AUGUSTA

Early indications favor a victory by the Republican in the special election to replace state Sen. Seth Goodall in Senate District 19, according to a liberal political organization.

The Maine People’s Alliance sent an action alert to its members last week noting early absentee ballot registrations are running heavily in favor of Republicans, with 278 GOP enrollees seeking the forms.

Only 89 Democrats have sought absentee ballots for the Aug. 27 poll, the MPA alert said.

“We are at risk of losing that election and Paul Le- Page’s candidate, Republican candidate Paula Benoit, could win this Democratic seat,” the alert said.

The winner will replace Goodall, a Richmond Democrat who was appointed New England regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Including Goodall, the Maine Senate is currently 19 Democrats, 15 Republicans and one independent.

“We’re very encouraged with the numbers,” said Robert Caverly, spokesman for the Benoit campaign. “We know it’s very early on in the campaign. Paula’s out meeting the voters. So we hope the numbers continue to be in our favor but know we are a long ways from the finish line.”

Democratic nominee Eloise Vitelli, of Arrowsic, said it’s “too early to be making panicked statements.”

“I’m really concentrating on getting out the vote — early or on time, either one works,” she said today. “That’s what’s important.

“Every day I am out in the district meeting the voters in our community. I look forward to continuing to work hard — and I hope to earn the vote of the people of our community.” bmentzinger@timesrecord.com