MACHIAS — John Gilmore Jr. of Machias has been elected by the Washington County Democratic Committee as its new chairman.

Gilmore, who ran in an unsuccessful bid to unseat District 136 Rep. Theone Look of Jonesboro in November, replaces Reinald Nielsen of Whiting as the committee’s chairman. Gilmore previously served at the committee’s secretary.

Replacing Gilmore as secretary on the Washington County Democratic Committee is F. David Plummer of Machias. Francis Larson of Bar Island in Milbridge was reelected as the committee’s vice chairman and Sonia Mallar will replace Dr. Jerome Storm of Machias as its treasurer. All terms are for two years.

In announcing the new slate of officers, Plummer said that the committee seeks “the input and assistance of as many Democrats and Independents from Washington County as we can get. We need guidance and involvement so that government can serve the best interests of all the people.”

Plummer issued a call for more young people to get involved. “This is democracy at work,” said Plummer. “Vice President Al Gore has stated that a generational shift has occurred in national politics, and so its time for more of the younger generation to become responsible for the affairs of government and society. The door is open and waiting.”

The Washington County Democratic Committee will meet at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10 at Graham’s Restaurant in Machias. A luncheon will be served 12:30 p.m. A new state committee member will be chosen and county subcommittees formed.