Incumbency is supposed to be an advantage for a candidate, so it is no wonder that Christopher Pearson, a Progressive candidate in Burlington, was eager to have that designation on the Secretary of State's list of this year's major party candidates -- but he didn't when the list first appeared. Pearson served only a month in the House. He was appointed April 10 to replace Bob Kiss, who resigned after he was elected mayor of Burlington. Three other appointed members of the House had been designated as incumbents -- Rep. Don Turner, R-Milton, who replaced Doran Metzger, Rep. Stephen Dates, R-Shelburne, who replaced George Schiavone and Rep. Joe Acinapura, R-Brandon, who replaced Bob Wood. When Pearson pointed this out to state election officials, his status was quickly changed.

-Nancy Remsen