LEWISTON – People wishing to attend Sunday’s caucus to nominate a new Androscoggin County Commissioner need to be there early.

Though the meeting is not scheduled to begin until 4:15 p.m. at the Lewiston Middle School auditorium, people are encouraged to arrive at about 3:30 p.m. to check in.

The Lewiston Democratic Committee organized the meeting at the suggestion of Gov. John Baldacci, who plans to appoint a replacement on the three-member commission for Democrat Helen Poulin, who moved out of Lewiston in August.

The caucus is open only to Democrats and only those from Lewiston will be allowed to participate in the meeting, said Walter Hill, chairman of the city’s Democratic committee.

Several candidates for the post have already come forward including former Maine Legislator Elaine Makas, Richard Grandmaisson, former Auburn Mayoral candidate Fred Sanborn and former Lewiston Mayor Kaileigh Tara.

Lewiston School Committee member James Handy had planned to run. On Thursday, he withdrew from the race.

Poulin, who was elected to the commission in Nov. 2006, contends that she remains in office despite her move outside the district that elected her.

In November, a formal 8-page opinion signed by Attorney General Steven Rowe determined that Poulin vacated her seat when she made the move from Lewiston to Auburn.