The St. Lawrence County Conservative Party committee has endorsed Matt Doheny for Congress.

Mr. Doheny's chances of beating Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, in the November election rely heavily on his ability to do what he wasn't able to do in 2010: secure the Conservative Party line.

Mike Long, the state party chairman, says that a Doheny endorsement is "not impossible," and that he'll listen to his county party chairmen.

So while the St. Lawrence County committee's endorsement won't be the deciding factor, it's an important development, though it's not unexpected.

“I am truly thankful for this endorsement," Mr. Doheny said in a news release. "The committee rightfully recognizes that I am the only candidate who can unite the Conservative, Republican and Independence parties and win this fall."

Here's the interesting thing about the county party chairmen: The district lines aren't even set yet, so we're not sure which county will be in and which county will be out. But it's a safe bet that Jefferson County, where Mr. Doheny resides, will be in the same district as St. Lawrence County.

Kellie Greene, Mr. Doheny's possible Republican primary opponent, has also said she's seeking the Conservative nod.

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