BANGOR – Former state Sen. Sean Faircloth, D-Bangor, has formed an exploratory committee for his party’s nomination for the 2nd District congressional seat.

The seat will be left open when U.S. Rep. John Baldacci runs for governor next year.

Since leaving the state Senate, Faircloth helped establish and served as executive director of the Maine Discovery Museum, a children’s museum in downtown Bangor.

“The response thus far has been enthusiastic, and there are many who are eager to work with a candidate of Sean’s commitment, determination and leadership,” said Neale Adams, a lawyer in Aroostook County and an exploratory committee member.

Before serving in the Legislature, Faircloth worked as an assistant attorney general. As a member of the Legislature, he sponsored a law to help enforce child support and another to impose criminal penalties against child pornography and sexual abuse.