Doheny's statement on primary victory

"First and foremost, I thank each and every Republican who cast a vote on my behalf today. They have placed their trust in me to be a representative of the party's values and ideals and I promise to work hard every day to meet - and exceed - those expectations.

"For the first time since former Congressman John McHugh left to become Secretary of the Army, we have united the Republican, Independence and Conservative lines. Voters here will have a clear choice between two competing visions for America. I believe in the fairness of opportunity - that if you work hard, the American dream is still within reach. I want to go to Washington to remove the roadblocks that keep us all from being successful, such as the excessive regulation and taxation that convince our job creators to avoid risk, sit on the sidelines and not grow.

"Our current congressman's vision for America is far different. He advocates for a fairness of outcomes, which uses the heavy hand of government to dictate winners and losers among us all. It degrades those who work hard and take risk - and it rewards those who do nothing but exploit our government's benevolence.

"My Democratic opponent, in word and deed, has shown little inclination to reverse the tax-and-spend mentality that threatens to bankrupt our children's future. In helping to rack up trillions in debt and by advocating for new forms of taxation, he bears responsibility for our current economic calamity. Unemployment has increased in each county that he represents over the past two years - and he has no plan to stem the tide and reverse course.

"These competing visions - and the effect they will have on each resident's ability to get and keep a job - are the crux of this election. Outside interests will try to distract voters with accusations that hold no bearing on this central issue, so it's imperative that we remain focused on the priorities that matter most.

"I look forward to engaging my opponent in a serious discourse on these issues. To that end, I'm calling on him to join me in requesting three debates - one in each media market - between now and Election Day. Let's open it up the public and have a major network or cable station tape the event or carry it live. Let's talk about our competing visions for America. This election - and the future of our country - is simply too important to go without that free exchange of ideas.

"Finally, I have no intention of resting on my laurels and simply reveling in tonight's victory. I'm going to be back out there at 8 a.m. tomorrow meeting more voters. Together, we can get Washington working for us again."