BANGOR – Democratic state Rep. Joseph Perry on Wednesday said he will seek his party’s nomination to challenge two-term incumbent Tom Sawyer for the Bangor Republican’s Senate seat.

Perry, 37, said he decided to seek the new Senate District 32 seat representing Bangor and Hermon so he could continue his work on taxation issues -including Gov. John Baldacci’s tax plan released Wednesday -and remain a voice for the Bangor region.

“I’m pretty well in touch with what’s going on in Bangor,” said Perry, who because of term limits is unable to run for the House seat he has held for eight years. “I’ve been through some pretty tough times, just making ends meet while balancing work and kids. I think I know what the average person out there is going through.”

Perry, who represents a part of Bangor’s East Side, received his first signature from arguably his most influential constituent, the governor himself.

“He’s done an extraordinary job, and the governor thinks he’ll continue to do so representing his hometown as a senator,” said Baldacci spokesman Lee Umphrey.

Sawyer, the retired chief executive officer of Sawyer Environmental Services, said he looked forward to a “cordial, professional and competitive race.”

While he praised Perry for his service and knowledge of his House district, Sawyer said that perennial Democratic control of both legislative houses has not served Maine voters well.

“I fear that 30 years of single-party dominance of the Maine Legislature by the Democratic Party has led Maine into its current economic tailspin,” said Sawyer, 54. “I look forward to comparing Representative Perry’s and my voting record over our respective legislative service … and encourage the voters of Bangor and Hermon to decide which of us offers the vision for Maine that will best meet their needs.”

Perry, and also Sawyer, still could face primary opponents for their party’s nomination, should others decide to run before the March 15 deadline. This year, the primary election will be held June 8.