GOP caucus picks successor to Kaelin

WINTERPORT – Republican residents of the six Waldo County towns represented by state Rep. Jeff Kaelin have chosen a local businessman as their nominee for the November election.

Kaelin, a Republican, decided against seeking a third term after being charged with operating under the influence of intoxicants last month, after the June 13 primary.

Philip Pitula, the Winterport town manager, said Tuesday that GOP residents of the House District 42 communities conducted a caucus at the Winterport town office on Monday night and selected Michael Thibodeau of Winterport as their candidate.

Thibodeau will square off against Democrat Donna Gilbert, also of Winterport, on Nov. 7.

Pitula said approximately 25 Republicans from Winterport, Brooks, Swanville, Monroe, Jackson and Waldo attended the caucus.