Albany, N.Y. (AP) - In a Republican Party struggling to find its identity, the surprise withdrawal of the chosen GOP candidate for a New York congressional race -- forced by a rising conservative upstart -- renews a lingering national debate: Are moderates welcome in today's Grand Old Party?

The question became even more relevant Sunday when the ex-candidate, state Assemblywoman Dierdre Scozzafava, threw her support behind the Democrat in the race rather than the Conservative Party candidate favored by fellow Republicans.

The GOP leadership insisted on Sunday political TV talk shows the party is strong and inclusive while Democrats described a Republican party out of touch with the people...