The primary race between Matt Doheny and Elise Stefanik to represent the North Country's 21st Congressional District continues to draw national attention. On Tuesday, GOP Super PAC American Crossroads joined the fray by running a television ad against Doheny in Albany, Watertown and Plattsburgh, which attacks the Watertown businessman's political and personal record.
"Multi-millionaire Matt Doheny just doesn't learn from his mistakes," the ad proclaims, with ominous music playing in the background. "Maybe that's why Doheny's already lost three elections for Congress."
Doheny narrowly lost against outgoing Democratic Rep. Bill Owens in 2010 and 2012, and a special election in 2009.
Doheny said in a written statement that he's deeply troubled by what he calls "Stefanik's out of town supporters." He says the 30-second spot, which calls him a flawed candidate, is a mean and partly untruthful attack. Doheny says Stefanik denies that she's a Washington, D.C. insider, even with two Super PACs spending money on her campaign.
Former candidate for vice president Paul Ryan appeared at a Stefanik fundraiser in Watertown Monday. But the 29-year-old Stefanik continues to be called a carpetbagger by critics who say she's not really from the North Country.
Voters will select either Doheny or Stefanik to represent the Republican line on June 24. The winner will face Democrat Aaron Woolf.