Press Room
Historic Turnout at Maine's Democratic Caucus
February 10, 2008
Maine Democratic Party Release
AUGUSTA - Sunday, across the State of Maine, voters weathered the sometimes stormy conditions to attend their local Democratic caucus. With more than 99% of precincts reporting, nearly 45,000 Mainers participated, giving Barack Obama 59%, 40% to Hillary Clinton and 1% remaining uncommitted. It is projected that 15 of Maine's national delegates will go to Obama and 9 to Clinton.
"Around the country we've seen high Democratic turnout and Maine has joined the chorus of other voices across the nation calling for change," said Arden Manning, Executive Director of the Maine Democratic Party. "The numbers tell a story here. Earlier this month, 5,000 Republicans gathered around the state to caucus for their nominee. Today, close to 45,000 Mainers attended the Democratic caucus. The message is clear: Mainers have seen what 8 years of Republican control looks like and they are ready for a change."
Illinois Senator Barack Obama added Maine to his list of victories this weekend. Manning said "I think his victory in Maine this weekend will provide Senator Obama with momentum going forward. However, this campaign is far from over. Barack Obama ran an aggressive grassroots campaign in all corners of the state and that is the right kind of campaign to run if you want to win in Maine."
Following Obama's win in Maine, state Democratic Party chairman John Knutson announced that he has pledged his vote as a super delegate to Barack Obama, true to a promise he made earlier this week to mirror Maine's support.
Manning concluded, "From the caucus goers who had to drive miles on snowy roads to those who waited patiently in line in freezing temperatures; today we saw the dedication and passion of Maine people. Regardless of who the nominee is, today's results show Maine's devotion to the ideals and values of the Democratic Party."
Party Chairman John Knutson Announces his Choice for President
February 7, 2008
Maine Democratic Party Release
AUGUSTA - This Sunday, Democrats all over Maine will participate in the Maine Democratic Party Caucus and choose who they want to nominate as this year's Democratic presidential candidate. The results of the caucus will determine how Maine's 24 Delegates to the Democratic National Convention are allocated. Above and beyond the state delegates, who are allocated through the caucus and State Convention, Maine also has 10 unpledged delegates, called "Super-Delegates," who are able to support any candidate they choose.
These "Super-Delegates" are made up of elected officials like our Governor and two Congressmen, as well as party leaders like John Knutson, who is Chair of the Maine Democratic Party.
On Thursday, Knutson announced that he will support the candidate who wins the majority of the vote in Maine. "For all intents and purposes, Maine now has 25 delegates up for grabs since I will be embracing the candidate who wins Maine's caucuses," said Knutson. As a Super-Delegate, Knutson will represent this winning candidate at the Democratic National Convention.
Knutson continued, "I see this as a way to further empower Democrats across the state of Maine and make the results of our caucus more influential. It is clear that this Presidential campaign will come down to a race for delegates, and I believe that by pledging to support the winner of Maine's caucuses, I will help to increase Maine's importance in the nomination process."
SUPER TUESDAY TOSSUP MEANS MAINE'S 24 DELEGATES CRUCIAL
RECORD PARTICIPATION IN ABSENTEE BALLOTS
February 6, 2008
Maine Democratic Party Release
AUGUSTA - The old saying "As Maine goes, so goes the nation" may never be truer than the 2008 presidential elections, and Maine Democrats have the perfect opportunity to make a difference in caucuses this Sunday.
"Maine's Democratic caucus is the only presidential activity in the nation on Sunday, Feb. 10, meaning Mainers will play a crucial role in this year's nominating process," said Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Arden Manning.
"Super Tuesday's results of a dead heat between Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama mean Maine Democrats have more power than we have had in a long time in terms of choosing a nominee," Manning said. "Maine's 24 delegates are up for grabs and in this environment they will be crucial to the candidates."
"The Maine Democratic Party has processed more than 5,500 absentee ballots, boding well for record participation," Manning said. The deadline to submit absentee ballots is today at 5 p.m.
"We have already processed more in absentee ballots than the Republicans had cast during their three day caucuses. That clearly shows that Maine Democrats are energized and ready to help bring the change all of America craves," he added.
"Based on the interest shown by Maine Democrats - as well as the Independents and Republicans who have recently registered as Democrats - we believe we'll have record turnout at caucuses across the state on Sunday."
Caucuses will be held in 420 towns, cities and plantations and will be located in 372 sites across the state. To check your local caucus sites, go to www.mainedems.org.
420 Towns, 372 Unique Locations and 4,000 Absentee Ballots Processed
MAINE DEMS PREPARE FOR CAUCUS
February 2, 2008
Maine Democratic Party Release
AUGUSTA- Saturday, while Republicans cast their vote in straw polls in barely over 100 locations around the State, the Maine Democratic Party released preliminary absentee ballot numbers. As of 5:45PM, the Maine Democratic Party has already processed 4,100 absentee ballot requests.
"Over 4,000 Maine Democrats have already requested their absentee ballot for Maine's Democratic Caucuses and there are still a few days left for people to request to vote absentee," said Arden Manning, executive director of the Maine Democratic Party. Absentee ballots must be returned by 5PM on Wednesday in order to be counted in Maine's binding Democratic caucus.
On Sunday, February 10, there are 420 cities, towns and plantations caucusing in 372 unique locations. "This is an unprecedented level of local enthusiasm and is representative of the Democratic Party's broad appeal," said Manning. "We are expecting a record breaking turnout for this year's Democratic Caucus. Americans are tired of the direction the Bush/Cheney administration has taken this country in the last eight years and they are ready for a change."
Manning commented on the projected Republican turnout, "Currently, it looks like the number of Maine Democrats who are caucusing by absentee ballot alone outnumbers the projected number of Republicans who showed up for today's Republican straw poll. The higher level of interest in the Democratic Caucus demonstrates not only the broad appeal of the Maine Democratic Party and its candidates, but more importantly it reflects the work of hundreds of Democratic volunteers across the state whose hard work will craft Democratic success in November."
Maine Democrats to Caucus on Feb 10
Dems launch Caucus Absentee Ballot Program
January 3, 2008
Maine Democratic Party Release
AUGUSTA-The Maine Democratic Party today focused its efforts on reaching voters who may not be able to attend the Party's February 10th Caucus , letting them know that there is no reason for them to miss their opportunity to participate in the caucus process.
Maine Democrats who are unable to attend their local caucus for any reason may request absentee ballots from the State Party headquarters. Absentee caucus ballots must be returned to the Maine Democratic Party no later than February 6.
"Many people don't realize that they may participate in the Maine Democratic Caucus even if they are unable to attend the actual caucus," said Maine Democratic Party Chair John Knutson. "We believe it is critically important to make it as simple as possible for Maine Democrats to participate in the caucus process."
Knutson believes this flexibility will make it easier for students, seniors, shift-workers, working mothers and others who find the caucus times inconvenient to participate in Maine's Democratic Caucus.
"We hope that getting out the message about caucus participation from home will enable more people to make their voices heard on February 10th," continued Knutson. "It is central to the values of the Democratic Party that we ensure that as many people as possible are able to freely exercise their right to take part in our caucus, not just those who can attend."
Democrats interested in voting absentee must request ballots from the Maine Democratic Party office at (207) 622-6233 or online at www.mainedems.org/caucus08.aspx Republicans and Greens who wish to participate in the Democratic Caucus either via absentee or in person must register as Democrats no later than January 26. Independents and unregistered voters may register as Democrats anytime prior to the Caucus or at the Caucus on February 10th.
MICHAUD CHIEF OF STAFF PETER CHANDLER TO MANAGE MAINE DEMOCRATIC PARTY COORDINATED CAMPAIGN IN '08
November 13, 2007
Maine Democratic Party Release
AUGUSTA - Peter Chandler, Chief of Staff to Congressman Michael Michaud, will direct the Maine Democratic Coordinated Campaign beginning January 1, 2008. Chandler is taking a one-year leave of absence from his position with Congressman Michaud, for whom he directs operations for the Washington, D.C. office as well as the four district offices in Maine.
"Peter Chandler's skills and knowledge of Maine will enhance our overall party efforts for the '08 elections," said Maine Democratic Party Chairman John Knutson. "Peter's strong record of winning in this state will help elect Tom Allen to the U.S. Senate, re-elect Mike Michaud, broaden our margins in the State House and Senate and bolster our party organization. We are very excited to have him leading the team."
Chandler said, "I am excited to return to Maine full time to help elect Democrats all across my home state. I grew up in Biddeford, attended public schools and worked through the difficult challenges of financing a college education. I think that has shaped my belief that Democrats offer the best hope for hard-working Maine families."
Prior to joining Congressman Michaud's office four years ago, Chandler served for six years as a staff member in the Maine State Senate, the last four as Chief of Staff to the President of the Senate. Additionally, he managed several political campaigns in Maine including the Maine State Senate Democrats' successful return to the majority in 1996. As a consultant to the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee in 1998, he helped the New Hampshire Senate Democratic Caucus win back a majority for the first time since 1912.
Chandler graduated with highest honors from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT and is a resident of Portland.
voters elect democrats in three of five special election races
November 6, 2007
Maine Democratic Party Release
AUGUSTA - Maine Democrats tonight are celebrating victories in three of the five special election races to fill seats in the Maine House of Representatives. Democrats came out on top in House Districts 72, 83 and 99, according to preliminary election results, increasing the Democratic majority in the House to 90 seats. Republicans currently hold 59 seats and two members of the House are unenrolled.
"Democrats in Maine have much to celebrate tonight," said Maine Democratic Party Chairman John Knutson. "We are very proud of our candidates for all their hard work and are looking forward to watching Mike, Pat and Sheryl accomplish great things in the legislature. The voters in these districts have spoken: Democratic values are indeed Maine values."
"We also join our candidates in thanking the volunteers who helped make these victories possible. The tremendous outpouring of support for these candidates is a testament to the strong grassroots organization in our Party today."
Democratic leadership in the House also commented on tonights elections.
"It's been more than 10 years since a single political party held 90 seats in the Maine House of Representatives," said Speaker of the House Glenn Cummings, D-Portland. "We're very proud of all of our candidates. They all worked extremely hard and were dedicated to their campaigns."
"We're all excited for Mike, Pat and Sheryl to join our caucus," said House Majority Leader Hannah Pingree, D-North Haven. "They all generated a lot of energy in their districts during this campaign, met constituents and heard their concerns. They will all make fantastic legislators, and I'm looking forward to getting down to work with all of them in January."
Preliminary results from individual races are listed below. Final numbers were not available for each district at the time of this release.
In House District 27, Democrat Sharon H. Libby Jones was defeated Republican Pete Johnson but polled ahead of Independent Julius Erdo. House District 27 includes the towns of Abbott, Beaver Cove, Bowerbank, Brownville, Cambridge, Greenville, Guilford, Monson, Parkman, Sebec, Shirley, Willimantic and Plantation of Kingsbury, as well as the unorganized territories of Blanchard Township, Northeast Piscataquis and Northwest Piscataquis.
In House District 72, Democrat Mike Carey defeated Republican David Hughes by a margin of 612 to 298 votes. House District 72 includes part of Lewiston.
In House District 83, Democrat Pat Jones defeated Republican Clyde Dyar by a margin of 1,652 to 1,147 votes. Jones carried all five towns in her district. House District 83 includes the towns of Belgrade, Fayette, Manchester, Mount Vernon and Vienna.
In House District 93, Democrat Sheryl Briggs defeated Republican Katherine Harvey. House District 93 includes the towns of Canton, Carthage, Dixfield, Mexico and Peru.
In House District 99, Democrat Kate Smith was defeated by Republican Ralph Sarty, Jr. House District 99 includes the towns of Baldwin, Cornish, Denmark, Limington and Sebago.
madeleine albright to appear with
tom allen in augusta
Former U.S. Secretary of State to focus on
restoring America's place in the world
October 23, 2007
Maine Democratic Party Release
PORTLAND – Former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright will appear with Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Tom Allen during an Allen campaign fundraiser in Augusta Friday.
“I am deeply honored that Madeleine Albright is putting her trust in my efforts to change the direction of this country,” Allen said. “I agree with her that we must change the course of the disastrous policies of the Bush-Cheney Administration. As Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright knew that America carried the enormous responsibility of world leadership. Today she is a strong voice for restoring the respect our nation held before the current administration and its allies ruined our reputation.”
“We absolutely must repair our nation's tarnished reputation and once again become a source of inspiration and hope around the world,” said Albright. “Tom Allen is committed to strengthening our security and restoring our reputation. It is leaders like Tom Allen who make us proud and keep us safe.”
In 1997, Secretary Albright was named the first female Secretary of State and became, at that time, the highest ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government. As our nation’s 64th Secretary of State, Dr. Albright not only reinforced America’s alliances, but advocated for democracy and human rights, and promoted American trade and business, labor and environmental standards abroad.
Today, Dr. Albright is a principal of The Albright Group LLC, a global strategy firm, and Chair and Principal of Albright Capital Management Group LLC, an investment advisory firm focused on emerging markets.
Friday’s general admission reception will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at Augusta Country Club. For more information on tickets to the event, call 207-774-9696.
Maine Dems mark 35th anniversary of Muskie's clean water act
Milestone serves as reminder of Maine Democrats'
continued efforts to protect environment
October 17, 2007
Maine Democratic Party Release
AUGUSTA -- Thursday marks the 35th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, the federal law that protects our lakes, rivers, streams and coastal areas from pollution and ensures clean water for all Americans. Envisioned and authored by Maine's Sen. Ed Muskie in 1972, its passage is hailed as one of the most successful pieces of environmental legislation ever passed.
In addition to going down in history as one of America's foremost pieces of environmental protection laws, Muskie's landmark legislation also inspired a long line of Democratic statesmen from Maine committed to protecting our natural resources. Muskie's legacy is an important reminder for Maine Democrats of our commitment to protecting our air, land and water.
"Muskie's work to protect our nation's waters are underscored today by the growing threat of climate change and record periods of drought that are currently plaguing parts of our country," said Maine Democratic Party Chair John Knutson. "In Maine, we're proud of the work our Democratic lawmakers have done - and continue to do - in response to the need for a clean environment."
Senator George Mitchell carried on Muskie's legacy in the United States Senate by leading the successful reauthorization of the 1990 Clean Air Act, adding new controls on acid rain toxins. Language in the 1990 reauthorization also included emissions trading provisions. Mitchell was also the author of the first national oil spill and prevention law.
As governor of Maine, John Baldacci has continuously been on the forefront of 'governing green.' Earlier this year, Governor Baldacci, along with nine other Northeast governors, signed onto the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a first in the nation cap and trade collaboration for carbon emissions. But RGGI is not the only way Maine leads in conservation. Under Baldacci's leadership, Maine has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by eight percent since he took office in 2002 and Maine is the first state government in the nation to buy 100 percent of its energy from renewable resources.
Congressman Mike Michaud cited a concern to clean up Maine's rivers as one of the reasons he initially sought and won office to the state legislature. In the United States Congress, Michaud made good on his campaign promises by helping to secure nearly $7 million for the Penobscot River Restoration Trust. This partnership among various local, state and federal agencies will, when fully implemented, restore the free flow of the Penobscot River without losing important hydroelectricity-producing dams.
Congressman Tom Allen also has a stellar record of advocating for legislation that protects and preserves our natural resources. Together with Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), Allen introduced the Safe Climate Act, the single most aggressive piece of climate change legislation in Congress. Allen's bill seeks to reduce emissions to levels last seen in 1990 by 2020. By 2050, emissions would be 20 percent of the 1990 levels. The bill would also implement a cap and trade system for carbon dioxide emissions and requires that 20 percent of all energy produced in the United States come from renewable resources by 2020.
Congressman Allen, along with Michaud,made a strong statement by voting against President Bush's Energy Policy Act of 2005. This bill exempts oil and gas companies from certain provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act and contained more than $7 billion in tax cuts for oil, gas and nuclear energy companies.