The United States Chamber of Commerce, a major lobbying organization for U.S. business, has endorsed Matt Doheny for New York's 21st Congressional District seat.

Doheny, a Republican lawyer and businessman from Watertown, is vying for the seat now held by Democrat Bill Owens of Plattsburgh.

"It is the Chamber's goal to help elect a pro-business majority in Congress and work diligently in support of the interests of businesses large and small to advance legislation that encourages economic growth, job creation and a less intrusive federal government," said Chamber President and Chief Executive Office Thomas Donohue in a letter to Doheny. "We believe that your election to the U.S. House of Representatives will help produce sustained economic growth, help create more jobs and get our country back on track."

The chamber counts more than 300,000 businesses and organizations as members, and intends to directly contact its New York members to promote Doheny's candidacy.

"As a businessman, I know what it takes for companies to grow and succeed," said Doheny, the Republican, Conservative and Independence parties' candidates. "We simply cannot continue the same policies that have caused our unemployment to balloon to double digits here in Northern New York. I am pleased that the Chamber recognizes that I can bring a pro-growth, pro-business vision to Washington and help get our upstate economy moving again."