Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Democrats in Kennebec County will gather June 30 to pick a replacement candidate in the Senate District 21 race.
Rep. Nancy Smith, D-Monmouth, had signed up to run, but has dropped out of the race. That means the Democrats are looking for someone to take on Sen. Earle McCormick, R-West Gardiner, in the November election.
Senate District 21 includes the towns of Pittston, Randolph, Chelsea, Gardiner, West Gardiner, Farmingdale, Hallowell, Manchester, Winthrop, Monmouth and Litchfield. McCormick's held the seat for four years, but for 10 years before that, it was occupied by Democrats (two years by Scott Cowger and eight years by Sharon Treat).
If the Dems can get a good candidate, it's bound to be a competitive race.
Rita Moran, Kennebec County Democratic Committee chairwoman, said in a press release that the June 30 caucus will be open and competitive.
"Any registered Democrat who lives in the district is invited to compete to be on the ballot in November, and several people have already expressed strong interest," she wrote. "All potential candidates will have the opportunity to speak, and answer questions from attendees."
Any Democrat can attend the caucus, but only those who live in the district can vote on the nominee. The caucus will be held at Hall-Dale Elementary School, 26 Garden Lane in Hallowell at 6:30 p.m.