Democrats in three Maine House Districts chose nominees in primaries Tuesday.

• In House District 9, Diane Denk of Kennebunk bested Laurie Dobson of Kennebunkport by a wide margin, 591-126.

Denk goes up against incumbent Republican Stedmen Seavey in November. District 9 includes Biddeford, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.

“We must build a vetoproof Legislature to combat the obstructionist policies of our governor if we want Maine to succeed,” said Denk in a recent interview.

She said Maine needs a plan for senior housing, transportation, home health care and nutrition, as well as quality education and opportunities for jobs when students graduate.

• In House District 15, which includes part of Saco, Margaret O’Neil edged out Kathie Purdy in unofficial totals. O’Neil earned 380 votes to Purdy’s 354 for the Democratic nod.

O’Neil will square off against Republican Mark Alan Bedell in the November race for the open seat.

O’Neil said the state’s economy has to be made a priority for the next few decades, and that attracting and retaining skilled, innovative young people is a cornerstone of the next economy.

• In House District 22, Richard Fitzgerald of Buxton is the apparent winner over Gerald Gilpatrick of Limerick, with the unofficial total of 126-93.

Fitzgerald will challenge incumbent Republican Jonathan Kinney of Limington in the November election. The sprawling district includes part of Buxton, part of Limerick, Limington and part of Standish.

Fitzgerald said the most pressing issue facing the state is heath care. He puts the blame squarely on Gov. Paul LePage for not trusting that the federal government would do its part under the Affordable Care Act.

Fitzgerald also referred to the need to support education, protect the grid, upgrade roads, replace aging bridges and expand broadband.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].