North Country businessman and Republican Matt Doheny has officially kicked off his campaign for the 2012 Congressional race. Our Amanda Kelley reports.

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WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- Less than a year ago, Congressman Bill Owens defeated republican Matt Doheny in a highly contested race for congress.

After losing the race in November 2010 Doheny told YNN, "It is deeply disappointing."

The race was one of the top ten closest across the nation, but now Doheny has rebounded from the loss and ready to run in 2012, focusing on how to fix our economy.

"Everyone wants to talk about jobs, but I want to talk about growth because only growth and the expanding economy and people growing their businesses lead to hiring, lead to the jobs that are vital to make sure the North Country and obviously the country prospers," said Doheny.

Doheny's potential opponent says his focuses are not on the 2012 race just yet.

Congressman Bill Owens said, "I'm focused on doing what I need to do down here and back in the district. Clearly the focus has to be on creating jobs."

Doheny criticizes the current congress's handlings of the economy and Obama's Jobs Act, one which Owens partially supports.

Doheny said, "It's the wrong policies. It's really stimulus 2.0."

"Economists have said it will create 1.9 million jobs. We don't have anything coming from the other side that talks about the creation of any jobs. They do not have a program," Owens said.

Doheny is calling for reigning in governments spending, but says he's against cuts to our military that would hurt Fort Drum.

He said, "I'm going to be a relentless advocate for Fort Drum, a relentless advocate for the 10th Mountain Division and for the military at large."

The race is still not 100 percent clear due to redistricting, but Doheny says it was important for him to begin his campaign now, regardless of where the lines are drawn.

"I think what we do have comfort in is certainly there will be a North Country congressional district and I certainly think Watertown and Plattsburgh and the area between will be in the district as well," Doheny said.

Doheny will be seeking both the Republican and Conservative lines. The Jefferson County GOP says they are excited about his announcement and will likely endorse Doheny in the coming months.