Doheny gains more GOP support

Matt Doheny -- GOP Congressional challenger to Bill Owens -- got even more institutional backing this week. Doheny is currently spending as much time battling Conservative Doug Hoffman for the November GOP line as he is dealing with the incumbent.

Here's the release:

Watertown, NY – Three leaders in the national political arena – former Congressmen Bill Paxon, Tom Reynolds and Tom Davis – have endorsed the candidacy of Matt Doheny, Watertown, in the 23rd Congressional District of New York State.

“Matt is the kind of political newcomer we need in Washington today,” former Rep. Paxon (R-Buffalo,NY) said. “He’s a fiscal conservative who can apply both business and common sense to our nation’s current economic crisis. Matt can win the 23rd back for Republicans, and become a key vote against the failed policies of Obama and Pelosi.”

Paxon represented New York’s 26th Congressional District from 1989 to 1999. He was a leader of the “Republican Revolution” of 1994, which saw the GOP win control of the House, and the historic 1996 elections that saw the Republicans retain House control for the first time in more than 65 years. He is a former Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and remains a senior leader of the Republican Party.

His successor in Congress, former Rep. Reynolds (R-Buffalo,NY), is also backing Doheny’s bid.

“Matt has an incredible depth of knowledge on the most important issues of our day,” Reynolds commented. “Whether it’s the bloated federal budget, health care legislation, or creating private sector jobs, he knows the facts and he has the right vision.”

Reynolds represented New York’s 26th Congressional District from 1999 to 2009. He was a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and a member of three subcommittees: Trade, Select Revenue Measures, and Oversight. He was elected to the House Republican Majority Leadership, and is a former chairman of the NRCC.

Former Rep. Davis (R-VA) praised Doheny’s energy and commitment to this campaign. “These mid-terms are so important to the country and the direction we must take to stop the damaging policies of this Administration,” he said. “For months Matt has dedicated himself to securing the 23rd District seat and adding his voice to the chorus for change in Congress.”

Congressman Davis served seven terms in the United States House representing Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.

In the House Davis served as Chairman of the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee. He is a former chairman of the NRCC and president and CEO of the Republican Main Street Partnership.

Doheny is in the Republican primary on September 14 that leads to the general election on November 2, in which he will face off against incumbent Rep. Bill Owens (D-Plattsburgh). The New York State Independence Party, as well as numerous district Republican county committees and chairs have endorsed him. Earlier this month he was endorsed by former Congressman David O’B. Martin, who represented the district for 12 years.

Doheny has already secured the endorsements of nine or 11 county GOP committees as well as the backing of Franklin County Republican Chair Jim Ellis. NOTE: Franklin County Republicans didn't endorse a candidate, instead choosing to wait for the winner of the Doheny/Hoffman primary.

Hoffman has gained the backing of the Upstate New York Tea Party and numerous conservative PACs.

Both the Hoffman and Doheny claim to have their fingers' on the pulse of the electorate. I guess we'll see who's right Sepember 14.

The two will debate on September 1 in Plattsburgh and again September 7 in Saranac Lake.