Lawrence may elect first Latino mayor

LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) - Lawrence is set to hold its primary election in a race that may produce the first Latino candidate elected in Massachusetts mayoral history.

Ten candidates, including seven who are Latino, are seeking to finish in the top two in Tuesday's election so they could face off in the general election on Nov. 3.

Earlier this year, Latino registered voters became the majority in Lawrence -- a city of 71,000.

Political observers say Lawrence Latino voters have been shown to be unpredictable.

In 2001, Mayor Michael Sullivan, a white Republican, defeated activist Isabel Melendez on the support of Latino voters.

Sullivan is barred from seeking a third term due to term limits.