An estimated 1,000 “tea party” enthusiasts from across the 23rd Congressional District known as the Upstate New York Tea Party have endorsed Republican Matt Doheny for Congress.

The Watertown businessman has also received the endorsement of and Chuck Ruggiero, chairman of the Jefferson Tea Party, in his bid to unseat Rep. Bill Owens, a Plattsburgh Democrat.

Doheny reportedly won last month’s UNYTEA straw poll, which prompted their steering committee to unanimously pick him as their candidate. And while the Jefferson Tea Party does not endorse candidates as a group, Ruggiero offered his personal support to the congressional hopeful.

“During my frequent personal contact with Matt I have developed a friendship based on mutual respect and shared values,” said Ruggiero in his endorsement letter. “I know that he will work diligently to represent the citizens of the 23rd District. I also know that he is a man of integrity who is committed to the protection of the U.S. Constitution, and the restoration of trust in government. Matt has the two critical qualities required for high office: vision and determination.”

UNYTEA Chairman Mark Barie added: “We need a congressman who understands that limited government, less spending, and lower taxes are the key to our survival and success as a nation. Matt Doheny knows this and that is why Republicans, conservatives, and independents have decided to support his candidacy.”

“Our current congressman may have assumed that his constituents wouldn’t notice as he continued to spend what we didn’t have and saddle our future generations with enormous debts,” said Doheny. “Mark, Chuck and their respective groups were among the first to stand up and say: ‘Enough!’ I appreciate the support from these organizations and I look forward to working with all those who are passionate about bringing fiscal sanity back to Washington.”

A Doheny campaign aide listed Doheny’s endorsements so far, including the New York State Independence Party; Clinton, Fulton, Herkimer and St. Lawrence counties’ Republican committees; Lewis County GOP Committee Chairman Rocky Fawcett, Legislature Chairman Jack Bush, Legislator Rick Lucas, former GOP Committee Chairman Sam Villanti, County Clerk Doug Hanno; Essex County GOP Committee Chairman Ron Jackson and Acting Conservative Committee Chairman Bill McGahay; and the Madison, Oswego and St. Lawrence County Conservative Party committees.

Ruggiero’s letter of endorsement follows:

To all concerned,

Many who know me also know that I am a passionate conservative Republican. In 2010 I was a candidate for county-wide office in Jefferson County, New York. I did not win the office for which I ran, but I learned many valuable things about the political process as a result of my effort. I also received a lot of support from other Republicans, and nearly ten thousand citizens voted for me as their candidate.

During my candidacy in 2010 I had frequent personal contact with Matt Doheny, who also ran in that same year for the position of U.S. Congressional Representative for the 23rd Congressional District of New York. I saw Matt at many fundraisers and public events, and was present as often as possible at his campaign events. During that election year I openly supported Matt Doheny in his campaign effort.

I am pleased to once again support Matt Doheny as a candidate for the NY23rd. During my frequent personal contact with Matt I have developed a friendship based on mutual respect and shared values. I know that he will work diligently to represent the citizens of the 23rd District. I also know that he is a man of integrity who is committed to the protection of the U.S. Constitution, and the restoration of trust in government. Matt has the two critical qualities required for high office; vision and determination.

In recent elections the Republican vote was divided, allowing our current Representative to remain in Washington, D.C. I ask all Republicans to unite behind Matt Doheny in the upcoming primary and general elections. Matt Doheny is the candidate who can, and will unseat the incumbent.