Bangor Daily News political editor Michael Shepherd (at left) asks Portland mayoral candidates during a televised debate on Oct. 27, 2015, in Portland. Credit: Troy R. Bennett / BDN

If you pay close attention to politics in Maine, you likely rely on your mobile device to keep you up to date. That’s why we’re expanding our politics coverage with a new SMS-only “Pocket Politics” service in which I’ll text you exclusive insights into the Maine political scene.

For $3.99 a month, this special group of readers will get a heads-up on our biggest political stories before they hit either our website or those of our competitors, plus mobile access to our best political content. You’ll get my internal monologue as I share scoops from our staff, live commentary, historical context and what we know about closed-door dealings in Augusta.

You can also text me tips and ask questions in a one-on-one setting. As we have tested the service so far, I have tracked down economic data and updates on bills before the Legislature and gotten information to readers within minutes. One watcher called it “officially the best service ever.” We’re also planning for games and giveaways every now and then.

We are working to make the Bangor Daily News the most engaging place to get and discuss political news and we will make tweaks to the service as we go. Thanks for all you do to support our mission of delivering statewide news. Join us and don’t be shy to share what you think.

Michael Shepherd

Michael Shepherd joined the Bangor Daily News in 2015 after three years as a reporter at the Kennebec Journal. A Hallowell native who now lives in Augusta, he graduated from the University of Maine in...