Possible GOP primary challenger bows out of congressional race

Kelly Eustis, a 23-year-old tea party activist, has decided not to run for the north country's congressional seat, he told me just a few moments ago via email.

He had said he was considering seeking the Republican and Conservative nod for the race, which could have pitted him against Alexandria Bay's Matt Doheny.

Mr. Doheny is seeking a rematch against Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh.

This is good news for Mr. Doheny and bad news for Mr. Owens.

For Mr. Doheny, provided that no other primary challengers come along (and one very well may), he can sail to the nomination without having to lurch rightward, which Mr. Eustis' presence might have done.

And for Mr. Owens, he no longer gets to send out fundraising emails that say he has TWO primary challengers (a video is posted below that really helped symbolize that email blast).

Splitting the right is also less likely now, which is probably how Mr. Owens has managed to win two races in the historically red district.