Watertown Daily Times | Two may join field to replace McHugh

The field of potential candidates to fill Rep. John M. McHugh's congressional seat if he is confirmed as secretary of the Army shifted a bit Thursday, with a former assistant state attorney general in Watertown emerging as a potentially strong Democratic contender. State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, has not ruled out a run but is considered unlikely because the Republicans could easily regain his seat in Albany, and Democrats have just a two-seat majority in the state Senate

[Watertown Fan]

Matt Doheny is a highly qualified candidate without the "baggage" of more classic candidates with traditional political backgrounds. He grew up in Alex Bay and has planned to enter the political arena in the North Country for over a decade, pending the right opportunity. Fortunately for the community, that opportunity has finally arrived. Although his roots up north run deep, he is also a highly respected financial professional in New York City, which could bring additional funding and interest to the race and the Republican Party in general. The skill set of someone with such a strong financial background, coupled with the knowledge gained from his Ivy League legal degree and experience as a lawyer, would be a tremendous asset to the District. There is little doubt that Matt has the potential to become a major player in the Republican Party and the 23rd District would be well served by electing such a rising star to office.

[muzzy]

Watertown Fan wrote:

Matt Doheny is a highly qualified candidate without the "baggage" of more classic candidates with traditional political backgrounds. He grew up in Alex Bay and has planned to enter the political arena in the North Country for over a decade, pending the right opportunity. Fortunately for the community, that opportunity has finally arrived. Although his roots up north run deep, he is also a highly respected financial professional in New York City, which could bring additional funding and interest to the race and the Republican Party in general. The skill set of someone with such a strong financial background, coupled with the knowledge gained from his Ivy League legal degree and experience as a lawyer, would be a tremendous asset to the District. There is little doubt that Matt has the potential to become a major player in the Republican Party and the 23rd District would be well served by electing such a rising star to office.

What on earth does an Ivy league degree have to do with it? Are we back be in the dark ages again when a degee from Haaavard would get the candidate in the office,{baloney], and being from NYC means zero in northern NY.

I just cant believe what I am reading and being a lawyer, do you have an idea how many lawyers are out there? one thing is true there is a lot of money in NYC, but in the last 100 years not much has found its way up to northern NY.

And lastly, why would a big fish in a big pond[NYC] want to swim around in a little pond[northern NY.}

So much for that, oh I forgot, being a part year resident of the thousand Islands, that was a big deal a 100 years ago, that's all gone with the wind too.

I just can't get over that Ivy league baloney, its what you learn not where you learn it.

[Watertown Fan]

muzzy wrote:

<quoted text>What on earth does an Ivy league degree have to do with it? Are we back be in the dark ages again when a degee from Haaavard would get the candidate in the office,{baloney], and being from NYC means zero in northern NY.
I just cant believe what I am reading and being a lawyer, do you have an idea how many lawyers are out there? one thing is true there is a lot of money in NYC, but in the last 100 years not much has found its way up to northern NY.
And lastly, why would a big fish in a big pond[NYC] want to swim around in a little pond[northern NY.}
So much for that, oh I forgot, being a part year resident of the thousand Islands, that was a big deal a 100 years ago, that's all gone with the wind too.
I just can't get over that Ivy league baloney, its what you learn not where you learn it.

You sound a bit bitter. I personally think it is terrific that a local kid received a top notch education, had a highly successful career and wants to return home and give back to his community. That is not his platform, that is just my opinion. You can choose to value education and experience, or not, that is the beauty of this country - we are all free to have and express our opinions. I have never read anywhere that Matt Doheny, or Will Barclay for that matter - another lawyer, boasts about his education. Or about his house in the thousand islands. In fact, I am not sure why you feel the need to mock property owners in the thousand islands. I certainly don't think people view property ownership up there as a "status symbol" as you implied. It is simply a beautiful area and one of the few destinations that draws people from outside the district. I agree, an Ivy League education certainly does not translate into a golden ticket in politics, but I would never consider it a flaw. I value education and would like to elect someone who values it as well. To discount someone because they happened to go to a good school seems odd, but as I said, we are all entitled to our opinions.