Smith exits congressional race

Staff Report

    SANGERVILLE — Alden Smith of Sangerville announced Friday that he is withdrawing as a Democratic candidate for Maine’s Second Congressional District.

    “I have been overwhelmed by the grassroots support that got me on the ballot 31 days before the deadline. I have not been able to achieve the same financial support,” Smith wrote on his website. “Therefore, I am withdrawing from the race for Maine second CD (Congressional District). The people of Maine’s Second CD have the opportunity to select their candidate from two people who will both serve them well. It has been an honor to talk about the challenges that that face Mainers and my vision. I plan to stay actively engaged in the fight to build a better life for Mainers in the days to come.”
    Smith, 31, ran a low-key campaign against two well-known Democratic candidates: Maine Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson of Aroostook County and State Sen. Emily Cain of Orono. The seat will be vacant this year due to Congressman Mike Michaud’s decision to run for governor.
    Smith is a Foxcroft Academy graduate who played varsity football, baseball and hockey and was a member of the National Honor Society. He earned a Navy ROTC scholarship to Vanderbilt University where he graduated in 2004 and was commissioned as an officer.
    He is currently a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserves and pursuing a master’s degree at Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Medford, Mass.
    Smith said he is settling in the Belfast area and will be returning to Fletcher to finish his thesis.