AUGUSTA - State Rep. Jeremy Fischer, a Presque Isle Democrat who's been House chairman of the Appropriations Committee for the last two-year term, is withdrawing from the fall re-election race.

The three-term House member says it's time to shift his focus to private life. He says that after finishing the University of Maine School of Law and marrying, he needs time to stop and catch his breath.

Fischer says he's now studying for his bar exam. He also says the long commute from northern Maine to Augusta for legislative service played a part in his decision.

The Democratic Party can now nominate a replacement candidate for November. The Republican candidate is Elizabeth Michaud of Presque Isle.