Maine political roundup

February 2, 2008 SeacoastOnline.com.

Pingree's coffers filling fastest

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- Chellie Pingree held a big lead in fund raising over her five opponents for the Democratic nomination for the open congressional seat in Maine's 1st District, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Pingree raised $783,548 through Dec. 31, more than twice the total of her nearest rival. Ethan Strimling was second in the money race with $337,026, while Mark Lawrence reported $326,251, Adam Cote $304,892, Michael Brennan $152,408 and Stephen Meister $46,300.

Pingree also led in cash on hand, with $442,851, to $195,919 for Strimling, $192,197 for Cote, $189,489 for Lawrence, $82,339 for Brennan and $39,639 for Meister.

On the Republican side, Charles Summers raised $117,126 through Dec. 31 and had $70,792 in cash on hand. Dean Scontras reported $157,764 in receipts and $25,954 in available cash.

Radio man Willy Ritch team leader

PORTLAND -- The Chellie Pingree for Congress campaign has announced that longtime Maine radio personality Willy Ritch has been named communications director for the campaign.

"Willy has worked in Maine media for 25 years and brings experience, energy and judgment to the job," campaign manager Lisa Prosienski said. "We're happy to have him as part of the team."

Ritch hosted shows on WMGX and WGAN. Recently he added writing to his professional resume, creating blogs for national nonprofits.

Ritch can be reached at the campaign office, by cell phone at (207) 841-8400 or by e-mail at willy@pingreeforcongress.com.

Link to article.