PARIS – The Oxford County Democrats supported Charleen Chase and Bruce Rood, their candidates involved in recent recounts, by fielding teams for Nov. 19 and 20.

The team for the county commissioner race for Charleen Chase consisted of Attorney Frank Bishop Jr. of Portland; tally crew, Bruce Bryant of Dixfield and Connie Allen of South Paris; runner, Cathy Newell of Greenwood; counters, Lee Holman and Anita Pottle of Hartford, Del Leonard of Waterford, Lanette Bryant of Dixfield, Mary Therriault and Mark Cafiso; technical assistance, Stan Gerzofsky of Brunswick and Adam Cote of Portland.

The count did not change the outcome of the race that Chase narrowly lost to a 14-year incumbent, Steve Merrill.

The team for the register of probate race for Bruce Rood of Waterford consisted of Attorney John Jenness of South Paris; tally crew, Roy Gedat of Norway and Marcia Pottle of Oxford; runner, Cathy Newell of Greenwood; counters, Henry Stewart of Greenwood, Chris Pottle of Oxford, Marianne Stevens of Kingfield, Chrisso Rheault of New Gloucester, Marc Malin, Nathan Libby, Brandon Maheu and Patricia Baumhauf of Norway; technical assistance, Stan Gerzofsky of Brunswick and Bruce Bryant of Dixfield.

The recount did not change to outcome of the race that Rood won by more than 300 votes over incumbent, Tom Winsor.

A post-election party was held on Nov. 19 at the home of Stefi and Peter Hastings in Fryeburg for the volunteers associated with the southern Oxford County Democratic office, with more than 50 attending a potluck supper.

Chris Hikel, a Fryeburg Academy senior and volunteer leader of the Fryeburg office effort, received special recognition for his successful work.

More than 600 volunteered for the Democrats at one of the four offices in Oxford County over the past eight months and recognition gatherings are in the works for the offices in Norway, Rumford and Bethel.

The Oxford County Democrats will hold an organizational meeting in January to elect officers and plan for the 2010 election cycle. Details regarding location and date will be published in local press and on the Web at www.oxforddems.org.

Anyone wishing to be added to the electronic newsletter distribution list should contact County Chairwoman Cathy Newell at [email protected]. The Oxford County Democrats also have a group on Facebook and welcomes new members interested in electing Democrats.