The Progressive Democrats of Somerville are hosting a June 15 candidates’ forum open to the public for the special election to fill the 2nd Middlesex state senate seat vacated by the passing of the Charles E. Shannon Jr.

The forum will be held at the community room  of the Visiting Nursing Association home at 259 Lowell St. at 7 p.m, said Todd Kaplan, the group’s endorsement chairman.

Confirmed candidates, who are actively seeking PDS’  endorsement, include State Rep. Patricia D. Jehlen, D-Somerville, and former attorney Joseph K. Mackey, a former city alderman and state representative, he said.

Alderman-at-Large William A. White Jr., a candidate for the Republican nomination to succeed Shannon, is not one of the candidates invited, said Justin Klekota, the PDS press secretary. "This endorsement meeting and forum is for the Democratic Primary race.  We are a Democratic organization, and therefore we can not endorse a Republican candidate over a Democratic candidate as per the rules of the state Democratic Party."

Kaplan said candidates seeking PDS endorsement must provide written answers to a series of questions on a number of progressive issues. 

Copies of the responses will be available at the forum.  Each candidate will deliver a short presentation and answer questions.  After the forum PDS members will meet and select a candidate for endorsement. PDS pledges to support endorsed candidates with volunteers and other needs their campaigns request, he said.

PDS is a community of activists committed to promoting the accountability of elected officials and defending the principles of the Democratic Party Platform.

PDS has over 200 supporters, and its past accomplishments include the passage of the Platform Accountability Amendment to the State Democratic platform, implementation of the MassScorecard, and community events such as the 2003 Somerville mayoral candidate forum, he said.

Kaplan said for additional information about the forum contact the Endorsements Chair, Todd Kaplan at ToddSKaplan@yahoo.com or (617) 623-0890 or visit Web site PDSomerville.org.