NEW YORK - Showcasing once again that she's an ideological maverick, Alaska ex-governor Sarah Palin has announced that she is throwing her support behind surprise candidate Leviticus in in a special U.S. House election in Upstate New York. Leviticus will be competing for the seat against Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava.

"Republicans and conservatives around the country are sending an important message to the Republican establishment in their outstanding grassroots support for Leviticus: no more politics as usual," said Palin.

Leviticus, who entered the contest on Friday, is by far the most right-wing candidate in the race, being known for his hyper-conservative stances on shellfish, sorcery, tattoos, shaving and menstruation.

"Abominations!," said Leviticus. "And Obama is socialist!"

Despite Palin's endorsement, many political pundits believe that Leviticus will struggle for votes and that the endorsement by Palin will continue to hurt the party, as just 20 percent of those polled self-identify as Republicans.

"Let's face it, people only pay attention to one thing Leviticus wrote and ignore everything else," said one media pundit. "No one is going to get elected on an anti-shrimp platform."

Democrat Bill Owens - the current front-runner for the seat - said he's thrilled that Leviticus is running.

"I wish Leviticus luck," said Owens, munching on lobster. "But he's definitely stoned the GOP's chances to death."

Regardless of the criticism, Palin said she is confident that her decision will be viewed with praise from God, which is all that really matters.

"My spiritual advisor has told me this decision may not help the Republican party, but it will help me," said Palin. "Levi is firm in his beliefs and so am I. Any conservative that is against Levi is truly an abomination."