As expected, the Upstate New York Tea Party has endorsed Republican Matt Doheny in his bid to take on Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh in November.

"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," UNYTEA Chairman Mark Barie said in a release this morning. "Matt Doheny knows this and that is why Republicans, conservatives, and independents have decided to support his candidacy.”

Mr. Doheny also picked up the endorsement of Chuck Ruggiero, the chairman of the Jefferson Tea Party. The organization, Mr. Ruggiero is always quick to add, does not endorse candidates itself. This endorsement was personal.

In Mr. Doheny's 2010 run, UNYTEA endorsed Doug Hoffman, a Lake Placid accountant. But UNYTEA switched to Mr. Doheny after he won the Republican primary.

UNTEA's steering committee swayed the vote toward Mr. Doheny, a Watertown resident, but has been warning fellow conservatives against splitting the right again all year.

Also running is Kellie Greene, a Sackets Harbor resident who is counting on grassroots support to vault her over the finish line.

"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," Mr. Doheny said.

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