The Hamilton and Franklin County Republican Committees have unanimously endorsed Republican Watertown businessman Matt Doheny for the seat in Congress currently held by Plattsburgh Democrat Bill Owens.

Ray Scollin, who represents Franklin County on the state Republican committee, said the group endorsed Doheny “based on his experience, knowledge of the issues and record of reaching out to all the residents of our county.”

“The unanimous endorsement of Matt Doheny should be no shock to anyone in the north country. Matt is the hardest working candidate I have ever seen,” said Bill Farber, chairman of the Hamilton County committee. “Frankly, this is a huge district and he is everywhere. Matt’s deep understanding of the north country and the Adirondacks is now even more important as we evaluate the new district.”

“I thank Chairman Ellis and his committee for again supporting my candidacy and offering their help as we gather signatures in order to appear on November’s ballot,” said Doheny. “I am here to unite the Republican, Conservative and Independence parties and offer them a better direction than the road they’ve traveled on with our current congressman. I am committed to bringing good jobs to Franklin County and the north country, keeping taxes low for residents here and reducing regulations, especially on our small businesses.”

Doheny lost narrowly in 2010 in a three-way race for the 23rd Congressional District seat against Owens and Lake Placid conservative Doug Hoffman.

The seat was held by Republican John McHugh until his appointment as Secretary of the Army by President Obama.