CONWAY, N.H. (AP) – There is a new person in a New Hampshire state Senate race, and some questions about why the original candidate dropped out.

Citing health reasons, Democrat Mark Hounsell dropped out of the race for the Senate district that covers more than a dozen Lakes Region and eastern New Hampshire communities. The state Democratic Party named community activist George Cleveland to replace him.

Cleveland, grandson of President Grover Cleveland, will be unopposed in the primary, and will face Republican Senator Joe Kenney of Wakefield, who also is unopposed.

Some Republicans are suggesting the Democrats used Hounsell to hold a place on the ballot until a more widely known candidate could be found, Foster’s Daily Democrat reported. Hounsell said he was stunned to learn of the questions, and state Democratic Chair Kathy Sullivan called them “contemptuous.”

State law allows a candidate to withdraw due to an “incapacitating physical disability,” which is what Hounsell reported to Secretary of State William Gardner, through a letter from his doctor.

Hounsell, a selectman and school board member, also gave up his school board seat.

State Republican Chairman Wayne Semprini told Foster’s the party may look deeper into the situation.

“If he was able to get off the ballot, then he must be very, very ill and I wish him well,” Semprini said. “But I assume he will also step down from his selectman’s seat.

“If we can deduce this was done for convenient reasons, for any reason other than the fact the gentleman is sick, then we’ll review all our options,” Semprini said.

The comments left Hounsell stunned.

“I’m amazed at how insensitive people can be,” he told The Conway Daily Sun. “This is flat our cruel. … I am wondering just how much are the Republicans willing to invade my privacy and possibly put undue stress and worry on my wife and kids by seeking information that is none of their business.”

Hounsell served in the state Senate from 1984-1988 as a Republican. He joined the Democratic Party early this summer.

Cleveland, of Tamworth, has been executive director for the Gibson Center for Senior Services in North Conway for six years. He also has been Tamworth town moderator for 28 years.

“The whole point of my running is because Governor Lynch needs support,” said Cleveland. “I like his programs and what he’s trying to do and I want to help him.”

AP-ES-07-23-06 1311EDT