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Oxford Dems Openminded on 2008 Race
Mar 26, 2007
Democratic National Committeeman Sam Spencer of Portland was the featured speaker at the March meeting of the Oxford County Democrats held on March 25 at the Fare Share Common in Norway. Spencer spoke about the changes at the national level resulting from the commitment of Party Chair Howard Dean to a 50 state strategy. As an early and enthusiastic supporter of Governor Dean for chair, Spencer stated that the successes in the fall election demonstrated that the strategy of supporting state parties in building the grassroots has begun to work. He reported on the 2008 presidential campaign and said that the February 5 date seems to be shaping up as a “national primary” which certainly is accelerating the process toward final selection of a nominee.
There was a lively discussion, facilitated by Spencer and County Chair Cathy Newell, on the personal preferences of those in attendance. While several spoke of the strong field and the great qualifications of all candidates, announced or unannounced, there seemed to be most interest from more than one person in Senator Edwards, Governor Richardson, and Vice-President Al Gore. Senators Barack Obama and Hilary Rodham Clinton each had a single supporter in the group. All agreed that their support was still in the exploratory stage and look forward to following the campaigns and asked that Spencer do what he could to bring prospects to Maine. Myra Bethell of Fryeburg announced that Senator Edwards will be the speaker at the Carroll County Democrats’ Cleveland Dinner on May 12 in Bartlett NH. Nancy Willard of Woodstock reported on a good turnout of more than a dozen Oxford County Democrats at Senator Clinton’s Town Hall Meeting in Berlin NH.
Senator Bruce Bryant, Rep. Terry Hayes, and Rep. Tim Carter reported on activities in the legislature highlighting the bond package hearings, the status of school administration consolidation, and tax reform proposals. Senator Bryant stated that “the action is really picking up.” All extended a personal invitation from themselves and Rep. John Patrick and Rep. Larry Sirois, for Democrats and friends to come to the State House on Thursday, April 26 for Oxford County Democrats Day. The legislators will be working with House and Senate leadership to line up special meetings during the day. Anyone interested in more information on the legislative day may contact Cathy Newell at 875-2116 or cathyn@megalink.net.
Additional updates were given on the March Democratic State Committee meeting by Nancy Willard and on The Lightbulb Project by Toni Seger. Brandon Maheu, Field Director for central and western Maine updated the committee on activities planned by the state party and he and Newell reported on the schedule of events for the coming months.
In other business, Cathy Newell reported that the web site updating has begun and now features a photo gallery of Oxford County Democrats over the past few years, and updated links to elected representatives. Additional features are planned, including a blog and links to presidential campaigns.. The site is www.oxforddems.org. She gave credit to Vice Chair Roy Gedat for his work on the e-newsletter that has been well received. Those wishing to be added to the e-newsletter list may contact Newell at cathyn@megalink.net.
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