Times-Record on our Early Lead
Chris Cousins breaks down the gubernatorial fund raising numbers over at the Times-Record. I thought he received some positive feedback from the political experts:
Mark Brewer, a political science professor at University of Maine, said last week’s reporting deadline might serve as a catalyst for other candidates who are considering joining the race.
“It could spark some other people who might be on the fence,” he said.
Asked whether Poliquin’s totals were abnormally high for this early in the campaign, Brewer said they weren’t, though they show that Poliquin has a strong organization in place.
“Those are relatively impressive totals,” said Brewer. “To the general public, he’s a relative unknown. That’s a pretty hefty total at this point.”
Brewer said a candidate like Poliquin, who comes from outside the political realm and largely outside the public eye, faces a challenging task, but one that might be a little easier because of Maine’s independent voters.
“Lesser-known or unknown candidates have a better chance here to break through than they would in New York, where politics are highly partisan and highly professionalized,” he said.
Again, I’m very humbled at the level of support I’ve received this early in the campaign. I may be an “unknown” at this point, but that is changing in a hurry thanks to our very active campaign. Hope to see you on the trail soon!
Mainers Should Have the Last Word
As the sides align supporting or opposing the recent law allowing gay marriage, I am glad to see this issue will be decided by the people of Maine.
Frankly, I am uncomfortable with the state legislature or the Governor being the last word on social issues. When it comes to an issue of conscience, it is best that the people of Maine have a vote.
I strongly believe that government should not involve itself in social issues like abortion and gay marriage. As Governor, I will do everything in my power to refer such issues to the ballot so that the people of Maine can ultimately make the decision.
We’re Leading All Gubernatorial Candidates!
I am pleased to announce that, as of the first financial reporting period, I am officially leading all gubernatorial candidates in funds raised!
We raised $276,939 from 453 donors with $192,227 cash on hand. Matt Jacobson raised less than $40,000 from 123 donors and has roughly $10,000 cash on hand, while Les Otten did not file with the state ethics commission because he did not raise any money in the first reporting period.
I’m thrilled to be out in front, but I understand that this is just Round One of a heavyweight fight. Our campaign has a long way to go before this is over. We are continuing to build on this momentum, raise money, reach out to voters, and bring our message to as many Mainers as we can. We’re not taking a day off.
I hope to see you on the campaign trail soon!
Why would anyone want to be Governor of Maine?
A recent opinion piece in the Kennebec Journal asked the question, “Why would anyone want to be Governor of Maine?” It’s a fair question that I get frequently while visiting with voters around the State.
Speculation about the candidates usually ranges from personal ambition to being a glutton for punishment. While it’s true that I’m no stranger to hard work, it’s also a fact that I’m not a career politician. The only interest I have in the Governor’s position is to help 1.3 million of my fellow Mainers.
The truth is that Maine’s state budget has been mismanaged for decades – and something must be done, and soon. Business managers, like myself, have watched dumbfounded as those entrusted with public funds squander our resources. Wrong-headed policies abound. Waste and inefficiency run rampant. Augusta follows the status quo.
The problems Maine faces are not unique in the country, but they do take a unique skill set to fix. Our next Governor must be someone with a deep understanding of finance and how our economy works. He or she must be someone who has worked for profit in the private sector and has the experience of investing his or her own money in creating, building, and managing businesses in Maine. That’s my background. I have that skill set.
The tipping point for me came when thinking about the opportunities my 18-year old son might have to live, work, and raise a family in Maine. Sadly, there aren’t many today. No young Mainer should have to choose between staying in the place he or she loves and finding a good job elsewhere. It doesn’t have to be this way for our kids.
Maine is my home, my heritage, my future. I want to do whatever I can to make sure the next generation of Mainers feel the same way.
Events This Week
Another busy week! Here’s a list of public events I have going on:
Wednesday: Kennebec County GOP Chicken BBQ
5:30 pm
Belgrade Center for All Seasons
1 Center Dr., Belgrade
Thursday: North Yarmouth GOP Meeting
6:30 pm
N. Yarmouth Town Office
10 Village Square Rd, N. Yarmouth
If you’re in Kennebec County or North Yarmouth, I hope you can make it out to the GOP events.
Sizing Up the Blogs
Hat tip to Randy @ LIFE for his thoughtful criticism of the GOP blogs. Full article here. LIFE On BruceForMeBlog:
“[Poliquin] dedicates himself to making himself available to prove himself as qualified for the position and ready to do the job. He even gives contact information. This is something that sets his campaign apart from all the others I’ve seen so far… He is the only candidate who has made himself accessible. I have been contacted by his campaign more times than I have contacted them. This connection to the people is what a leader needs to have.”
Hard work hasn’t failed me so far. If anyone wants to contact me you can go through my website, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call: 207-232-4387.
In Case You Missed It: WGAN Interview from This Morning
Big thanks to Mike and Ken on WGAN for the opportunity to be on their show this morning. For those that missed it, you can listen here.
First Reporting Period Shows Broad Support!
I’m excited to announce that my campaign raised $277,265 in the critical first reporting period of 2009, with 449 donors!
We received more than $35,000 through online donations through my website http://www.BruceForMe.com, with an enormous surge during the last 48 hours leading up to June 30 deadline. After expenses, our Campaign has $193,405 cash on hand.
This broad support so early in a Maine Gubernatorial campaign is extremely rare. Attracting 449 financial donors one year before the primary election in June 2010 demonstrates the strength of our message and grassroots network. No other candidate for the Blaine House has attracted this level of support.
As a full-time candidate, I’m working hard every day with our growing team of volunteers to reach out to Maine voters. We connect daily with hundreds of Mainers Our campaign bus is taking me across our great State, listening to the concerns and ideas of our fellow citizens. During the next few months, I’ll be attending nearly every fair in the State, visiting dozens of towns and communities.
The people of Maine are sending a loud and clear message. They want their next Governor to have deep roots in Maine. Someone who understands finance and how our economy works. Someone who’s a business owner and manager. Someone who’ll introduce a new positive attitude toward business development and jobs to Augusta. I have those skills and experiences, and would be honored to serve the people of Maine.
Please join our exciting journey to Augusta! Go to my website http://www.BruceForMe.com to sign-up to volunteer or donate.
We deserve a better government in Augusta. One that taxes us less; spends our money wisely; and is able to competently manage a budget. Give me your support, and I’ll bring THAT type of state government to Maine.