York County voters root for the hometown boys

The scene out in the field in the 1st Congressional DistrictELIOT -- Here in the Southern most reach of the 1st Congressional District there appeared little doubt about who most of the local Democrats were supporting.

"Why, I am with the hometown boy," said state Rep. Walter Wheeler (D-Kittery), meaning he was for Mark Lawrence, from nearby South Berwick. Lawrence is one of six Democrats competing in a primary today for the open seat soon to be vacated by Tom Allen, who is running for the U.S. Senate.

Wheeler has known Lawrence for years. In fact, during his first race for the state house in 2002 it was Lawrence -- the District 1 District Attorney and former state Senate president -- who helped Wheeler make up his first postcards and handbills. He did the same thing for Wheeler's son Gary, who also served as a state representative.

James Marmen, of Eliot, knows Lawrence for another reason: Lawrence is the only candidate he's ever known who walked down this 900 foot driveway to knock on his door.

"He was a real nice guy," said Marmen.

In his quest for the Democratic nomination, Lawrence has been battling primarily against opponents Chellie Pingree and Adam Cote. Pingress has the money and the organization while Cote has the momentum. If Lawrence has any hopes of winning he will need deep wins in the communities of Kittery and Eloit. The same goes for Dean Scontras, an Eloit businessman running for the Republican nomination.

By mid-afternoon turnout was light to average according to the town clerks at both polling places.

"I don't think it makes any difference that a local guy like Lawrence or Scontras is on the ballot in terms of turnout," said Wendy Rawski, the Eloit clerk. "The biggest factor today has been the heat."

Temperatures in Southern Maine hovered around 90 degrees.

It should be said that not everyone down here was rooting for Lawrence.

Ron Lawrence (no relation) drove his Ford 250 red and white truck to both polling plays where he had a sign "Lawrence For Congress, NO WAY, we deserve better" sign in the truck's bed.

His son, Jay, was killed by a drunk driver a year ago. The woman driving the car was going 20 to 25 miles per hour over the speed limit, Lawrence, who is not related to the candidate, said. Lawrence, then district attorney, didn't charge the driver with anything.

"And I'm one of several people that have had similar experiences," he said.

"Mark Lawrence doesn't want to go to court," he said. "He was a lazy district attorney and prefers to take an easy route. All anyone has to do is check his record."

Lawrence is an independent but registered as a Democrat to vote in this primary against Lawrence. He voted for Pingree but said he thought all of the other Democrats, except Lawrence, were good candidates.

"People listen to his jargon but all they have to do is check his record," he said. "Congressman is an important position. He's not worthy of it."

He will also support Allen in the Senate race. "I can't support the Republicans after what we've been through the last eight years."

Tom Markham, an active Eloit Democrat who is voting for Lawrence, was far from impressed by the display. Markham noticed the sign while pulling into the parking lot at the middle school where voting takes place. He said, Lawrence has every right to display the sign, but he should state who he is for.

"If you are going to knock down some one you should say at least who the person can hit back at." said Markham.