June 24, 2010

Kennebec Journal: Maine Education Association Endorses Mitchell for Governor

PORTLAND — The Maine Education Association today endorsed Democratic candidate Libby Mitchell in the governor’s race this fall.

“As a former classroom teacher, Libby understands the challenges and the rewards of teaching in a public school,” MEA President Chris Galgay said during a news conference at Portland High School. “She understands that educators must be partners and collaborators in making sure all of Maine’s schools are successful.”

MItchell said she was grateful for the endorsement, noting that she would like to be known as Maine’s education governor.

“I think education is the key to improving the lives of all Mainers,” Mitchell said. “It’s the key to putting people back to work, to creating new jobs, to raising incomes and to keeping young people in Maine.”

Mitchell said she is committed to making sure the voices of teachers, parents and students are heard in Augusta, and to promoting innovative educational models such as Expeditionary Learning at King Middle School and the community support for education that is demonstrated in Jackman.

Before endorsing Mitchell, MEA members invited the five candidates for governor to be interviewed. Four attended the meetings and shared their views on public education.

After the interviews, members cast ballots for the candidate of their choice, recommending Mitchell for endorsement. The MEA board of directors voted to approve the endorsement.

“Maine needs an experienced, competent, and committed leader,” Galgay said. “Maine needs someone with proven leadership skills and a bipartisan track record. Maine needs someone focused on improving our great public schools. Maine needs someone who knows how to bring parties together to find solutions. Maine needs someone that inspires the best in all of us. Maine needs Libby Mitchell.”

Republican candidate Paul LePage was the only candidate who failed to respond to MEA’s request for an interview. He has proposed sweeping education reforms that would reduce school administration, tie teacher evaluations to student performance and increase competition for public school funding.

The MEA is a statewide union that represents 25,000 teachers, professors and others who work for public school districts, the community college and university systems, and the Maine Public Broadcast Corp.

Source

June 10, 2010

Libby Mitchell’s Acceptance Speech

Check out Libby’s acceptance speech:

Source: Dirigo Blue

June 9, 2010

MPBN: Mitchell Wins Democratic Nomination

“Hello this is Bill Clinton. I’m calling to ask you to join me in helping to elect my long time friend Libby Mitchell as the Democratic candidate for governor this Tuesday. I know Libby has the determination and the skill to move Maine forward…”

The Clinton robo call went out to thousands of Maine Democrats Monday and may very well have given Mitchell the push she needed to take a commanding lead over her four rivals to secure the Democratic nomination with about 35% of all ballots cast. But Mitchell says gender may have also played a role.

“In Augusta which is part of my senate district, the most well-dressed lady I have ever met was walking up to the polls and she said ‘I’m 97 years old, and this might be the last time I get to vote and I want to vote for a woman for governor!” Mitchell told cheering supporters in Portland.

After accepting her party’s nomination, Mitchell said she intends to run a campaign that will reflect her vision of a new era for governing in Maine.

“I really want to be the politics of hope, not fear. I want to bring people together and not be divisive. Maine really wants us to get the job done. Partisan politics are really a thing of the past”

Former Maine Attorney General Steve Rowe initially appeared to be on the verge of securing the nomination when the Portland returns came in, but as the results from the polls fanned out from across the state, Rowe’s numbers dropped leaving him with about 23% of the vote. Mitchell’s name recognition may have been a factor in her showing against Rowe who had locked up the support of many progressive organizations.

“Tonight feel a lot of things. I feel tired. I feel relieved. I feel happy,” said Rowe. “But most of all I feel proud. I feel proud to have had a great campaign. To have so many friends and supporters…so thank you!”

Rosa Scarcelli, the Portland business woman who fashioned an outsider strategy to secure the nomination finished third in the race with about 21 percent of the vote. That left one candidate to finish last.

“We knew that a low turnout would not be good for the McGowan campaign”

Patrick McGowan, of Hallowell, was once one of the brightest stars in Maine Democratic politics. After nearly defeating then Congresswoman Olympia Snowe twice 20 years ago. McGowan went on to become the New England administrator for the Small Business Administration and then later the commissioner of Conservation But McGowan’s plan to win the second congressional district and take a respectable share of the first district never got off the ground.

“I think the second district is funny. In my old home town you’d see a Lepage sign and a McGowan sign. So there’s a lot of frustration out there with the voters that we’re seeing. And some of them maybe didn’t come out”, McGowan said.

Although turnout was expected to be between 15 % and 20% percent during the primary, about 90,000 Democrats cast ballots in the election, about 28 % of all party members in the state.

Source

June 2, 2010

Journal Tribune Endorses Libby Mitchell for Governor

Voters in next week’s primary election have the responsibility of narrowing the field of candidates running for governor. It will be a key step in making the transition to a new administration next year.

Republicans face a choice of seven candidates, while Democrats will choose among four. The winners will appear on the Nov. 2 ballot.

Although some candidates are emphasizing their lack of political baggage, we believe voters should nominate candidates who are well-schooled in the practical problems of government.

Among the Democrats, we support Elizabeth “Libby” Mitchell because she is well-prepared for the difficulties Maine faces. As current Senate president, she helped build the consensus needed to pass two budgets and put important bond proposals before the voters.

She served 18 years in the Maine House, becoming speaker of the house, as well as six years in the Maine Senate. Both Patrick McGowan and G. Steven Rowe also have solid experience in government, but this year Mitchell had the opportunity to show she can overcome difficulties and get results.

She has outlined promising approaches for improving education and expanding access to health care. Her plan for economic growth relies on the strengths of Maine resources, workers and businesses. And her progressive approach to government is flexible enough to allow for the compromises required by politics.

Her practical experience also included terms as a Vassalboro Selectman and chairmanship of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. In the 1990s, she chaired the committee that reformed Maine’s dysfunctional Workers’ Compensation system.

On the Republican side, our choice is S. Peter Mills, a lawyer and state senator with 16 years of legislative experience. His hard work and deep understanding of public policy issues make him an natural choice at a time when the state is struggling to make the best use of limited resources.

The details of his policy proposals are readily available at his campaign website. Although some Republicans consider him too moderate, his emphasis on prudent and accountable government are likely to make him an attractive choice for Democrats as well as Republicans.

He’s run for governor before, losing to Chandler Woodcock in the Republican primary in 2006. This time, Republican voters should take advantage of a candidate whose fiscally conservative views match up well with his practical political skills.

A final choice will await voters in November, but Democratic and Republican voters next week have the opportunity to narrow a field that includes some excellent candidates.

Source

June 1, 2010

Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree Endorses Libby

We are living in extraordinary times, and face an extraordinary election that will determine Maine’s direction for many years to come. This is why I am working hard to elect my friend and colleague, Libby Mitchell, as our next Governor.

Libby doesn’t just talk- she gets results.

When Libby was elected Senate President and I was elected Speaker of the House, some people believed that the tough economy would make positive results for Mainers impossible. But Libby and I never bought into the pessimism. We understood that Maine’s best days were ahead of us and were determined to get the job done.

And we did. With a philosophy of shared sacrifice and investments in the future, we passed two balanced budgets and two comprehensive bond packages that will put Mainers back to work, improve our infrastructure, and lower our energy costs.

While other state legislatures across the country and the U.S. Congress were paralyzed by bitter partisanship, Libby and I worked with both sides of the aisle to get results.

Libby’s leadership in the Senate is why we passed tax reform. Libby’s leadership in the Senate is why we passed marriage equality. She is ahead of the curve, and tough enough to lead on difficult issues.

And Libby will make history not only as Maine’s first woman Governor, but as our first Clean Elections Governor.

I respect all of the Democrats running in this primary, and will support the winner enthusiastically. But for this primary, my choice is not difficult. I will not only vote for Libby, I will work as hard as I can to make sure she is our nominee and that she makes history in November.

And I hope you will too! We all need to get involved if we want Libby to win. Click here to join me and volunteer!

Together, we will elect a bold leader who speaks up for those who have no voice; and who works with all Mainers to create positive, progressive results for all of us.

Click here to learn more about volunteering. I know that Libby can win- with your help and your vote!

Sincerely,

Hannah Pingree
Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives

May 25, 2010

Speech to the Maine Democratic Party Convention: May 22, 2010

ARE YOU HAVING A GOOD DAY?

JIMMY CARTER’S CHIEF OF STAFF HAMILTON JORDAN WROTE A POWERFUL BOOK CALLED “NO SUCH THING AS A BAD DAY.” JORDAN SUFFERED FROM CANCER, HAD PAINFUL AND DIFFICULT TREATMENT. BUT HE NEVER WAIVERED. HE NEVER WANTED TO QUIT.  HE HELD EVERY DAY PRECIOUS. HE LEARNED THAT IF YOU GET UP IN THE MORNING, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A BAD DAY.

SO I ASK YOU AGAIN, ARE YOU HAVING A GOOD DAY?

WELL, WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A GOOD DAY? YOU CAN WORK IF YOU HAVE A JOB. YOU CAN REST EASY IF YOU HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE YOU CAN READ IF YOU HAVE A DECENT EDUCATION YOU CAN HUNT, FISH, BOAT, AND HIKE IF YOU PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT

YOU CAN DRIVE IF YOU FIX THE ROADS
YOU CAN DREAM IF LIFE HASN’T BEATEN YOU DOWN
YOU CAN LISTEN TO THE REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL DEBATES  IF YOU WANT TO BE DEPRESSED OR YOU CAN COME HERE AND CHANGE THE WORLD, IF YOU ARE A  DEMOCRAT.

I AM NOT RUNNING AGAINST MY FELLOW DEMOCRATS.  I AM RUNNING AGAINST PEOPLE WHO THINK OUR DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS LOST ITS WAY. I AM RUNNING AGAINST THE GEORGE BUSH REPUBLICANS.

THEY SAY THAT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS LOST ITS WAY.

TELL THAT TO CHELLIE PINGREE AND MIKE MICHAUD. TELL THEM THEY LOST THEIR WAY ON THE WAY TO UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE.

TELL THEM THEY LOST THEIR WAY WHEN THEY VOTED FOR THE STIMULUS MONEY THAT SAVED OUR ECONOMY.

TELL THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA THEY LOST THEIR WAY WHEN THEY ELECTED BARACK OBAMA OUR PRESIDENT.

DO YOU THINK OUR PARTY HAS LOST ITS WAY?

NO, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY, MY DEMOCRATIC PARTY, OUR DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS NOT LOST ITS WAY.  WE ARE ON OUR WAY. AND THANKS TO OUR DEMOCRATIC PARTY THE DAY WILL SOON BE HERE WHEN NO ONE ELSE NEED EVER DIE IN AMERICA BECAUSE OF LACK OF ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE OR GO BANKRUPT UNDER MOUNTAINS OF MEDICAL BILLS.

NOW IN AMERICA PEOPLE CAN’T BE DENIED COVERAGE BECAUSE OF PREEXISTING CONDITIONS – AND MAINE LED THE WAY.

NOW IN AMERICA PEOPLE CAN’T BE THROWN OFF COVERAGE WHEN THEY GET SICK – AND MAINE LED THE WAY.

NOW, IN AMERICA, THERE WILL BE NO LIFETIME CAPS ON INSURANCE BENEFITS, AND MAINE LED THE WAY.
SO DID WE LOSE THE WAY OR DID WE LEAD THE WAY?

WELL, IF YOU AGREE WITH SIX OUT OF THE SEVEN REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR THAT HEALTH CARE IS A PRIVILEGE, THEN MAYBE WE LOST THE WAY.
BUT IF YOU BELIEVE WITH ME THAT HEALTH CARE IS A RIGHT AND YOU WON’T SLEEP UNTIL EVERY PERSON IN MAINE CAN BENEFIT FROM THAT RIGHT, THEN YOU ARE LEADING THE WAY. YOU ARE IN MY PARADE, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO LEAD TOGETHER.

SO IF MAINE WAS SO RIGHT SO EARLY ON HEALTHCARE, WHY ARE THEY SAYING WE MADE A MESS IN AUGUSTA?
REPUBLICANS SAY HEALTH CARE IS A PRIVILEGE.  DOES GOOD HEALTH CARE CREATE A MESS?

REPUBLICANS SAY WE ARE TOO BROKE TO BOND FOR THE FUTURE.  DO BOND ISSUES THAT CREATE JOBS CREATE A MESS?

REPUBLICANS SAY THAT TEACHERS HAVE NO BUSINESS DECIDING HOW TO MEASURE GOOD TEACHING. DOES RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION AND INTELLIGENCE OF OUR TEACHERS CREATE A MESS?

REPUBLICANS SAY IT IS OK TO CUT THE INCOME TAX, BUT IT IS NOT OK TO PAY FOR IT. THEY WANT TO REPEAL THE TAX CUT. DOES CUTTING MAINE TAXES CREATE A MESS?

YOU WANT A MESS? ELECT A GOVERNOR FROM THE OTHER SIDE.

YOU’LL HAVE A STATE WHERE, LIKE ONE OF THEIR CANDIDATES, SOME BUSINESSES WILL REFUSE TO PAY DECENT WAGES FOR FEAR THAT IT WILL PUSH THEIR EMPLOYEES OFF GOVERNMENT PAID HEALTH INSURANCE – AND THEN BLAME THE GOVERNMENT. TALK ABOUT A MESS.
YOU’LL HAVE A STATE WHERE, HEALTH CARE IS A PRIVILEGE. TALK ABOUT A MESS.

THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES (EXCEPT ONE) BRAG ABOUT NO EXPERIENCE IN GOVERNMENT. WELL, IF YOU BELIEVE GOVERNMENT IS THE ENEMY, LIKE RONALD REAGAN DID, LACK OF EXPERIENCE SOUNDS LIKE A PLUS.

THE LAST TIME I WENT FOR SURGERY, I DID NOT ASK FOR A MEDICAL STUDENT.  YOU DON’T ENTRUST AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER TO AN ENSIGN AND YOU DON’T GIVE THE SHIP OF STATE TO A SURFBOARDER.

BUT IF YOU BELIEVE THAT GOVERNMENT IS BEST WHEN IT IS SAVING LIVES, WHEN IT IS EDUCATING CHILDREN, WHEN IT IS BUILDING ROADS AND SAVING RAILROADS, WHEN IT IS NOT THE ENEMY BUT THE SERVANT OF THE PEOPLE, YOU MUST BE A DEMOCRAT. DEMOCRATS KNOW THAT A LITTLE EXPERIENCE IN GOVERNMENT IS A GOOD THING.

DO WE WANT A BUSINESSMAN AS GOVERNOR WHO HAS NEVER DEALT WITH MEDICAID OR SOMEONE WHO HAS FOUGHT THE BUDGET WARS TO EXPAND HEALTH COVERAGE?
DO WE WANT A GOVERNOR WHO THINKS MAINE IS A BUSINESS? I VOTE FOR THE EFFICIENCY PART BUT THE BOTTOM LINE FOR GOVERNMENT IS NOT PROFIT.

THE BOTTOM LINE FOR GOVERNMENT IS HEALTHY, EDUCATED CHILDREN.

THE BOTTOM LINE FOR GOVERNMENT IS QUALITY CARE FOR OUR SENIORS AND DISABLED.

THE BOTTOM LINE FOR GOVERNMENT IS TAKING CARE OF OUR ROADS, BRIDGES AND RAILS.

THE BOTTOM LINE FOR GOVERNMENT IS EQALITY AND RESPECT FOR ALL OUR CITIZENS–INCLUDING SAME SEX COUPLES WHO WANT TO MARRY AND HAVE FAMILIES.

THE BOTTOM LINE FOR GOVERNMENT IS NOT PROFIT BUT PROGRESS.

LET ME TELL YOU, HANNAH PINGREE DID NOT CAUSE THE MELT DOWN ON WALL STREET.

LIBBY MITCHELL DID NOT CAUSE GREECE TO DEFAULT.
JOHN BALDACCI DID NOT CAUSE THE MORTGAGE MARKET IN CALIFORNIA TO FALL OFF THE CLIFF.

SO IF YOU BUY INTO THE MYTH THAT THE CAREER POLITICIANS IN AUGUSTA CREATED THIS MESS, YOU HAVE YOUR RIGHT TO THAT BELIEF.  BUT IF YOU, LIKE I, THINK THAT WE CAN RESERVE JUST A LITTLE BIT OF THE BLAME FOR GEORGE BUSH, THEN JOIN ME TO FIGHT THIS DANGEROUS MYTH.  SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER.

WE MUST STAND TOGETHER TO FIGHT THIS MOVEMENT ACROSS OUR COUNTRY AND EVEN IN MAINE THAT IS BASED ON FEAR.

BASED ON FEAR, SOME PEOPLE REWROTE THE MAINE REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM A FEW WEEKS AGO. THEY HAD THEIR TEA PARTY. OK THAT’S FINE, BUT I AM HERE TO INVITE YOU TO MY TEA PARTY, MY DEMOCRATIC TEA PARTY.

MY TEA PARTY IS GOING TO BE AFTER HOURS, BECAUSE MY GUESTS WILL HAVE JOBS.

MY TEA PARTY WILL NOT BE ABOUT FEAR BECAUSE MY GUESTS WITH HAVE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE.
MY TEA PARTY WILL HAVE PRINTED INVITATIONS BECAUSE MY GUESTS WILL HAVE A QUALITY PUBLIC EDUCATION. IN FACT, AT MY TEA PARTY WE ARE GOING TO HAVE AN ENTIRE ROUND TABLE TO DISCUSS EDUCATION POLICY, AND YOU KNOW WHO WILL BE AT THE TABLE ALONG WITH EVERYONE ELSE? THE TEACHERS.
WELCOME TO MY TEA PARTY. WE WILL HAVE CHRISTIANS AND JEWS AND MUSLIMS AND BUDDHISTS.

YOU KNOW WHO WILL BE WELCOME AT MY TEA PARTY?
GAY COUPLES WITH CHILDREN. THAT’S WHO.

OLD PEOPLE WITH DECENT HOUSING, THAT’S WHO.

MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE WITH DECENT COMMUNITY SERVICES. THAT’S WHO.

PROFESSORS, ENTREPRENEURS, AND SCIENTISTS WITH MAINE MADE WINDMILLS. THAT’S WHO.

OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALISTS WHO COME HOME TO MAINE BECAUSE THEY LIKE THE VALUES HERE. THAT’S WHO.
CHILDREN OF ALL AGES WITH A FIRST CLASS EDUCATION AND FOLKS WHO WANT A COLLEGE EDUCATION.  THAT’S WHO.

AND I WILL HAVE AN ENTIRE ROOM FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DREAMS. EVERY ONE OF MY CHILDREN CAME HOME TO MAINE TO MAKE THEIR LIVINGS AND RAISE THEIR CHILDREN. IF YOU WANT THAT FOR YOUR FAMILY, THEN WELCOME TO MY TEA PARTY!

AND EVERY ONE OF YOU IS INVITED. YOU WILL BE INVITED TO AN ASTONISHING VICTORY IN NOVEMBER. MAINE’S FIRST WOMAN GOVERNOR, MAINE’S FIRST CLEAN ELECTIONS GOVERNOR.

IN THE LAST 8 YEARS, UNDER A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE, MAINE HAS:

· INCREASED HEALTH INSURANCE FOR WORKING PEOPLE
· EXPANDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
· PROTECTED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF ACRES OF LAND
· INCREASED EDUCATION FUNDING
· ENACTED CIVIL RIGHTS LEGISLATION FOR GAY PEOPLE
· AND, IN THE PROCESS, LOWERED OUR TAX BURDEN

WHILE OTHER STATES STRUGGLED (AND SOME SHUT DOWN)
WHILE WASHINGTON FELL INTO PARTISAN STALEMATE
WE IN MAINE PASSED RESPONSIBLE BUDGETS
INVESTED IN THE FUTUREAND DID IT WITH BIPARTISAN SUPPORT.

I AM PROUD OF THE ROLE I PLAYED AS SENATE PRESIDENT IN HELPING LEAD US THROUGH TOUGH TIMES WITH MY EXTRAORDINARY PARTNER-HANNAH PINGREE.
I KNOW THAT IT CAN BE HARD TO IMAGINE THE RECOVERY
WITH ALL OF THE HARDSHIP WE ARE STILL EXPERIENCING, WE NEED TO BUILD A NEW MAINE. TRUE TO OUR TRADITIONAL VALUES OF HARD WORK, LOYALTY, LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS, AND INGENUITY.

BUT IN TUNE WITH THE WORLD OF THE 21ST CENTURY.

SIGNS POSTED AT THE PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD PROCLAIM: PROUD OF OUR PAST. READY FOR THE FUTURE.

ONCE MAINE WAS A WORLD LEADER IN BUILDING WOODEN SHIPS.

BUT WOODEN SHIPS WENT OF OUT OF STYLE IN THE LATE 1800′S.

THEN BATH IRON WORKS CAME ALONG AND BUILT STEEL SHIPS.

AND TODAY A NEW KIND OF MATERIAL (CREATED AT OUR UNIVERSITY) IS USED IN BOATS-COMPOSITES.  AND BIW AND KENYWAY AND LYMAN MORSE AND HODGDON YACHTS ARE LEADNING THE WAY AGAIN.

THAT’S THE TRANSFORMATION THAT MUST HAPPEN THROUGHOUT MAINE’S ECONOMY.

FROM FARMING APPLES AND POTATOES TO VALUE ADDED ORGANIC AND LOCAL FOODS.

FROM CABINS NEXT TO THE LAKE TO ECO AND HERITAGE TOURISM.

FROM OIL-FIRED POWER PLANTS TO WIND TURBINES.
FROM TINKERING IN THE BARN TO INVENTING AND STARTING NEW BUSINESSES.

THE STORM IS PASSING. THE WATERS ARE CALMING.

MAINE IS READY TO SET OUT TO SEA ONCE AGAIN.
AND THE REASON I WANT TO BE GOVERNOR—-

I WANT TO LEAD US OUT OF THE HARBOR.
I WANT TO LEAD OUR SCHOOLS
TO REDUCE DROPOUTS, LIKE JACKMAN SCHOOLS
TO CONNECT STUDENTS TO BUSINESSES AND LOVE OF LEARNING, LIKE KING MIDDLE SCHOOL IN PORTLAND
TO GET MORE PEOPLE TO COLLEGE  AND SUCCEEDING IN COLLEGE
TO GET MORE ADULTS – BACK TO SCHOOL
TO GIVE ALL OUR CHILDREN EARLY EDUCATION
IN THE END, OUR SUCCESS IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN MAINE ISN’T ABOUT LAND OR FINANCES OR SEWER LINES.
IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE.
DO WE HAVE THE SKILLS?
DO WE HAVE THE CONFIDENCE?
DO WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITIES?
DO WE HAVE THE ENCOURAGEMENT?

THIS IS WHAT A GOVERNOR CAN DO BEST.  THIS IS WHY I WANT TO BE MAINE’S “EDUCATION GOVERNOR.”  I WANT TO BUILD UP OUR MOST PRECIOUS ECONOMIC RESOURCE — OUR PEOPLE.

WHEN I GREETED WORKERS AT A MILL GATE IN JAY, I ASKED THE LAST PERSON THROUGH THE GATE, “ARE YOU HAVING A GOOD DAY?” SHE REPLIED, “LIBBY, EVERY DAY YOU HAVE A JOB IS A GOOD DAY.”

SO IF WE LISTEN TO HAMILTON JORDAN AND HIS CANCER STORIES, WE KNOW THAT IN SOME WAY THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A BAD DAY. BUT FOR ME, FOR MAINE, FOR MY DEMOCRATS– THIS STORY FROM THE MILL GATE IN JAY IS THE ONE I REPEAT TO MYSELF EVERY NIGHT. EVERY DAY WITH A JOB IS A GOOD DAY. AND LET ME PLEDGE TO YOU, I WILL NOT SLEEP, I WILL NOT REST, I WILL NOT TIRE UNTIL EVERYONE IN MAINE IS HAVING A GOOD DAY.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.
SEE YOU IN NOVEMBER.
WELCOME TO MY TEA PARTY
LET’S ALL HAVE A GOOD DAY.

May 16, 2010

LIBBY MITCHELL: ‘You can’t be afraid’

Democrat Libby Mitchell said she’s running for governor because her leadership style can help put Maine on the right footing as the state recovers from the recession.

In an interview Tuesday with MaineToday Media’s endorsement board, the 69-year-old state Senate president presented herself as a consensus builder.

She said she “brings people together and inspires people.”

Read the entire article.

May 13, 2010

Mitchell looking to set another precedent

Check out the latest on Libby from the Portland Press Herald:

Just three years after moving to Maine to raise a family, Mitchell decided to run for the House of Representatives. It was 1974.

She was so new to the area that Democratic Party elders found another Democrat to challenge her in the primary. The South Carolina native won anyway, then won the seat to represent what had been a traditionally Republican district, in Vassalboro.

Since then, it’s been a series of firsts for Mitchell: first female speaker of the House, in 1997; first woman appointed chairman of the board of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston; and, after being chosen Senate president, the first woman in the country to have led both state legislative chambers.

So to Mitchell, a bid to be Maine’s first female governor is simply the next step in a groundbreaking political career that has spanned 18 years in the House and six in the Senate.

“You can look at the entire picture as governor,” Mitchell said. “The governor gets to lead that effort in a much more profound way. I wanted to step into that arena and offer the skills I have honed over the years.”

Read the entire article.