Even before fallen Grand Bassa Senator John F. Whitfield relaxes in his grave, serious struggle to occupy the seat left behind has kicked off with those interested fighting among themselves, the Informer has learnt.

According to reports, former Defense Minister Daniel Chea, former Liberty Party Representative Gabriel Smith and several others have decided to throw their hats in the race and are orchestrating campaign methodologies to win the people over.

Whitfield who abruptly died on the 17th of January, 2013 following a sudden heart attack, was buried in his hometown in Grand Bassa County on Friday, 8th February, 2013 funeral rites at the Capitol Building and the National Headquarters of the National Patriotic Party (NPP) in Monrovia and in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, respectively.

He threatened to sue the Liberian Government if it fails to pay benefits due the former Liberian leader and convicted war criminal Charles Taylor.

Whitfield was a vocal senator who many described as an intellectual giant and a hero by many of his admirers.

The Grand Bassa County Association in the America's (GBCAA) has stressed that the death of Whitfield leaves behind a 'big shoe' that fits no one else.

Dr. Zachariah Z. Gaye, Chairman of the Board of the GBCAA said the late Senator's death is a blow to both Grand Bassa County and the entire country as a whole.

Gaye, on behalf of the US-based association, said the late Whitfield was very instrumental in identifying with most of the Association's projects, including its ongoing Dezoe Town project in the county, amongst others. "He [Senator Whitfield] had expressed his desire to work with us", Dr. Gaye lamented.

"His death is a blow to us because we were hoping that the Legislative Caucus would help us through his instrumentality and of course he had given us his assurances", Dr. Gaye stated.

The Association believes that the late Senator will be dearly missed by the entire nation for his contribution as a statesman to his country, something he long began even before being elected as senator in late 2011 during the legislative and presidential elections.