After hosting a debate for local candidates seeking elected office late last month, the Marengo County Chapter of Alabama New South Coalition announced its endorsements Monday.

The forum has been an annual event for the organization with an endorsement following once its membership has had time to digest the information.

“We take into account what the candidates say at the forum, but we also do independent research,” said the local chapter president, Thomas Moore. “We look into it their backgrounds, take into account their credentials and certifications and look at the over all candidate…who is best for Marengo County.”

The candidates the group endorsed were:

• for probate judge, Laurie Hall

• for circuit clerk, Katrina H. Sewell

• for county commission District 2, Chris Petrey

• for county commission District 4, Calvin Martin

Moore said a panel of 15 members deliberate over the endorsements.

“Collectively, (the endorsements) are what we thought was best for Marengo County…candidates that we felt in consideration for all segments of society and the candidates who are most concerned about development.”

The Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a candidate forum Feb. 23 at the Demopolis Civic Center.