LIMESTONE – Brian Hamel, president of the Loring Development Authority, has officially taken unpaid leave from the organization to pursue a run for the 2nd Congressional District seat held by Rep. Michael Michaud.

Hamel is seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Michaud, a first-term Democrat.

Hamel’s move, announced this week, had been expected.

Hamel has been involved with efforts to redevelop the former Loring Air Force Base in Aroostook County, which was closed 10 years ago.

The resulting Loring Commerce Centre occupies more than 1.6 million square feet of facility space and collectively employs 1,500 people.