LEWISTON – Rep. Margaret Craven, D-Lewiston, announced she has filed nomination papers for Senate District 16.

“I think that I am uniquely qualified to represent Lewiston in the Senate. I have served on the Appropriations Committee for the past four years, giving me a wide perspective that encompasses financial oversight for all state agencies and legislative insight that is unprecedented,” she said. She served two years on the Health and Human Services Committee.

She is completing her third term as representative for House District 74,

The senate seat is being vacated by Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, who is leaving due to the term limit law.

For six years a tireless force for the responsible use of State Government to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Maine citizens, Craven has also championed Maine’s independence from ill-conceived federal initiatives, such as the No Child Left Behind Act.

Raised in a family of 11, she left school for work at age 14. While working full time and raising a family, she graduated Lewiston’s GED program. Craven earned her undergraduate degree from Lewiston-Auburn College, and a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Southern, Gorham.

She has worked for John F. Murphy Homes since 1988 in various capacities. Craven’s view on issues effecting education and essential services for the most disadvantaged of Maine’s citizen’s has been both personal and professional. She currently continues volunteer work in many organizations and sits on the boards of directors of Lewiston Public Library, Community Concepts and Healthy Androscoggin.