THENDARA - Matt Doheny celebrated his decisive victory in the June 26 Republican primary for the newly expanded 21st Congressional seat with a two-day tour of the newly redrawn district.

That tour brought him to Thendara Thursday afternoon, June 28, where he made a stop at VanAuken’s Inn for a public meet and greet session.

“That was a big, big win,” said Doheny. “I am very excited and very humbled.”

Doheny says improving the economy is his number one concern. He wants to help create more jobs and help struggling businesses. “Jobs are the single most important concern of the residents of this district,” he said.

Doheny said he has been extremely successful in “turning around troubled businesses” and he believes he can do the same with the area’s economy.

“If you like what’s going on, you’re going to be with Obama and Owens,” said Doheny. “If you believe a 10-1/2 percent unemployment rate is unacceptable, join my team. If you believe we’re going in the wrong direction, join my team.”

He also wants to work to decrease the national deficit. He says if businesses and families have to work within their budgets, the national government should be able to do the same.

As an experienced businessman, the Watertown resident feels he has the tools to bring “fiscal sanity” to Washington.

Doheny acknowledged that the vastness of the new district presents some challenges on the campaign trail, especially when it comes to relating to voters and the issues specific to various communities on an individual basis.

It’s a challenge, however, he is anxious to overcome. “It’s a great opportunity,” said Doheny. “The way to do it is to get around and work hard.”

He will begin a “50 Businesses, 50 Days” Tour July 9.

“Jobs are the single-most important concern of the residents of this district,” said Doheny. “Unfortunately, there are scarce opportunities for upstate residents...”

Doheny will listen to job creators in the district from six key sectors: agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, service economy, high tech and health care.

During the tour he says he will offer a prescription for how to get Washington working for both job seeker and job creator.

Doheny said he plans to stay in direct contact with residents in every corner of the district, attend every event possible and make an extra effort to understand all the varied issues.

In response to Doheny’s primary victory, the Owens campaign issued its own take on the primary results, noting that Doheny received 47 percent fewer votes than he did during his 2010 campaign.

“In spite of tacking hard to the right and a couple-hundred thousand dollar cash advance, Doheny still has real problems with his base,” Owens’ campaign manager James Hannaway said in an emailed statement.

— Staff report