CANTON – The St. Lawrence County Conservative committee has unanimously endorsed businessman Matt Doheny for the 23rd Congressional District seat.

Chairman Hank Ford said his committee chose Doheny at a meeting Thursday because he is the most qualified candidate to unseat Democratic Rep. Bill Owens.

“Matt Doheny is a true fiscal conservative,” said Ford of the Watertown lawyer and former Wall Street banker. “He supports policies that will lower taxes, reduce regulation and lead to growth here – especially among our small businesses.”

Doheny lost to Plattsburgh Democrat Bill Owens in 2010 in a three-way race with accountant Doug Hoffman, who had the Conservative Party’s endorsement then.

Ford said Doheny will “go to Washington to fight for our conservative principles and values. He stood up for our religious freedoms when the president tried to force religious groups to purchase contraception. And Doheny will support the continued prohibition on federal funding for abortion and our belief that marriage is between a man and a woman.”

Doheny said: “I am truly thankful for this endorsement. The committee rightfully recognizes that I am the only candidate who can unite the Conservative, Republican and Independence parties and win this fall. I plan to work hard every day to meet their expectations and advocate for common-sense solutions that allow all Americans to prosper.”

“Owens was rushed to Washington after his election so that he could make sure ObamaCare was passed,” said Ford. “He’s consistently put the president’s disastrous agenda first, which has lead to higher taxes and fewer jobs for St. Lawrence County residents.”