A former Democratic congressman for the North Country is backing a retired Army officer to challenge the woman who won the 21st Congressional District seat after he left it.

Bill Owens, a Democrat from the Plattsburgh area, has endorsed Mike Derrick, a retired Army Colonel and North Country native from Peru in Clinton County who has announced his candidacy.

“He offers strong leadership and knowledge as we seek to keep Americans safe at home and abroad,” Owens, a retired Air Force officer, said in a press release.

“From his 28 years as an Army officer he possesses the ability to understand the complex military and homeland security issues we face. He will be an asset to families and businesses of the North Country and Northern New York. He has my full support,” Owens said.

Owens retired last year, leaving the seat to the winner of last November’s election, Elise Stefanik of Willsboro.

Owens offered this link to Derrick’s explanation of his stance on action against ISIS, based on his experience over the years in the Army and later with the State Department: http://www.derrickforcongress.com/plantofightisis.