Maine Republican Party

Charlie Dingman will take over as chairman of the Maine Democratic Party following an election when the party lost ground to Republicans, particularly on the national stage.

Jim Deyermond of Sanford will take the post. He's a retired law enforcement officer with the Massachusetts State Police who previously served as the York County Republican Committee chair.

The Maine Republican Party is among a small number of state parties that have included "Defend the Guard" language in their platforms, although no state legislature has adopted the proposal.

AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine Republican Party Chairman Rick Bennett has announced that he will not seek re-election next month when his term is up.Bennett has…