BATH – A Republican contender to become the next state senator from Sagadahoc County has emerged following a top Democrat’s decision to accept a position in the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Senate Majority Leader Seth Goodall (D-Sagadahoc) announced his resignation at the beginning of June, triggering a scramble among both political parties to find a replacement.
Last week, former State Sen. Paula Benoit of Phippsburg said in a statement that she is “strongly considering” a run for the seat she once held.
“I have been touched and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and encouragement by many from Sagadahoc County. I did not intend to seek public office again, but thought I must consider running after many of my former constituents asked me to,” said Benoit.
Benoit served District 19’s senator during the 123rd Legislature and earned national recognition for her work reforming adoption rights.
Benoit also owned and operated the Magnolia Gift Store, formerly located in Bath’s downtown, and made helping small businesses a major focus of her public career. She was active in the people’s veto effort to overturn the tax on goods and services (L.D. 1495) passed by Democrats in 2008.
“It was an honor to represent Sagadahoc County as a state senator. My experience in the Legislature and as a small business owner will allow me to hit the ground running to fight for Maine’s small businesses and families,” she said. “It is imperative that our state government lives within its means and allow Mainers to keep more of their hard-earned money. They have to make tough choices with their own budgets. Our elected officials must do the same.”
The date of the special election will be announced following Goodall’s resignation. If Benoit were to win the election, the Republican minority in the Senate would grow to 16, leaving 18 Democrats and one unenrolled.
S.E. Robinson
Maine Wire Reporter
[email protected]
It should be made clear that there will NOT be a primary for this special election, but that each county party organization will choose a candidate to run in a general election. Unenrolled candidates can also enter.
If she runs in Bowdoinham, she’ll have to adapt the protective coloration of the neo hippies who run the place. No more blonde bombshell look; gotta blend in with the plants at the plant show, not scare the ducks at the waterfront, and avoid the shower of bar-be-cue sauce at the chicken bar-be-cue.
Goodall beat Benoit by 162 votes in 2008, a poor year for Republicans.
Paula is def. a politician…she can campaign; Goodall isn’t and he rode the coat tails of the Obama landslide. He’s more the desktop lawyer bureaucrat. If Paula works the local events– and there are plenty of them she should get elected. There are also plenty of local issues she can campaign on as well. Focus on the Kennebec River for example and development which threatens it. Or appeal to community groups dissatisfied with school consolidation, i.e. speak up for neighborhood schools.
go for it Paula. this County is ready for conservative
Republican who will put some sanity back into state gov ABCs who will support our great Governor LePage
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