AUGUSTA — State Sen. Earle McCormick, R-West Gardiner, dropped out of the race for Senate District 21 Monday, saying it’s time for him to do something else.

McCormick said after a decade in the Legislature — four in the House and six in the Senate — he’s ready to move on.

“It’s been absolutely an honor to represent the people for 10 years,” he said. “It’s time for somebody else to step in.”

McCormick had won the seat by comfortable margins for several years and was considered a strong contender for re-election. He said local Republicans will hold a caucus in the coming weeks to select a nominee.

McCormick is a retired U.S. Air Force meteorologist and a former teacher. He most recently served as chairman of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee and has served on the Taxation and Insurance and Financial services committee. He said the highlight of his service was getting to serve in the majority after decades of Democratic rule.

“That was the goal from the time we started,” he said.

Republicans control the state Senate 19-15-1. All 35 seats are on the November ballot.

Last week, Democrats chose former lawmaker and former Hallowell Mayor David Bustin as their nominee for the race.

The district covers Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Litchfield, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, West Gardiner and Winthrop.

Susan Cover — 621-5643

scover@mainetoday.com

 

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