BETHEL – The Oxford County Democrats held a potluck supper and meeting on Nov. 18 at Telstar Regional High School, with more than 50 attending.

County Chairwoman Cathy Newell congratulated those present who worked on Election Day on the excellent job in delivering the county for John Kerry (53 percent) and Mike Michaud (60 percent) and in re-electing Sen. Bruce Bryant and Rep. John Patrick by substantial margins.

“The close legislative races by first-time candidates Marge Medd, Roy Gedat, Tim Carter, Terry Hayes and Linda Petrie were a testament to the tremendous effort they put forth, and Margaret Reimer and Marlee Turner improved their performance over 2002 in very challenging districts. While we are clearly disappointed that none of the close races broke our way, we are certainly encouraged for the future,” Newell said.

Patrick conveyed the appreciation of Michaud to the group for their work on his campaign, and announced that Michaud expects to attend the Christmas party hosted by the Rumford area Democrats on Thursday, Dec. 9, at the Eagles Hall.

Newell and Patrick thanked the group on behalf of Bryant, who was attending his daughter’s birthday dinner.

David Garrity, vice chairman of the Maine Democratic Party, addressed the meeting regarding his candidacy for party chairman. Outgoing Speaker of the House Patrick Colwell is also seeking the top spot and is expected to attend a future meeting.

Roy Gedat of Norway was elected to a vacancy on the Democratic State Committee. Other members from Oxford County are Patrick, Mike Broderick of Bethel, and Newell.

Elections of officers and adoption of revised bylaws will be on the agenda for the January county committee meeting which will be held in Norway, with the date and place to be announced in December.

Regional meetings are being planned, based on the success of similar gatherings held during the campaign. Anyone interested in becoming involved in activities of the Oxford County Democrats may contact Newell at 875-2116 or cathyn@megalink.net. The Web site, www.oxforddems.org, is still up and will be updated and enhanced in the near future.