BATH

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D- 1st District, issued a statement Friday endorsing Eloise Vitelli for the state Senate seat vacated by Seth Goodall.

“I am proud to endorse Eloise Vitelli,” Pingree said. “Eloise has the leadership skills we need in the Maine State Senate.

“Eloise will use her job creation experience to build on Maine’s strengths by supporting local farmers and small businesses. And we can count on Eloise to fight for access to affordable health care for all Mainers.”

Vitelli is a former Head Start pre-school teacher who served 10 years on the school board in Arrowsic. She has a graduate degree in Education from the University of Southern Maine.

Vitelli, an Arrowsic Democrat, is also a small-business and entrepreneurship advocate, and says she has helped more than 3,000 Mainers start their own businesses through her position at Women, Work, and Community, an Augustabased nonprofit organization.

“I am honored to have Congresswoman Pingree’s support,” Vitelli said. “She has been a leader for women, small business and Maine coastal communities, both in Congress and the Maine Senate. I hope to follow her example of strong leadership for Maine’s communities.”

Vitelli earlier announced endorsements from the unions for teachers, Bath Iron Works electricians and state workers.

Her Republican opponent, Paula Benoit, unveiled the endorsement of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, last week.

Vitelli is married to Bob Kalish, a former reporter for The Times Record.

The special election for Senate District 19 is Tuesday, Aug. 27.

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