PRESQUE ISLE (AP) – A second Republican said Wednesday he will enter the race for the congressional seat that encompasses northern, western and Down East Maine.

Brian Hamel said he intends to enter the race for the Republican Party’s nomination for the 2nd District seat. Hamel is president of the Loring Development Authority, which has developed a commercial center at the former Loring Air Force Base in northern Maine.

Lewiston businessman Bob Stone has also said he will enter the GOP race in the 2nd District. The seat is now held by U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, a first-term Democrat.

AP-ES-01-14-04 1505EST