With a January special election fast-approaching to fill a vacant State Senate seat, Dorchester political activists remain unsure about whether or not the neighborhood can- or should- field a candidate in the race.

State Rep. John A. Hart of South Boston has already announced his intention to seek election to the First Suffolk seat left vacant by now Congressman Stephen Lynch. A primary election will be held on January 15 and a final, run-off election is set for February 2002.

Above: Local ward committees meet in Codman Square's Great Hall last month. Will they join forces to field a coalition candidate for State Senate?