Sullivan County Dems Chair says Odell not beatable

The chairman of the Sullivan County Democrats questioned his own party's ability to defeat Republican State Senator Bob Odell (R-Lempster) this fall.

The chair, John Cloutier, who is also a state representative, has been talked about as a candidate himself.

When asked if he planned to personally challenge Odell, Cloutier said in an e-mail, "Frankly, I haven't given much thought to running for the District #8 State Senate seat against Bob Odell.

"As of today, I believe no Democrat, including myself, could beat him this year," Cloutier said. "He is just too popular, even with many Democrats, and is close to Democratic Gov. John Lynch."

In 2006, Odell beat Dave French by 2,883 votes.