By JOE LoTEMPLIO
PLATTSBURGH — Jefferson County Assemblyman Will Barclay has dropped out of the race for the 23rd Congressional District.
Barclay was seeking the Republican nod to run against incumbent Democrat William Owens this November.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Barclay said he is not running because it would have interfered with his ability to represent his district in the Assembly.
THREE REMAIN
His departure from the Republican contest leaves as potential candidates Douglas Hoffman, an accounting-firm owner from Lake Placid; investor Matt Doheny, originally from Alexandria Bay who now lives in Watertown; and Franklin County Legislator Paul Maroun.
Hoffman ran against Owens as a Conservative Party candidate in a special election last year. The seat came open when President Barack Obama named former Congressman John McHugh as the new secretary of the Army.
Hoffman, who had sought the Republican nomination, lost a close race to Owens.
Republican candidate Dierdre "Dede" Scozzafava, an assemblywoman from Gouverneur in St. Lawrence County, dropped out of the race three days before Election Day as her poll numbers dwindled.
She threw her support behind Owens after dropping out.
Scozzafava's campaign drew harsh criticism from many Republicans, who saw her support for gay marriage and abortion rights as too liberal.
HOFFMAN TO MOVE
Hoffman, who is moving next month from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake, which is actually in the 23rd District, recently announced his candidacy for the Republican endorsement, saying he is the candidate that can bring Republicans and Conservatives together and win.
Hoffman said he respects Barclay's decision to drop out of the race.
"I believe his decision reflects his strong belief in good government that has inspired his family's dedication to public service," Hoffman said in a statement.
"I look forward to working and campaigning with the assemblyman in the months ahead as we work together to 'grow' the Republican Party and return fiscal sanity to our state and our nation."
PARTNERSHIP
Doheny and Maroun have yet to formally kick off their campaigns.
Doheny said a race against Barclay would have been exciting and competitive.
"I know Will is a man of honesty, strong values, impeccable character and endless energy," Doheny said.
"As I prepare my campaign for Congress, I look forward to working with him in pursuit of the many goals we share by establishing a strong partnership focusing on bringing common sense and reason to both Albany and Washington."
Maroun said he has not made up his mind yet if he is going to run.
"But I spoke with Will Barclay, and we both agree to back the Republican candidate, whoever it is. We can't have a split like we did last time."
Owens said he is not concerned what potential opponents are doing.
"I am focusing on my duties here and on job creation," he said Tuesday.
E-mail Joe LoTemplio at: jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com
