Obama Wins Lincoln County Delegates

February 13, 2008 Lincoln County News by Kim Fletcher.

Democrats all over the state caucused Sunday, Feb. 10 and after the final count, Presidential candidate Barak Obama was the clear winner beating out Sen. Hilary Clinton almost two-to-one. In Lincoln County, Obama grabbed 65 delegates and Clinton 31.

According to the Maine Democratic Party's website more than 44,000 Maine Democrats voted, with Obama snagging 2062 delegates to Clinton's 1386.

The Lincoln County Democratic Chairman Tim Nason explained the number of delegates is determined by how many voted for the Democratic candidate for governor in the last election.

High turnout was the story throughout the state; the same appears true throughout Lincoln County. At press time Nason had not received results from every town.

In Damariscotta at the Great Salt Bay school, it was standing room only; more than 700 people squeezed into the gymnasium to hear speeches from candidates and divide by town to cast their vote for president.

Caucus facilitator Lynn Connell introduced speakers representing their candidates and a few major candidates were conspicuously absent from the stage.

Statewide news reported appearances by former President Bill Clinton and Presidential Candidate Barack Obama in Maine's biggest cities. However, in Lincoln County, Connell reported "captains" from the Obama camp had been stumping, but no one from the Clinton camp. "It seemed to me the Clinton campaign was a little late; they just started too late," said Connell.

Likewise, no one from U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, who is seeking Susan Collins' U.S. Senate seat, spoke before the huge crowd. However, Carol Andrews, media specialist with the Allen campaign reported the Democratic turnout around the state was tremendous, and Allen appeared in Bangor, Lewiston, Auburn, Portland and Kittery. Allen campaign staffer Dave Colson did appear on the Congressman's behalf at the Wiscasset caucus. Colson focused on Allen's record of help to small business by pushing legislation for business owners to have the same health insurance coverage as members of Congress. Colson also spoke of Allen's measures to provide small business with fuel assistance to offset high fuel and heating costs that is crushing Maine's small businesses.

Maine incumbent Rep. Wendy Pieh (D-Bremen) fielded a question by Jo Cameron of Edgecomb about school consolidation. Calling it "a great mess," to thunderous applause, Pieh said the issue was rushed through the legislature and the law is not proving successful. "It has been a top-down issue from the governor. There are now 121 separately listed issues, which are now in front of the legislature. I would have preferred it had never happened. I wouldn't be surprised if the whole thing was repealed. The governor really likes consolidation. That's what we have to work with," concluded Pieh.

Damariscotta attorney Peter Drum announced his candidacy for District 51 Representative, facing incumbent Rep. Jon McKane (R-Newcastle). Drum is "passionate" about this year and next and in this challenging time, wants positive change. "I have policy questions, and I welcome your ideas. Feel free to contact me. This is a wonderful place, and I hope you'll help me represent it," said Drum.

Speaking on behalf of First District Congressional Candidate Chellie Pingree, Barbara Burt reminded the audience of Pingree's leadership record as a Maine Senator and as the Senate Majority Leader. Pingree spearheaded the MaineRX program to lower prescription drug prices. Burt asked for support for Pingree and recommended the candidate's website at www.chelliepingree.com.

Another First District candidate is Augusta pediatrician Dr. Steven Meister. Speaking on behalf of the congressional candidate, Don Trites said Dr. Meister is incensed about President Bush's recent veto that essentially cuts health benefits to children. "This president shows lack of concern for folks in Maine who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare," said Trites. Meister began a special healthcare program (called PREP) for foster care children, and to date, he's helped more than 6,000 Maine children. "He wants that program for the rest of the state, and also wants to integrate mental health into primary healthcare."

Bremen's Eleanor Kinney took the stage for Obama, praising the candidate's message of change and renewal. "He speaks from the heart," said Kinney. "We are searching for the kind of leadership that Obama inspires. He is getting the Independent vote, the Republican vote and he is winning in the red and swing states. We can all be part of this great moment in history."

Delegates gather at the Maine Democratic Convention May 31 through June 2 at the Augusta Civic Center.

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