BETHEL — The Oxford County Democrats are in full swing following the Jan. 31 caucuses throughout the county. The combined total attendance was close to 200 and provided an opportunity for candidates, or their representatives, for various offices to address the gatherings and to obtain signatures on nominating petitions.

Delegates to the State Democratic Convention, town officers and field organizers were elected.

“We are tremendously pleased to be fielding a terrific slate of candidates this year,” Cathy Newell, Oxford County Democrats chairwoman, said. “Our candidates made full use of the caucuses to meet potential supporters and to address the gatherings.”

Incumbents attending caucuses were Sen. Bruce Bryant, Rep. Terry Hayes, Rep. Sheryl Briggs, Rep. Helen Rankin, Rep. Matt Peterson and Sheriff Wayne Gallant. All, but Bryant who is term-limited, are seeking re-election.

Candidates attending caucuses included Laura Ordway of Bridgton, Senate 13; John Patrick of Rumford, Senate 14; Chad McGrew of Bethel, House 91; Russ Newcomb of Norway, House 95; Lisa Villa of Harrison, House 98; Colin O’Neill of Oxford, House 100; Roy Gedat of Norway, county treasurer; Pat Shearman of Norway and Daniel Eichorn of Hebron, contesting for register of deeds-east in the primary; and Shirley Thunderhorse of Lovell, register of deeds-west.

Congressman Michaud, and gubernatorial candidates Libby Mitchell, Pat McGowan, John Richardson, Steve Rowe, Rosa Scarcelli and Donna Dion were represented at many of the caucuses.

The Oxford County Democrats, including Newell, Gedat, Ordway, Newcomb, O’Neill, Julie Peterson of Norway and Terry and Steve Hayes of Buckfield, attended the Oxford Hills Chamber dinner on Feb. 5 at Hebron Academy and were joined by Rep. Mike Carey of Lewiston and Congressman Mike Michaud and Andrea Quaid of his staff.

On Feb. 8, Michaud and Rep. Helen Rankin of Hiram visited the Eastern Slopes Airport in Fryeburg and toured Dearborn Manufacturing. Later in the day, the Oxford County Democrats joined the Michaud campaign for a pizza party and fundraiser at Boomers in Norway.
There was an excellent turnout from Bethel, Norway, Paris, Waterford, Harrison and Bridgton.

On Thursday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at Telstar Regional High School, the Oxford County Democrats will hold a special county committee meeting to select a nominee to recommend to Gov. Baldacci to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of County Treasurer Mary Ann Prue of Rumford, who has moved to Brunswick. Her resignation is effective as of March 1.

Other business will include planning for spring events, introduction of candidates and planning for the Democratic Party Convention, to be held May 21 and 22. A snow date of Sunday, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. has been selected.

For further information about the Oxford County Democrats, visit www.oxforddems.org, visit the Oxford County ME Democrats Facebook fan page or call Newell at 875-2116.