Republican Assembly members Ken Blankenbush and Janet Duprey, each of whom represents sections of the county, have endorsed Matt Doheny for Congress, according to a press release on the Watertown Republican’s web site.

"Matt is from here and understands the issues that we face in the North Country,” said Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, a Republican from Black River whose district covers southwestern St. Lawrence County including Gouverneur.

“He knows how important Ft. Drum is to our community and will be a vocal advocate for it's future," Blankenbush is quoted as saying in the document on mattdohenyforcongress.com “Matt's experience in saving jobs and companies is what we need fighting for us in DC. I'm proud to support him for Congress."

Janet Duprey, whose Assembly district includes the eastern townships in the county, also points to the Watertown investor’s business experience as an asset.

"After watching both debates, following news reports and campaign statements and having several personal discussions, I am confident Matt Doheny has the right demeanor, knowledge and successful business experience to go to Congress fully prepared to represent the North Country well," said Duprey, who is from Peru in Clinton County.

Doheny, who has lost twice to retiring incumbent Democrat Bill Owens in the last two North Country congressional races, faces primary contender Elise Stefanik of Willsboro for the right to be listed on the Republican line on the November ballot. The primary winner will contend with Democratic candidate Aaron Woolf of Elizabethtown and Green Party candidate Matt Funiciello of Glens Falls.

"I'm proud to have the support of great local leaders like Ken Blankenbush and Janet Duprey who understand the needs of our community and in Congress I will partner with them to ensure that the federal government is responsive to our needs," said Doheny.