Now that voting in Waldo County is over, I want to thank all of our Democratic candidates for their devotion and hard work and all of the volunteers who helped them do so well.

Now that Sen. Susan Longley has prevailed in her recount, this will be the first time in many years that Waldo County has sent three Democrats to the Legislature at the same time. Win or lose, congratulations are in order to Longley for six years of outstanding service in Augusta, to House winners Joe Brooks and Walter Ash, to Register of Probate Joanne Crowley, who was unopposed, and to those two energetic and articulate candidates who didn’t win but made many friends, Betty Johnson and Clay Corriveau.

In addition to the volunteers who staffed our headquarters, telephoned voters, put up signs and prepared desserts for our fund-raising efforts, I want to thank the Belfast Shop ‘n Save, Ouellette’s IGA, the Belfast Harbor Inn and the Waldo County Shrine Club for their in-kind assistance. I’d also like to say a word of appreciation to the many Greens and Nader-leaning Democrats who decided they could best serve their country by supporting Al Gore.

After a successful spaghetti supper with Rep. John Baldacci, our campaign closed with a gracious visit from outgoing Senate President Mark Lawrence, who was a particular favorite of many people in this area. Percy O. Daley Jr. Chair Waldo County Democratic Committee