When Space Shuttle Columbia Astronaut Jay Buckey decided to run for US Senate, his home town state Senator Peter Burling never jumped on board.  Burling went one step further and stated publicly there needed to be a draft Jeanne Shaheen movement. 

When Shaheen announced she was getting in Buckey did what any good Democratic candidate would do and he eventually got out of the way and threw his support behind her.

So when state Senator Peter Burling decided to step aside, Jay Buckey would seem like an attractive candidate for Burling to throw his support behind.  If not, then maybe just let Buckey and any other candidates who may be interested in the seat work it out. 

Some believe this is a seat made for Jay Buckey to gain experience and become a prominent member of the Democratic bench.  But Burling decided at his retirement announcement to throw his support behind state Rep. Matt Houde and once again turn his back on Buckey. 

But just because Burling has endorsed Houde does not mean the race is set.  Other potential candidates for the office include Franklin Rep Jim Ryan who chairs the Transportation Committee in the House and Sharon Nordgren who chairs the Finance Committee.  With so many potential contenders for the race Senate District 5 does not lack a deep bench of quality candidates. 

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