Maine Conservation Commissioner Patrick McGowan has resigned to run for governor. Gov. John Baldacci announced today that Elizabeth Townsend has been sworn in to serve as acting commissioner of the department.
Townsend has served as the Conservation Department's Deputy Commissioner since 2007. Before that, she was Executive Directoro f the Maine League of Conservation Voters and the maine Conservation Voters Education fund.
McGowan is one of about 20 candidates seeking to win the Blaine House in November. Prior to becoming Maine's Conservation Commissioner, McGowan served as regional administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. He served in the Maine House of Representatives for a decade, between 1980 and 1990.
The Hallowell Democrat made two unsuccessful bids for Maine's 2nd Congressional District Seat, in 1990 and 1992.
McGowan plans to formally announce his candidacy tomorrow at appearances in Fort Kent, Bangor and Portland.