NORWAY – Republican state Sen. Rick Bennett of Norway has endorsed the candidacy of Caldwell Jackson in the race to succeed him.

Bennett, whose tenure in the Maine Senate is coming to a close due to term limits, said he thinks Jackson would be able to “hit the ground running” if he is elected to the open Senate District 13 seat.

Jackson, a longtime member of the Oxford Board of Selectmen and a small business owner, hopes to win the Republican primary June 8 and go on to win in the November general elections.

District 13 includes 14 towns in western Maine, from Paris to Porter. It was known as District 25 before a recent redistricting.

Bennett said he is endorsing Jackson because “Caldie brings a diverse range of government, civic, small business and real world experience to this race. We need someone in Augusta who will be able to hit the ground running. Caldie’s background and experience have prepared him well for the many challenges that will face the next Legislature.”

Jackson owns and operates with his family Breezy Hill Reproduction Country Furniture and Ni-He-Vi Deer and Elk Farm in Oxford.

He was a selectman from 1994-2003, including four years as chairman. He was actively involved in getting the new racetrack at the Oxford County Fairgrounds up and running. He has been involved with the Growth Council of Oxford Hills, and has been active as a sportsman and member of local snowmobile clubs.

Jackson said Bennett’s endorsement is an honor, since Bennett has “always been a tireless promoter of our region and state. His leadership in Augusta will be missed.”