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There are 125 towns in Maine's 1st congressional district, and Chellie will visit each one to talk with voters. The pushpins highlight recent or upcoming locations that Chellie will visit. Click on a pushpin or scroll down and find your town to see what's happening there.
Tax policy gone horribly wrong
By Willy Ritch on May 29, 2008 4:17 PM
I was with Chellie this morning in South Portland for a candidate's debate put on by the Greater Portland Area Chamber of Commerce. Chellie got a question about tax policy. She talked about how unfair (and unwise) the Bush tax cuts have been, and the need to repeal them immediately. She also talked a little bit about her own experience, and I wanted to share what she said with you:
I do believe if you do well in this country you have a responsibility and an obligation to pay your fair share and that we have to have a sufficient amount of regulation -- particularly over what's going on on Wall Street and the credit markets today -- to make sure that we can count on fiscal and economic health.
I have called for a repeal of the Bush tax cuts. As Warren Buffet, who certainly is a great economic leader in our country, has said -- he shouldn't be paying a lower rate for taxes than the receptionist who works at the front desk in his office. I do think we all have a certain sense that there should be a reasonable amount of leveling in the tax playing field and I do come at this as a small business owner.
For many years I ran my own business on North Haven and I currently have a second business -- the inn and restaurant in the community. I know what it is to pay the taxes, to cover the health care costs of my own employees, to pay workers comp. I don't look at this just as an abstract notion, and I've always thought that all of us who are business owners have a responsibility to pay our fair share...
A lot of us look at people who are wealthy and say, "Well isn't that nice, they give to charity." But you know, I look at this a little differently. When I go to town meeting the first Saturday in March, I want to know that everybody paid their fair share. I want everybody in my town to be able to vote on what goes to the schools, what goes to the potholes, what goes to all the things we care about equally. I actually think that's the reason we have government, the reason we have a fair tax system.
I don't want to see the wealthiest in this country continue to get more wealthy and then say, "But it's ok; I can ease my conscience by giving it back to charity." That's a lot of what's happened in this country. We've got plenty of charitable giving. But I actually want to see us all pay into the same pool and decide together whether it goes for health care or education or improving the infrastructure of states like ours or giving back to the economy in a time when we're really struggling.
That's where the basis of my tax policy comes from. I think we've gone horribly wrong in the last eight years. The deficit is proving that to us, and I would vote to change those things.
Memorial Day memory
By Barb on May 26, 2008 1:31 PM
Chellie invited interns and staff to spend Memorial Day with her in her home town of North Haven. It was a beautiful day, and we had a great time holding our weekly staff meeting while sitting on the porch of Chellie's inn, Nebo Lodge. The sunshine and fresh air seemed to inspire extra creative thinking as we brainstormed plans for the state convention and had a final moment to breathe before the hectic times of the last two campaign weeks.
But one of the unexpected pleasures was attending a very moving Memorial Day parade and ceremony in North Haven. Maybe it's because North Haven is a small town, but it seemed as though the parade was a very personal and meaningful experience for each of the more than 100 people who attended or participated.
I was especially touched by the reading of the names of all the men and women who've served in U.S. wars, starting with the Revolutionary War. I couldn't help but reflect on the impact of this on the young kids who were at the ceremony -- what a great lesson in American history, as well as an intimate look at the human cost of war.
Another highlight was North Haven's postmaster, David Cooper, reading the Gettysburg Address with solemnity and conviction. It seemed absolutely appropriate -- pitch perfect for the occasion.
Planned Parenthood Action Fund endorses Chellie
By Barb on May 21, 2008 3:44 PM
The Planned Parenthood Action Fund and the Planned Parenthood Federal PAC announced today that they have singled out Chellie Pingree as the best choice for Congress in Mane's First Congressional District.
"This endorsement means a lot to me," Pingree said. "Planned Parenthood has vigorously defended women's access to family planning and reproductive health care in Maine and across the country. I was proud to join them in that fight when I served in the Maine Senate and hope to do the same in Washington."
Pingree has been a leader and long-standing champion for womens' freedom to make their own important life decisions, including reproductive choices.
"Women and families in Maine are fortunate to have a field of strong pro-choice candidates running against each other in the Democratic primary for the 1st Congressional District," said Chris Quint of the Planned Parenthood of Northern New England Action Fund. "However, during this time of constant attack by the Bush administration and his far right allies in Washington, we are proud to put our organization's support behind the pro-choice candidate who we believe will be the strongest and most effective leader on reproductive rights in Washington. That candidate is Chellie Pingree."
A step forward in the fight for a free and independent media
By Chellie on May 20, 2008 4:49 PM
It's from both a personal and a policy perspective that I applaud the Senate's vote last Thursday to reverse the FCC's 2007 decision allowing media companies to own both a major TV or radio station and a major daily newspaper in the same city.
In my hometown of North Haven, Maine, my neighbors tune into WRKD from Rockland. You can hear it playing in the background of every local boatyard and garage. In 2003, when I testified on Capitol Hill for a hearing on media consolidation, I told of my first campaign as a total unknown running for the Maine state senate in 1992 in Knox and Waldo Counties against a very well known opponent who was expected to win.
In the last month of that campaign, my opponent and I had a live debate from WRKD's studio on a Sunday night. That debate shifted the outcome of the race to my favor, and it showed me the enormous power of local radio to inform the public and shape opinion. This story, although local and personal, exemplifies the importance of that Senate vote.
The vote to block the FCC's earlier resolution to loosen restrictions on media conglomeration was not just about anti-trust regulation. The restrictions first placed on media companies in 1974 came from a citizens' movement that sought to break up media concentration on the basis that it reduced competition, diminished the free flow of information, and harmed the public interest. Here in Maine, increased media consolidation hurts the valued Maine tradition of localism and independence in the media.
During much of my tenure as president of Common Cause (2003 - 2007), our office was located in a building across Connecticut Avenue from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). I often thought about the lobbyists dashing in and out of that building, with their large expense accounts and free flowing campaign contributions. While Common Cause and our allies found sympathetic listeners in FCC Commissioners Copps and Adelstein, and some lawmakers in Congress, I was continually dismayed by the number of otherwise progressive elected officials who were willing to vote against the public's interest in favor of the broadcasting industry.
Today, I'm a candidate for Congress in Maine's first district. I hope that the senate's almost unanimous vote to maintain tight regulations on media is a sign of a new resolve by our elected representatives to stand up against the blandishments of big media and the NAB. If elected, I look forward to joining the fight for a free and independent media. Nothing will strengthen our democracy more.
Rallying support
By Chellie on May 20, 2008 9:35 AM
Even though I have already done more than 20 candidate forums and debates with the other CD1 candidates, supporters wanted to kick off our first televised debate with a rally. The group holding posters and cheering in this photo included some of my dedicated volunteers, students and seniors, old campaign hands, and those for whom a "debate rally" was a very new idea. It was a fantastic lift for me to see all these friendly faces as I entered WGME's studios -- it's a great reminder of how many of us are invested in this campaign and that we're all in this together. I have to say, our campaign supporters are the BEST!
Upstaged by my daughter
By Chellie on May 19, 2008 2:41 PM
When I got back to the campaign office last night there was a crowd around the TV. I was told everyone was there to watch me on the Channel 13 debate. But I knew the truth: they were there to watch my daughter Hannah on the CBS Evening News.
"For decades, Americans have depended on special chemicals to protect them from fire. But now, there are serious questions about the safety of those chemicals," Katie Couric said as she introduced the piece.
"Hey--that's Hannah!" someone yelled. There was my daughter on the network news walking along the shore on North Haven, talking to a CBS reporter and looking great (and wearing my jacket, I might add).
The in-depth segment focused on the legislation that Hannah introduced and the Maine Legislature passed last year--a law that bans the toxic chemical Deca from consumer products. (Another bill passed this year empowers the DEP to identify and phase out other toxic chemicals that have a safer alternative.)
Maine has a rich tradition--from Ed Muskie and the Clean Air Act to George Mitchell and the Clean Water Act--of being a leader. When I had the privilege of serving as Majority Leader in the State Senate, our state lived up to that tradition again by passing a law I introduced--a first-in-the-nation plan to lower the price of prescription drugs known as Maine Rx.
Coincidentally, the CBS report included an interview with Russell Long, from Friends of the Earth, a national environmental group that has just endorsed me for Congress. Long talked about the high the level of toxic chemicals in car seats. "These are ridiculous amounts of fire retardants to be putting into these car seats when there is a perfectly safe way of getting fire safety without the chemical use," he said.
I'm proud of our state and our legislature for taking the lead on important issues like this. But mostly, I'm proud of my daughter Hannah.
I do want my jacket back however.
Richmond is blossoming!
By Chellie on May 16, 2008 2:55 PM
I had an amazing trip to Richmond. Seth Goodall, candidate for Maine Senate in District 19, was our "host" and took us around, introducing us to a fascinating group of local businesspeople. Here are some of the highlights:
Hodgdon Yachts: Hodgdon has moved their entire joinery department to Richmond. They are in the process of hiring for 70 jobs at $20/hour, with healthcare and benefits. I remember touring their East Boothbay facility back in 2002 -- it's great to see that this company continues to grow and provide good jobs.
Shucks Maine: I've had a fair amount of contact with lobsters (worked as sternman on a North Haven boat for a time). So it was fun to talk with Shucks Maine's president John Hathaway. As you can see by their website, they have some intriguing and creative marketing ideas.
Micro Technologies: I had a great discussion with president Bill Kelleher about Dirigo Health Care; he is convinced of the need for this program and viable alternatives for businesses. Founded in 1996, Micro Technologies Inc. is the only commercial laboratory providing comprehensive testing and health services to farms, businesses, government agencies, and scientific research institutions involved with aquatic species. Initially focused on the needs of the salmon aquaculture industry, their capabilities and services have expanded to other species and to areas such as veterinary services, bivalve shellfish testing, and contract research -- clearly providing essential services in Maine.
Old Goat: This was our last stop in Richmond, where owner Scott McIntyre has taken a bold move by renovating an old bank building into a beautiful pub. It was a great way to end the afternoon's visits!
Two events in Augusta
By Chellie on May 16, 2008 10:50 AM
Friday night brought two special events honoring people who've really made a difference in our state.
At the Maine Council of Senior Citizens John Marvin Awards event, President Eddie Gorham of Maine's AFL-CIO and Maine Equal Justice Partners received awards. It was great to remember John Marvin and talk about his leadership and presence as an labor and senior activist, and all he did for Maine people.
Then it was on to Le Club Calumet Citizen of the Year Awards honoring State Senator Libby Mitchell. I saw lots of old friends and Augusta leaders, including Beverly Bustin Hathaway, Libby, of course, and her family. Speakers included Congressman Michaud and Frank O'Hara. I enjoyed being in Le Club Calumet, which has provided lots of great community service and tradition central to the culture of Augusta.
Friends of the Earth Action endorses Chellie
By admin on May 15, 2008 12:01 PM
"Chellie Pingree is a proven leader with an impressive record on environmental issues," said Friends of the Earth Action President Brent Blackwelder. "We expect her to take on corporate polluters and bring much-needed change to Washington. Pingree is the best choice for Maine voters who want to breathe clean air, drink clean water and safeguard our planet's health."
YOUTHINK -- a bright glimpse into the future
By Chellie on May 12, 2008 1:59 PM
On Friday, May 9, I attended the first annual YOUTHINK summit. YOUTHINK is a youth-driven organization that mobilizes young people to use their voices and creativity to solve real problems. Their goal is to inspire and train forward-thinking leaders for now and the future -- and the organization is led by a great young executive director, Ainsley Newman Wallace.
High school students from around Portland came together at Keeleys Katerers to spend the day talking about issues that affect them. They shared their thoughts about what it is like to be a teenager in Portland: peer pressures; lack of places to go and things to do; and their aspirations for what they want to do after high school.
When I arrived during their lunch hour, I walked around and sat down at numerous tables to see what was on their minds. I met two young women, Naskeh Haibibi and Nabila Mohamed, both of whom immigrated to Portland when they were young children. Naskeh is originally from Iran and Nabila from Somalia. Their stories and insights were amazing -- I wish I could have heard the experiences of every young person in the room.
At another table, I encountered a few 17-year-old girls who voted for the first time in February at the caucuses. Their level of enthusiasm and knowledge was wonderful to see. They spoke about how Obama inspired them to get involved but said they were also excited that a woman was running for president.
While I'm sure YOUTHink is doing great things for the kids involved, the real beneficiaries will be the people of Portland and surrounding towns, who will have a bumper crop of leaders ready to take their communities into the future.
In Ogunquit, "Chellie knows the answers"
By admin on May 8, 2008 12:03 PM
posted by guest blogger Drew Pearson of Kittery
On Thursday the 8th of May, I drove to Ogunquit to see all the candidates for Congress. They're an impressive group, the Democrats, especially Chellie, of course. I found myself thinking, "Let's send them all to Washington, not just Chellie."
The Republicans were astonishing I thought, repeating the Bush phrases about keeping the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. How could they hope to get anywhere by continuing to claim this is good national policy? It's just dividing the country and weakening the economy, as the Democrats explained.
The forum was very well organized -- the meeting room was full and everyone there had a chance to write questions on 3×5 cards that were collected and then collated by the moderator by subject area. Each candidate then took turns answering the questions.
I think this was the best forum I've attended, but that's because Chellie reminded us all about the goals we need to set to fix the fundamental issues that continue to cause so much social dislocation. She reminded us of how she took on the pharmaceutical companies when she was in the legislature to make prescription medicine available for seniors -- certainly a right of citizenship in this wealthy country. Now, on to a single-payer health care system!
Go Chellie!
Incidentally, if you want to watch a very good Frontline (PBS) program, "Sick Around the World," about the comparatively advanced health programs of other industrialized countries, here's the link.
They make it look easy. How come we're so backward? Chellie knows the answers. I can't wait for November!
Chellie is choice of League of Young Voters PAC
By Barb on May 7, 2008 10:24 PM
We're very excited that the League of Young Voters PAC has endorsed Chellie as the best candidate from either party for Congress in Maine's First District.
"Chellie is the poster child for a successful non-traditional candidate," the League said. "Chellie rose through the ranks to become an effective and feisty leader as a former Senate Majority Leader and president of Common Cause."
The League uses a rigorous endorsement process, including lengthy candidate questionnaires and interviews, culminating with votes by the general membership and an Elections Committee. This is the first year the League has endorsed during a primary.
The endorsement is the latest in a series of endorsements for Chellie, including the United Auto Workers and the national League of Conservation Voters.
The League of Young Voters' complete endorsement statement:
"Chellie is the poster child for a successful non-traditional candidate. As a mother, a farmer and small business owner, Chellie rose through the ranks to become an effective and feisty leader as a former Senate Majority Leader and president of Common Cause. Strengthening the economy is a huge priority for Chellie. She proposes tons of ways to increase wages and bring people out of poverty: greater unionization of industry, education (higher and lower), green jobs initiatives, legislation to lower student loan interest rates, and serious regulation of abusive lenders. With the track record of successful leadership and strong relationships in DC, Chellie is the best candidate to face the enormous challenges in the first two years in office."
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