Lewiston Republicans opt for change
Marra fails to receive endorsement in re-election bid

by Joshua Maloni
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, April 26, 2008

As acting mayor, Mike Marra successfully ran the Village of Lewiston during the first quarter of 2008. He appeared at numerous community events and consequently earned praise from the full-time mayor, Richard Soluri.

That wasn’t enough for Republicans caucusing at the Red Brick Municipal Building on Thursday. The deputy mayor didn’t receive enough of their votes to take the GOP line in the June 17 Village Board election. Instead, the party will back David Baird, an active Republican, and Trustee Ron Winkley, the former Lewiston police chief who replaced Ken Kenney in November 2007.

With virtually no GOP challengers arising in recent elections, Marra said he was caught off guard when he arrived and found a challenger with a cheering section in Baird.

“I didn’t think to ask any supporters because it’s usually a formality,” he said. “I certainly learned a valuable lesson.”

Marra is considering running on a different party line. He said he’s looking into election law and will shortly make a decision. Whether he runs for re-election or not, Marra said, “I always did what I thought best for the village.”

Rob Nichols, Lewiston GOP chairman, said, “Mike Marra has done an excellent job.” He added, “Dave Baird is a good guy for the village.”

Nichols said Marra’s loss was representative of “how government works.” He was happy to see a strong turnout.

“I was pleased that there were a lot of people out and interested in participating in government,” Nichols said.

Baird echoed that statement, saying, “The caucus we had last night was like the caucuses we used to have the 1970s.”

“This is back like it used to be,” he said.

All village Republicans were eligible to attend the GOP caucus. Marra, Winkley, Baird and Jackie Halpin-Rapp were each nominated within the caucus meeting. Upon receiving a second vote, they became eligible for the party nomination.

Nichols said balloting was very close. He didn’t have exact numbers, but believed Marra lost by just a few votes.

Lewiston Democrats will caucus at 7 p.m. on Monday.