Professor John Frary, a Republican, is running against Democrat incumbent Mike Michaud for Maine's 2nd District Congressional seat. Photographed in Bangor October 9, 2008. Buy Photo
Self-proclaimed contrarian John Frary is feeling snubbed by his own political party.
The Republican candidate for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District and his staff believe that in at least two incidents — including last week’s visit to Bangor by the party’s vice presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin — the GOP’s leadership has “overlooked” him.
The campaign believes that when Palin took the stage at Bangor International Airport on Thursday, Frary should have been among the candidates to share the stage with her. He wasn’t, according to Robert Shaffer, Frary’s chief campaign consultant, because he wasn’t invited to be, despite several requests.
Shaffer and Frary responded to the apparent snubs with bravura.
“I think they are worried about the fact that he speaks his mind,” Shaffer said Tuesday of the attitude of party officials toward Frary. “I think it helps us.
“People are not looking for a regular Republican, a bland mediocrity. We are after Democratic votes,” Shaffer added. “This is the worst Republican brand year in history. A little independence goes a long way. He is not kissing anybody’s posterior.”
Frary said his frankness, rebelliousness and keen interest in speaking to voters as intelligent people — not barraging them with nifty sound bites — might be his undoing within his own party.
“I don’t know their script. I am not interested in their script,” Frary said. “Maybe they think I am a loose cannon. Maybe they fear what cannot be controlled.”
Maine GOP spokeswoman Jennifer Webber said in an e-mail statement that Republicans were proud and delighted to have Frary attend the Palin rally “in the VIP section of the audience which included elected officials and key volunteers” and that the party’s chairman recognized him from the podium.
“Sarah Palin’s visit was all about Maine Republicans showing their support for Senator McCain and Governor Palin,” Webber wrote.
Shaffer responded that several candidates and noncandidates were on the podium, but not Frary, and the recognition came before he was in the audience.
Shaffer sent an e-mail to state GOP Chairman Mark Ellis on Friday expressing his displeasure and seeking an explanation. He has yet to receive a reply, he said.
“How hard would it have been to just have John on the stage — somewhere? He has worked tirelessly across this state for his chance to be elected,” Shaffer wrote. “He is a serious candidate, an intelligent candidate and a candidate that knocked the socks off the incumbent at last night’s debate at Colby.”
Shaffer added: “I was already extremely upset with the lack of support for this candidate from the state committee, but yet even a simple stage presence was not accommodated and at a cost of nothing to the state committee.”
A Farmington selectman, political columnist and retired college history professor with a master’s degree from Rutgers University, Frary has acknowledged himself to be an underdog in the race against Democratic incumbent Michael Michaud of East Millinocket. Michaud, who seeks his fourth term in office, won 71 percent of the vote in 2006, crushing Republican Scott D’Amboise of Lisbon.
Frary, 67, lists among his priorities improving medical facilities for veterans, especially in the district’s remote areas; improving efficiency at state universities and colleges; cutting government spending; and, though he regards it with many misgivings, bailing Wall Street out of the present financial crisis.
He advocates legalizing marijuana, is a sharp critic of the country’s war on drugs and has promised he would donate his salary to causes he espouses — stances anathema to his party. He speculates that he might have offended Republican leaders with a self-deprecating joke when he told Todd Palin during Palin’s recent visit to Maine that if his wife ever gets a hankering “for someone older, a little fatter and more decrepit,” she should look him up.
He also might have been too uncomfortably insightful, Frary said, when he described Todd Palin’s function as “surrogate, the man who stands behind the woman.”
Still, Frary has spent about $300,000 of his own money on his candidacy and sees a hopeful sign in his campaign’s receiving about $1,000 a day in donations in recent weeks.
Frary has crisscrossed his district, the largest east of the Mississippi, with a full campaign schedule. After a 9 a.m. stop today at a legislative breakfast in Ellsworth, he will be at the Westcott Forge Restaurant in Blue Hill at 5 p.m.
On Thursday he plans to participate in a candidates debate at the University of Maine at Farmington; greet voters at Dysart’s Truck Stop in Hermon at 3 p.m.; and at Downeast Community Hospital in Machias at 7 p.m., where he will participate in a rally to reform health care.
Frary doggedly pursues his campaign, he said, because he believes that all candidates should have their beliefs tested and all voters given a proper choice.
“I thought my major objective would be to educate people with ideas,” Frary said, “so that win or lose, my ideas take root and influence people.”
On 10/22/08 at 6:33 AM,
Mainecommenter wrote:
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The fact remains, he's not a serious candidate. His ads are confusing and unfocused in their message. And just plain weird.
However, as is typical in an election where an incumbent has an enormous advantage, the opposing party usually has to utilize second or, in this case, third case candidates. Republicans can take solace in that Democrats are also forced to reach to the bottom for candidates willing to oppose their popular politicians.
On 10/22/08 at 7:26 AM,
OutsideObserver wrote:
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Although Mr. Frary makes some valid points in his rants, he's just too far over the edge and I'm rather sick of reading his rants.
On 10/22/08 at 8:05 AM,
Cherry wrote:
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I was creeped out by seeing him at the Folk Festival with a young black man on each side of him wearing tighty whitey tank tops. He may be a republican, but he is challenging our ideas of election candidates - being snubbed by his own party speaks volumes about the mediocrity we aspire to. Look at Ralph Nader, a highly intelligent, free thinking man who McCain and Obama won't even debate. We need to move away from the system that only allows for "scripted" candidates.
On 10/22/08 at 8:14 AM,
Steamship wrote:
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His web page is a hoot! Lighten up a little folks and take a moment to check this guy out. Yeah, he doesn't stand a chance in H - E - double toothpicks to beat Mike Michaud, and that's with good reason; Mike is an excellent Congressman. But there is still something to learn from John Frary. Check him out, listen to what he has to say. He's talking about democracy!
On 10/22/08 at 8:52 AM,
Thrasybulus wrote:
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Fascinating! The comments below show exactly the sort of ignorance Frary is up against. One read is "creeped out" thta Frary is campaigning with young black men in Frary for Congress t-shirts (NOT tank tops). Another describes Michaud as "an excellent congressman". News Flash: RollCall on their website congress.org rates Michaud the worst congressman of all multi-term Dems, only 4 Freshmen and a member who is under indictment rank lower than Mike. As one wag on another newspaper put it: "Michaud has the mental capacity of a field mouse."
Frary's dissertations on current events are the best I've ever seen in Maine. But the poor man is up against Invincible Ignorance, and apparently not just among the GOP elites.
On 10/22/08 at 8:58 AM,
Cherry wrote:
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Thrasybulus: They were not wearing Frary for Congress t-shirts, they were what are called "wife beaters" but I was reluctant to use that term. And yes, it was creepy to me - seemed like they were his insubordinates, that we was exploiting, not campaign partners. I'm just sharing my impression and it's not ignorant.
On 10/22/08 at 9:00 AM,
Cherry wrote:
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Actually, I'll most likely vote for him cause he is in favor of legalizing marijuana, even if he creeps me out.
On 10/22/08 at 11:03 AM,
MaineMarine wrote:
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Thrasybulus
YOU have got to be the dumbess person I know, PLEASE tell me where it says what you have quoted, please tell me this wasnt in the comments section. This is what Congress.org says from A YEAR AGO, so get your facts straight!
ranked 213...
Reason for low score: Too few terms or years in office in Congress to have significant clout
Chair of committee or subcommittee
Successfully passed one or more bills out of the House or Senate
Mike is extremly well respected in Congress with Veterans and with Mainers. Mike has 2 Doctoretes and will remember your name from 2 years ago during a single meeting.
Ignorance should be your middle name and your first is LIAR
Its people like you that do discredit upon the republican Party. Thats exactly why Powell stated "the Republican party is off track" And if this is the type of staff Frary would hire, (Two wife Beater clad aids)
There are Serious issues out there, and people like you have no idea whats going on and all you can say is he wants to legalize marijuana, but offers no solution on how to make that happen. Congress is not about coming up with your own crackpot veiws and ideas, its about listening to the people you Represent and doing what they want you to do. If mainers legalized Pot in the state of Maine then maybe a Congressman should consider it, but I dont hear a cry for this, I hear a cry for heat, Food , healthcare, education, roads, so get your prioriies straight, our Kids and our Parents depend on it, wait until you are taking care of your ailing father or mother that got sick cause he did want to go to hospital cause he was in the Donut hole and didnt get it checked out. These are real issues, not some stupid game.
OH and for the record, the OIL refinery up in Limestone...his great idea!!! was not his idea at all....This was studied about 5 years ago by the Governor and the commissions findings were that it was unfeasable to have a refinery in limestone.
You may want to tell your wing nut friend before he applies for his Patent on the idea!
On 10/22/08 at 11:21 AM,
Mark44 wrote:
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I will be voting for Frary “not” because of his marijuana stance, even though most law enforcement officials agree it would actually lower crime! And let’s face it, he can introduce legislation, but it’s highly unlikely it would get passed!!!!
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I will be voting for Frary “not” because he has buckets of special interest money~ on the contrary, he’s really got a clean campaign~ “Yes” id love to say something right about now, but there is still time!
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I will be voting for Frary “not” because “he” takes the time to meet with small business and wants to put jobs back in Northern Maine~ that was an admirable trait found in someone else's first term!
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I will be voting for Frary “not” because he condemns the Canadian Carpetbaggers Brookfield Power that are bent on destroying a small Maine Town.
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No, I will be voting for Frary because Congressman Michaud has just watched Northern Maine dissolve, has lied to those that voted for him, allowed powerful people to pillage our assets~ in short, lost touch with those that once thought he would make a difference!
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On 10/22/08 at 11:48 AM,
LincolnMOM wrote:
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All I know is Mike Michaud is a FAKE and if you read Frarys ads carefully without judgement...he DID make some valid truthful points about Mr Michaud.
Why are most politicians such LIARS??????????I think Frary lays it on the line! and I may even vote for him!
On 10/22/08 at 11:59 AM,
Mark44 wrote:
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Michaud Supports!
Congress Moves To Seize Control Of All U.S. Waters
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From Bathtubs To Baptismal Fonts, Congress Moves To Give the Corps of Engineers Control Of All U.S. Waters
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Issue: Having been slapped down by the U. S. Supreme Court's recent decision that the words "navigable waters" in the Clean Water Act limited federal agencies to regulation of navigable waters only. Democrats and liberal Republicans in Congress are striking back.
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They are attempting to pass the Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007 (HR2421 and S1870) that would amend the 1972 Clean Water Act and replace the words "navigable waters" with "waters of the United States." Further, it defines "waters of the United States" with such breathtaking scope that federal agencies would be required to regulate use of every square inch of the U.S., both public and private.
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The proposed definition states: "The term 'waters of the United States' means all waters subject to ebb and flow of the tides, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate waters and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sand flats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes [a flat dried up area, esp. a desert basin.] natural ponds and all impoundment of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution."
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On 10/22/08 at 12:42 PM,
Thrasybulus wrote:
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Dear Maine Marine,
You say Mike is highly respected because he REALLY scores 213th most influential member of Congress. This puts him behind EVERY Democrat who has served as long as him - and it's from last year. He's lower this year. There are 235 Democrat members of Congress, and all but 5 are ahead of Mike. They include 5 freshmen and a member under indictment.
Mike does not only NOT have two "Doctoretes", he did not graduate from high school. We were not gonna bring this up (there are plenty of intelligent people who split school early), but PLEASE, to pretend Mike has a PhD? As one reader (who I don't know) put it on another comment section "Mike has the mental capacity of a field mouse". I admit he has a great personality, but not a great intellect. Besides which, he is John Martin's puppet.
You are getting very bad information, and my heart goes out to you. Please wake up, a statement that applies to the entire country.
And there are no Frary t-shirts without sleeves. That was just an attempt to stir up racist, misogynist feelings. Poor boobs.
On 10/22/08 at 12:50 PM,
Mark44 wrote:
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Mike is highly respected??????
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WHAT
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Mike is ranked “Just One Above” someone currently under investigation, under that are a hand full of juniors, and that’s it!
He’s pretty much a political bottom dweller~
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On 10/22/08 at 1:28 PM,
MaineMarine wrote:
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Thrasybulus Dear misguided 12yr old
You can not be serious, you acually expect anyone to beleive anything you say now!!? Not that any did before.
YOU REALLY ARE AN IDIOT, but something I would expect from a Frarytail supporter.
maybe you should do some fact checking, straight from a public web site: but Im sure its a government coverup!
FACT: Mike is a Graduate Skank HS, Mike attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University. In 1989, he was awarded a Doctor of Public Service from Unity College. In 2007, he was awarded a Doctor of Public Service from Husson College.
and Thrasybulus, any day, ANY day you would like to test your skill and knowledge against his please do so, run for office, or for starters maybe,,,,get a job, cause working for Frarytail will be a short career! 2 more weeks.
On 10/22/08 at 1:45 PM,
MaineMarine wrote:
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Please let us know where you will be during election night, I really want to capture your faces when the Maine people show you what they think of Mike and all that he has done for so many mainers.
It really will be great to watch, if but only for a second your pathetic face of shock when you realize what a joke this frarytail is. Im sure all 5 of you will be huddled in some headshop, so high you wont no the difference anyway. But Im sure Mike really apprietiates all that you have done for his campaign. ha ha ha LMAO
On 10/22/08 at 2:07 PM,
firstborn wrote:
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Mike WILL win. I have always voted for him. BUT he has no doctorate, and is nowhere near as bright as Professor Frary. NOT EVEN CLOSE. During their debate Frary asked Michaud what he perceived his obligations to be under Article 6 of the U.S. Constitution. Mike's answer was: "Can you be more specific?" telling me and some folks that Mike didn't know that Article 6 required all Congressmen to swear to uphold the U.S Constitution. upon taking office. Now, I am sure that most Congressmen and Congresswomen could be cought "cold" by such a question, and Frary probably knew this, but Frary made a telling point that was not lost on me. Because I believe that the Democrats will help most of the people of Maine more, and the leadership of the U.S. Congress will be determined by the PARTY of the candidates elected, I support Mike Michaud ---but I will be casting a vote for the candidate who KNOWS less than his opponent.
On 10/22/08 at 2:59 PM,
HermonStout wrote:
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Hate to inform you critics of what Mike Michaud has delivered to MAine.....It is a small state with only 4 electorates and a small population.
What do we have to offer the rest of the country and the World? Blueberries, lobsters, paper, wreaths, battleships, ..................
There are firmly entrenched incumbant, Congrssmen out there, who are backed by a strong ideology, ( not necessarily correct) and the likes of Coca-cola, Post, Kellog, Fritolay, Conagra, Kraft, Pharmaceutical Firms, Tobacco companies, Huge farm factories, auto makers, etc. who make Billions. They have lobbiests to insure their Congressmen vote to their advantage...........Do you ever watch cspan when the House is in Session, working on bills? You will see the tricks and deceptions, strong measures they employee to insure the vote favors THEIR supporters. Not to mention the President who for the last 8 years has used his veto powers, signing statements and pressure, backed by the wealthiest in the country who make sure the decisions serve their interests.
Yes, Maine "the way life ought to be." selling honest products, for an honest dollar. ( except the ships, ) But if you plile it all on a scale, with just the corn growers, from the mid-west states, at the opposite end,...................We are going to bouncing right up there in the air! Or just the pharmaceuticla companies, and so on........ NOT THAT MUCH CLOUT!
Now if we could get it together to build hydroelectric plants, we could export a LOT of POWER to other states.............we have the highest tides in the country. Not to mention the Little Bad Falls in Machias..and other fast moving rivers around the state, once the site of a power plant now park?
But no, Gov. Baldacci is thinking in those terms and all I hear is complaints about HIM, how he's raising our taxes bla,bla, bla. It's time to use a little creative thinking to move OURSELVES FORWARD, rather than all this whining and complaining!
On 10/22/08 at 3:02 PM,
HermonStout wrote:
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BTW: I get an e-mail everytime Congress votes....... Mike Michaud always votes the way I like him to. In line with my interests, and in the interest of most of us.
If you don't like te way it's going yo could always move to Alaska, #1 state for pork!
On 10/22/08 at 3:17 PM,
MaineMarine wrote:
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Well I am sorry to respectfully disagree with you "Hermonstrout", Mike in fact has two Doctorates, this is not a guess, I have seen them myself and it is a matter of public record.
2nd: Frary actually corrected himself because he was wrong about Article 6, please rewatch the debate and you will see that even Frary that you say is smart got it wrong, and he already researched the question and obvouisly the answer.
Article 6 is the following: so I ask you!!!! if someone asked you what do you think about article 6, what would you say if you didnt have this language in front of you?
All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.
This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.
On 10/22/08 at 3:24 PM,
Mark44 wrote:
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Hate to break the news to you, but Frary numbers are higher than you might imagine, close enough to win in fact!
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I have spoken to many former Millinocket mill workers, and they won’t be voting for Mike~ seems those union projections are not as solid as some are leading us to believe. In fact, I know of only one union friend of mine (East Millinocket) that is voting for Mike, he says it’s because they use to be friends---- too bad Mike is standing behind Brookfield Power, his job is next~ Ah-Yup, that’s a real loyal friend!
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Win or lose, Mikes wake-up call will be that he will realize that he has lost the peoples trust!
That is if he cares-
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On 10/22/08 at 4:14 PM,
MaineMarine wrote:
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ya, well thats because you cant count!
first of all, all you guys do in FRARYLAND is AMAGINE, so I see why you are trying to amagine higher number, or its the pot.
and BTW, people are not that stupid, they are not going to just vote for anyone because they think someone is losing or winning, so you stop with the jeti mind trick.
I would like to show you the lastest poll taken
frary has a 18 percent rating compared to Mikes 68%
But Hey im sure your right, please write back in 2 weeks. I want to see what pathetic excuse you come up with as to why frairyland came up soooo short. Im sure it will be some crazy idea that the voting booths were rigged.
Frary wont even carry his own party let alone anyone else. Even the RNC doesnt want anything to do with this guy. and for good reason, he supports nut jobs like you.
On 10/22/08 at 4:24 PM,
MaineMarine wrote:
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Instead of sitting there smoking your pot at your moms house, why dont you join the Army or something and stop trying to make up stories about things in which you know nothing about.
If you think campainging is about throwing out a bunch of lies to attract a few who dont really know all the issues, your sadely mistaken. Maine people are very savy and know the issues.
Yes you get online in the comment section and do your little lies and no one really holds you accountable, but dont think for one minute people will fall for your childish attempts at disrespecting someone that has done so much for so many.
You can disagree with his vote, but have a little respect will ya....
On 10/22/08 at 7:44 PM,
workingpoor wrote:
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MaineMarine: Wikipedia defines skank as "a term of abuse for a person who may be repugnant for reasons of hygiene and/or promiscuity" It's Schenk High School you moron! Way to win the votes of the good people of East Millinocket! Mike has done so much for Greater Millinocket you know. The same mills he had worked at for 20+ years that he loves to talk about are closing. Where was Mike when Millinocket needed him the most? Why didn't he come to his, "Union Brothers" aid? Is he going to pay his, "Union Brothers" electric or heat bills this winter? Michaud is a fraud, a joke, and a cancer on the skin of the good folks of Maine and should be cut out! Kick his A$$ John!
On 10/23/08 at 11:24 AM,
Mark44 wrote:
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Respect,,,, WHY?
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Michaud is one of the three worst things in Maine, and that’s coming from someone that bought into his BS early on----
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I’d rather vote for Bin Laden than Michaud!
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On 10/23/08 at 12:21 PM,
MaineMarine wrote:
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HMMMMMMM...
Guess you were wrong again... just out today numbers say
In the 2nd Congressional District, political outsider John Frary faces a big uphill climb as he trails Democratic incumbent Mike Michaud by 41 points.
On 10/23/08 at 12:31 PM,
MaineMarine wrote:
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Hey workingpoor moron,
If you knew anything you would know what mike did for the people in Mill towns, as a Congressman you dont run the world, but if your values and ethics and direction is correct you can do all you can to do the right thing and Mike does.
He has provided economic relief to the area not to mention he passed a Northern economic package for Rural maine, "thats all of 2nd CD" this will pump millions into the area for years to come, not to mention the thousands of other things he has done for Mainers and Veterans, so the vets up in rural areas dont have to travel all the way to Togus when they are sick, but I guess you think those things just happen right! Mike just got over 17 million for 2nd Cd, check to see how much the others got!
and Mark44;;;; you didnt buy into anything, I have watched your posts before and you are a republican retard, I just never wanted to waist my time writing because frankly usually other people put you in your place pretty quickly.
Mike is one of the only reps I know that actual do things for Maine, and care about Maine and thats why he is up by 41 points, people respect Mike for who he is.
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