Maine Democratic Party

KENNEBUNK – Residents from Kennebunk and the surrounding area gathered at town hall for a public forum led by Sen. David Dutremble (Dist. 4, Arundel, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and part of Biddeford) last week.

The senator hosted the forum Wednesday, Feb. 13 to discuss the state’s proposed budget and other issues, such as education, welfare and gun control.

Sen. Ann Haskell, who represents parts of Portland and Westbrook, was also on hand to help answer questions from the audience.

AUGUSTA — House Speaker Rep. Mark Eves, D-North Berwick, announced Thursday that he had submitted a bill designed to ensure welfare recipients were ready for the work force.

The bill, which Eves has dubbed "Ticket to Work," is the Democratic speaker's first major legislative initiative. In a prepared statement, Eves said it is designed to reform and lower the costs of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. 

WASHINGTON — If you close your eyes while sitting in Rep. Chellie Pingree's Capitol Hill office, it's easy to imagine the feel of waves crashing several decks below.

Between the royal blue carpet, dark wooden paneling and decorative driftwood, it isn't hard to mistake the room for a captain's quarters. When one considers Pingree's initial justification for not running for office was her offshore residence on the island of North Haven and the surrounding sea, the office decor seems an effort on her part to bring a little bit of home to work.

Just two weeks after the 2012 election, Maine Democrats are already talking about the next one, specifically the 2014 race for governor.

Their message? Third place is not an option.

"The Democratic Party is going to run a serious, well-financed campaign," said state party chairman Ben Grant. "We're not backing down from any challenge, whether it comes from (Gov.) Paul LePage or Eliot Cutler," the presumed independent candidate.