Democratic candidates gather for a group photo at a recent meet and greet event. From left are Amy Wasyluka, candidate for State Senate, District 3; Limestone County Coroner Mike West (incumbent); Juanita Haley, candidate for State House District 4; Mike Smith, chairman of the Limestone County Democrats; James Lucas, Athens City School Board member; and Brian Williams, candidate for House District 5; and Hanu Karlapalem, candidate for Limestone County Commission, District 3.

Democratic candidates for the 2018 general elections and office support personnel from party headquarters were set to begin a series of crucial training sessions this month.

The first session focused on tools for canvassing, distributing campaign material and getting out the vote. It will build on methods used successfully in the Doug Jones bid for the U.S. Senate.

“We are emphasizing cooperation among campaigns, and the roles of the county and regional Democratic Party organizations in all of our training efforts,” said Limestone County Democrats Chairman Mike Smith.

Limestone County Democrats recently celebrated the opening of a month-long period for registering party candidates. Smith said that the party is ahead of the curve, already having candidates for many offices on the first day of the signup period which began Jan. 8. Qualifying ends Feb. 9.

“Alabama has been winning a race to the bottom, and that is not right,” said Tom Ryan, chairman of the Madison County Democrats. “We no longer can tolerate policies that have made Alabama last in so many important areas.”

Smith said that the Democratic Party is discussing campaign bids with other Limestone County residents and that it expects to add names to the list of candidates in the coming weeks.

“If you are seriously interested in improving the lives of the constituents you will represent, we want to talk to you,” he ended.

Any Limestone County resident interested in running for office should contact Mike Smith at 256-431-4871.