is dragging down this nation. Doug Hoffman represents the revolution that is taking place against high taxes. Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats are desperate. They are throwing everything they have at us but we’re back. The voters now know what Dede Scozzafava believes in—the liberal agenda of Nancy Pelosi.

Hoffman's campaign continued to pump out news releases touting new support from local, state and national Republican leaders. Republicans in Congress said they would give Hoffman the next seat available on the House Armed Services committee.  John McHugh, the Congressman whose decision to join the Obama administration caused this wild election, was the highest ranking Republican on the committee.  It has a direct effect on Fort Drum, the largest employer and economic growth engine in the North Country.

In addition, both the executive committee of the Franklin County Republican Party and Jefferson County's Republican Party have now endorsed Hoffman.

Owens kept to a busy schedule on Sunday as well, making stops in Oswego County and in the North Country.

Both men have big days tomorrow.  Hoffman holds a rally with country music star John Rich of Big & Rich, while Owens gets an in-person boost from Vice President Joe Biden.

UPDATE 5:35 PM: Actor and former Senator Fred Thompson, who has endorsed Hoffman, says he'll appear at the rally.

UPDATE 7:10 PM: Former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani joins a long, long list of Republicans backing Hoffman.

From the press release:

"Doug Hoffman has what it takes to be a great Congressman. He’s not a professional politician; he’s a private citizen, and a successful small businessman. He’s somebody who cares about his community and wants to give something back. As a CPA, Doug knows the toll that high taxes and the ever growing deficit are having on this nation and its people.

He understands that we must cut spending and cut taxes if we want to get our economy moving again. As the father of a decorated State Trooper, who was shot in the line of duty, he understands the need to be tough with those who threaten us; whether they are career criminals on our streets or terrorists who want to destroy the freedoms we cherish.

In Congress, he will be a vocal advocate for smaller government, less red tape and a government that works for the taxpayer, not against them. On election day, please cast your vote for Doug Hoffman he’s the type of Congressman America needs.”