PARIS — The Oxford County Democrats held its kickoff for the Oxford Hills on April 27 at the First Congregational Church on East Main Street.

The emphasis was on preparation for the Maine Democratic Convention in Portland on May 6 and 7 and on planning for the coming campaign season. Congressional candidate Emily Cain offered remarks on her campaign and introduced her campaign manager, Corey Haskell, who spent her childhood in South Paris. Grady Burns and Tucker Johnson are members of the local field team.

Mike Tipping, Bangor Daily News blogger and Maine People’s Alliance communication director, spoke about the minimum wage ballot initiative and recent happenings in Maine politics.

Candidates in attendance were Sen. John Patrick of Rumford, running for re-election; Rumford attorney Jennifer Kreckel, running for Judge of Probate; former Rep. Sheryl Briggs of Mexico, running for the House in District 116; Sid Pew of Andover, running for the House in District 117.

Others were Cheryl Coffman, Buckfield selectman, running for House District 73; Mike Twitchell, Norway selectman, running for House District 71; former Rep. Helen Rankin of Hiram, running for House District 70; and Walter Riseman of Harrison, running for House District 69.

Former legislators in attendance were Bob Duplessie of Andover, who represented Westbrook in the legislature, and served as Assistant Majority Leader, and Rosita Gagne Friel of Buckfield, who served in the House for many years.

Cathy Newell updated the group on plans for the convention, and for the early summer, and Committee Treasurer Don Berry announced the upcoming Annual Fund.

FMI: www.oxforddems.org, www.facebook.com/OxfordCountyDems/, 207-875-2116.