YORK COUNTY — Two more Republican candidates for local state Legislature seats have withdrawn from the November election, but Jim Booth, chairman of the York County Republican Committee, said he’s “pretty confident” new candidates will be selected by the July 25 deadline.
In House District 14, which covers part of Saco, Republican Todd Hutchins withdrew as a candidate on July 5. The Democrat in the race for the open seat is Donna Bailey. Hutchins could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
John Kostonis, a candidate for House District 8, also withdrew his candidacy on July 5. Whoever is selected to run in that district will face incumbent Democrat Chris Babbidge in the November election. House District 8 includes part of Kennebunk.
Kostonis said Tuesday he was “nothing more than a placeholder” candidate, a term used to secure a party’s spot on the ballot while buying time to seek another candidate. He said he was asked to stay on and run, but he decided against it.
William Gombar, who was in the running for Senate District 31, announced his decision to withdraw earlier this week. The Democrat candidate in that race is Justin Chenette, who won the primary against veteran legislator Barry Hobbins for the open seat. Chenette is employed by the Journal Tribune.
Sen. Linda Valentino, who currently represents District 31, is not seeking reelection. Senate District 31 includes the municipalities of Hollis, Limington, Old Orchard Beach, Saco and part of Buxton.
Booth said caucuses will be announced and held once replacement candidates are firmed up.
“People have expressed interest,” in the races in House District 14 and Senate District 31, said Booth in a telephone interview Tuesday.
He said the York County Republican Committee is handling recruitment for those candidacies, and state recruiters are looking to fill the House District 8 candidacy in the wake Kostonis’ withdrawal.
The deadline for party candidates to withdraw was 5 p.m. Monday. Replacement candidates must be decided by 5 p.m. July 25, according to Secretary of State Office spokeswoman Kristen Muszynski.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].
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