Democrats must unite for 2008. I understand that we are all die hard followers of our candidates. They represent our most ardent wants and desires - but hey - you follow politics - what they say ain't gonna happen anyway -not immediately - Hillary's Health Care or Obama's Iraqi pullout stratagy - none of it will take hold unless WE convince our legislators to make it so -
I have supported John Edwards staunchly for almost 6 years now - but folks we all know that the only time he's going to be in the White House is maybe the Lincoln Bedroom.

We can collectively elect a democratic president- but the only way we can control him/her and further our agenda is to make damn sure we elect a democratic congess and convince our Republican friends (we all have them) to vote for populus candidates who support populus measures b/c they will if you make them.

But, we are democrats and we must realize the fighting over the crown is justified but ultimately pointless - the democratic nominee will beat McCain - but just to make sure, let's all rally behind the winner- Both Obama and Clinton have run a good and costly race - their campaigns did not fail to put the message of all good democrats out there- really, we shouldn't have to choose - most pple I know like them both; they vote for one before the other b/c of one superficial reason(gender, religion, skintone ) or the other - point being:
UNITE FOR 2008 - school boards, town committees, district reps, senator, president- VOTE BLUE and help put an end to 8 years of Republican mismanagement.
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE AND YOUR CHILDRENS' -VOTE DEMOCRAT Period.

I have just created "Maine State Delegates and Alternates" a new group to help the State Delegates and Alternates exchange information and make contacts throughout the State - I hope all the delelegates and alternates will use the group as a tool to organize and communitcate before the State Convention in Augusta.
All are invited to join!!

I posted yesterday about my caucus in Rockland. However, more numbers are in and I have to point this out. First of all, the caucus in Rockland had 310 participants. The Republicans had their caucus on 2/1 and only had 30 participants -- we had 10 times more than they did! County wide, Knox County Democrats had 2311 people come out to caucus yesterday. The Republicans in Knox County had a total of 299 on February 1! The real story is how much excitement is out there. Now we need to make sure that the caucus attendees become activists and knock on doors, drive local candidates, phone bank, etc. This is huge!

To make the numbers stand out more, Knox County has 7130 registered Democrats (before the caucus). They have 8479 registered Republicans and 10,887 independents/ greens/ others. With those numbers, we had 32.4% of the Democrats come out to CAUCUS -- not vote, but caucus. The Republicans on 2/1 (when the race was much more uncertain) had 3.5% show up. I have to say again, WOW!

Wow! We had nearly 300 people. There wasn't enough room; there wasn't enough parking; there weren't enough chairs; heck, there weren't enough forms! At the last presidential caucus, we had 162. The energy was terrific! Obama won 11 delegates to the state convention, Clinton won 6, and uncommitted had 1.

By contrast, the Rockland Republican's had only 30 attend. 1/10th! And according to voter registrations, there are (were) an almost equal number of Democrats and Republicans.

A smaller town, Warren, had 76 people attend -- 5 delegates for Obama, 1 for Clinton. This is (was) a Republican town. But they still only had 26 show up for the Republican caucus. This is amazing! I'm very excited....

Today, we caucus in Maine. We are expecting huge turnouts. It promises to be exciting and hopefully will result in enthusiastic volunteers for the whole ticket (we have a big senate race here too -- a chance to turn a seat in the senate). I hope all who read this in Maine go to their local caucus. Information on locations and times can be found here: http://mainedems.org/caucus08.aspx

I will be at mine!

Hillary Clinton will be in Maine on Saturday, Feb 9th for two Solutions for America town hall events. From 9:30am - 11am she will be at the Recreation Center on the campus of the University of Maine - Orono. Then she will be in Lewiston at the Memorial Armory from Noon-4pm.
FMI visit www.hillaryclinton.com

Bill Clinton will be in Portland tonight at 7:30 for a Solutions for America event.
Barack Obama is coming to the Bangor Auditorium on Saturday, Feb 9th for a Stand for Change Event. Doors open at 2:30pm.
both events are first come - no bags, banners or signs.

I hate to repeat myself - but it must be done- Caucus or primary - whatever you need to do to get your candidate the delegates to go to Colorodo.
I realize that many voters in America don't really get the voting process - that's b/c major news arteries don't tell them - why is voting the best kept secret in politics - I'm irate when they play those "voter on the street" segments on the news and not one reporter ever says "well you know..."
If The American People want a choice they have to get involved and get involved early.
A lot of crap was given to the candidates when they started this years' Presidential campaign "so early" - I think it was just that the major media outlets weren't ready to focus their time on the run for the white house.
boo hoo
get in the game now - Super Tuesday is not the end all be all like it used to be - msmall states with caucus dates after Feb 5 can tip the scales here people - PARTICIPATE! and do it NOW!!!

For those in Maine, I want you all to know that absentee forms for the caucus are now available. Information can be found on the Maine Democratic Party website.  The site has absentee request forms or you can call the party headquarters and have one mailed to you.  Of course, you can attend the caucuses on February 10.  At the rate things are going, Maine might be an important state afterall. 

I know that someone has already posted the result, but I did not win the city council seat in Rockland. I came in third place for 2 seats. But it wasn't for lack of trying. I had signs on many, many lawns. I had print ads. Most importantly, I knocked on about 1,300 doors and on election day, I stood at the polls for the whole 12 hours they were open. I want to thank some of the wonderful friends here on PartyBuilder for your encouragement and/or donations. I am well aware, that not all on this site are friendly.

From the moment I took out my papers, I was the target of a right-wing hate machine.   Read More »

It has been a whirlwind past few days. My signatures are all certified -- so I'm official. The local paper had another little piece on me. Check it out: Link

My palm cards are designed and at the printers. Hopefully, they will be done quickly so I have something to leave at the doors. And fundraising has begun. I am off to a campaign committee meeting in a few minutes, but I wanted to check in and let my PB friends know that I am feeling optimistic. I miss you all!

I'm about to go to sleep, but I thought I would quickly let folks know that I already have all of my signatures for my city council run! They will be turned in on Monday.

Next step, design the palm card....

I probably won't be posting much for the next bit. I have been recruited to run for City Council. So, I have a very busy next several weeks -- getting palm cards, lawn signs, knocking on doors, and generally fighting the good fight.

Wish me luck -- I'm afraid I'm going to need it.

(And if you have a spare check to send my way, feel free to do so.)

Check out Rep. Tom Allen's Turn Maine Blue diary where he responds to Petraeus' recommendations.  Every time Representative Allen speaks, I am proud to be in Maine and have him as my representative.  I can't wait until he is my senator!