Sullivan will challenge Northwestern DA

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (AP) - An Easthampton lawyer has announced plans to run for the job of Northwestern district attorney, which could set up the first contested race for the post since 1982.

Democrat David Sullivan told the Daily Hampshire Gazette that he plans to run for election next year because he sees "room for improvement." Sullivan currently is Hampshire County's registrar of probate and family court.

The 49-year-old Sullivan says he's been asked by attorneys and community leaders to consider running for the office, which covers Hampshire and Franklin counties. The post has been held by Republican Elizabeth Scheibel for 15 years.

Scheibel has not made a formal announcement that she will run again, but says she stands by her record of crime prevention and community involvement.