Democratic National Committee: Maine http://www.democrats.org/ en http://a9.g.akamai.net/7/9/8082/v001/democratic1.download.akamai.com/8082/images/20050710_donkeylogo.jpg Democratic Party Podcasts http://www.democrats.org Copyright 2008 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:50:23 -0500 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=4.01 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Rep. Tom Allen I’m Tom Allen. Every day, the first rays of sunlight in America shine on Maine. This year, Maine can help lead our nation to a brighter path.

Diana and I welcomed our first grandchild, Charlie, six months ago. If he lives to be 92, Charlie will see the dawn of the 22nd century. What kind of country are we building for him, and for your children and grandchildren? To meet our moral responsibility to them, we need bold leadership for change in Washington.

Great challenges lie ahead. Skyrocketing health care costs are crippling small businesses and bankrupting families. Mainers are struggling to pay their home heating oil bills this winter.

The Bush economic policies have undermined the promise of America that here everyone has a reasonable chance to get ahead in life.

Barack Obama and these Senate candidates will make the right choices to deliver the change we need for our generation and for Charlie’s. We’ll solve our energy crisis. Provide affordable, quality health care to all Americans. And bring our troops home from Iraq so we can address problems here at home.

Decades from now, I want Charlie and his generation to know that together, we delivered the change that America needs.

Thank you.

]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2008/08/rep_tom_allen.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2008/08/rep_tom_allen.php Convention 2008 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:50:23 -0500 MCCAIN WATCH: THE ECONOMY: IF YOU LIKE THE BUSH ECONOMY, HIRE MCCAIN After a week in which John McCain received more criticism for his ties to top economic advisor Phil Gramm, who echoed Senator McCain's sentiments that America's economic problems were "psychological" by saying we are in a "mental recession," McCain is in Maine today, where his out of touch positions and attitude on the economy will be on full display. Today, McCain will raise campaign cash in Maine with former President George H.W. Bush and his wealthy friends (if McCain was really trying to erase his reputation as being out of touch with Americans and their economic concerns - he might have thought twice about appearing with the elder Bush who himself didn't understand the economy as president.) John McCain is not only taking help from the Bush family to raise money, he's calling for the continuation of the Bush-Republican economic policies that have been a disaster for America's families.

In Maine, where Senator McCain will campaign today, rising oil prices have not only hurt families at the gas pump, but many families are already bracing for home heating prices that are expected to set records this winter. John McCain has repeatedly voted against LIHEAP funding to help many of those families heat their homes in the winter. In addition, McCain's opposition to expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program, his proposal to make Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations permanent and his health care plan that would undermine employer provided health care would only make matters worse for the people of Maine and America.

Maine families depend on LIHEAP…

Maine Received Over $26 Million in LIHEAP Funding In 2008. In 2008, Maine received $26,815,321 in LIHEAP funds. [US Department of Health and Human Services, LIHEAP Clearinghouse, accessed 7/17/08, available here: http://www.liheap.ncat.org/profiles/Maine.htm]

46,000 Households In Maine Depend On LIHEAP. In 2007, it's estimated that 46,000 households in Maine received LIHEAP funds. [US Department of Health and Human Services, LIHEAP Clearinghouse, accessed 7/17/08, available here: http://www.liheap.ncat.org/profiles/Maine.htm]

The Average Maine Family On LIHEAP Get Over $500. In 2007 New Hampshire families getting LIHEAP assistance received $588. [US Department of Health and Human Services, LIHEAP Clearinghouse, accessed 7/17/08, available here: http://www.liheap.ncat.org/profiles/Maine.htm]

McCain has opposed heating assistance for low income Americans…

McCain Voted Against $500 Million Energy Assistance Package For Low-Income Families. McCain voted against an amendment provided an additional $500 million for LIHEAP and $3.5 billion for other energy programs. [2006 Senate Vote #42, 3/14/2006]

McCain Repeatedly Opposed Heating Assistance For Those Who Could Not Afford It. Throughout his Senate career, McCain has frequently opposed increasing funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. [2006 Senate Vote #57, 3/16/2006; 2005 Senate Vote #349, 11/18/2005; 2005 Senate Vote #261, 10/20/2005; 1995 Senate Vote #319, 7/21/1995]

McCain Voted To Significantly Cut Funding To The Energy Assistance Program. McCain voted to reduce spending for LIHEAP by $633 million over six years and freezing the program at $819 thereafter. LIHEAP is a vital program for the elderly and low-income families who are otherwise forced to choose between buying food or heating their homes. The program has already been cut in recent years and any more cuts would seriously undermine its ability to assist the nation's most vulnerable citizens. [1996 Senate Vote #129, 5/22/1996]

]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2008/07/mccain_watch_th_1.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2008/07/mccain_watch_th_1.php Press Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:11:59 -0500 McCain's Offshore Drilling Flip-Flop McCain has now announced that he will lift the federal moratorium on drilling exploration, even though -- in the past -- he opposed drilling off the coast of Florida, North Carolina, Oregon, and Maine. Via Think Progress, the Washington Post's Dana Milbank notes:

During his last run for the presidency, in 1999, McCain supported the drilling moratorium, and he scolded the “special interests in Washington” that sought offshore drilling leases. Yesterday, he announced that those very same “moratoria should be lifted” and proposed incentives for the states “in the form of tangible financial rewards, if the states decide to lift those moratoriums.”

McCain caves, once again, to the special interest.

]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2008/06/mccains_offshor.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2008/06/mccains_offshor.php Blog Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:35:22 -0500 Vote Vets To Hold Collins Accountable She's gaining a reputation for fearing accountability, but that isn't stopping VoteVets from launching this new ad campaign:

]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2007/08/vote_vets_to_ho.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2007/08/vote_vets_to_ho.php Blog Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:12:37 -0500 How to Become a Delegate - Maine

State parties will publish their delegate selection rules and clearly explain how to participate in the summer of 2007.

Contact your state Maine Democratic Party
16 Winthrop Street
Augusta, ME 04332
207-622-6233
207-622-2657 (fax)

District-Level Delegates: 16
At-Large Delegates: 5
Pledged Party Leader & Elected Official (PLEO) Delegates: 3
Unpledged Delegates: 10
TOTAL Number of Delegates: 34

Alternates: 4

TOTAL DELEGATION SIZE: 38

System type: Caucus

State convention page: None available.
State plan: Plan Available (PDF)
State filing form: Not available online. Please contact the state party to receive a copy.

** This information is prepared by the DNC's Office of Party Affairs and Delegate Selection and may be subject to change. For more information, please call 202-863-8000.

]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2007/07/become_a_delega_22.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2007/07/become_a_delega_22.php Delegate Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:46:26 -0500 Maine's John Baldacci: Ambitious and Fighting for Civil Rights Right out of college, many young adults are still trying to figure out what to do with their lives. But not John Baldacci. The always ambitious Baldacci was first elected to public office at the age of 23, when he served on the Bangor City Council in Maine.

Born in Bangor, Maine, John Baldacci grew up in a diverse and crowded environment: he had seven siblings in a Lebanese-Italian family. After graduating from the University of Maine, Baldacci quickly ascended through the political ranks, eventually making his way to the Governorship in 2002. He is running for re-election this year.

In 2005, Baldacci introduced legislation to expand Maine's civil rights law to include protections for gays and lesbians. While a voter referendum overturned the law, Baldacci continues to fight for the rights of LGBT families.

This post was written and research by Intern Zack Karram.

]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/07/john_baldacci_a.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/07/john_baldacci_a.php Maine Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:34:40 -0500 Yesterday's Primary Results There were a bunch of primary contests yesterday. Below are your newest Democratic nominees.

Maine

John Baldacci is the Democratic nominee for Governor of Maine. Jean Hay Bright is the Senate nominee.

ME 01 TOM ALLEN
ME 02 MICHAEL MICHAUD


North Dakota
ND AL EARL POMEROY

South Carolina
SC 02 Michael Ellisor
SC 03 Lee Ballenger
SC 04 William Griffith
SC 05 JOHN SPRATT
SC 06 JAMES CLYBURN

Virginia
James Webb will challenge GOP Senator George Allen.

VA 01 Shawn O'Donnell
VA 02 Phil Kellam
VA 03 BOBBY SCOTT
VA 05 Al Weed
VA 07 James Nachman
VA 08 JIM MORAN
VA 09 RICK BOUCHER
VA 10 Judy Feder
VA 11 Andrew Hurst

]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/06/yesterdays_prim.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/06/yesterdays_prim.php Blog Wed, 14 Jun 2006 16:19:38 -0500 Dean Statement on Primary Results Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement in response to yesterday's primary elections in Virginia, Maine and South Carolina:

"Yesterday, in primary elections across the country, Americans showed that they are excited and hungry for change. While Bush Republicans continue to offer more of the same failed policies and misplaced priorities, Democratic candidates around the country are offering strong leadership and real reforms that will put the government back to work for working families, instead of the special interests.

"This includes strong Democratic leaders like James Webb in Virginia, who stands poised to take on Senator George Allen. In Webb, a Vietnam veteran with considerable foreign policy experience, Virginians have a strong alternative who will put Virginia's working families first. For the last five years, Senator George Allen has split his time between rubberstamping the Bush Administration's failed policies and running off to New Hampshire and Iowa to advance his own political ambitions. While George Allen is campaigning for votes in Iowa this weekend, James Webb will be talking to voters about why he is the best candidate to represent Virginia's values in Congress.

"In South Carolina, for the first time in years, Democrats have nominated formidable challengers in every Republican-held House District to challenge so-called 'safe' Republican seats. And, with Sen. Thomas Moore, South Carolinians have a strong leader who will end the incompetent leadership of Gov. Mark Sanford which has done nothing to create jobs and continues to put special interests above the interests of South Carolinians.

"By reaffirming the leadership of Governor Baldacci, Maine democrats showed that the voters value strong leaders who stand up for working families by working on crucial issues like making health care more affordable and accessible throughout the state.

"These candidates and other strong Democratic leaders up and down the ticket showed exactly what our party is going to do to stand up and win in November. We're going to offer the American people real change, not take a single vote for granted, and rebuild the sense of community in America again. Together, America can do better."

]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/06/dnc_chairman_ho_26.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/06/dnc_chairman_ho_26.php Election 2006 Wed, 14 Jun 2006 15:28:22 -0500 50-State Canvass Slideshow & Testimonials On April 29th tens of thousands of volunteers in over 1,000 locations in every single state reached out to their neighbors and had a conversation about the future of our country. Over 1 million of these conversations took place -- here are photos and testimonials from a few of the real people like you making a difference in their communities.Remember, you can organize your own canvass event anytime using the online events system and the online resource center of flyers, tips and scripts.

By all accounts, April 29th was a huge success. The most common problem people had was that they didn't have enough lit to hand out. There were a million out there, and there were thousands of conversations that happened without the lit changing hands -- meaning that there were probably well over a million houses involved in today's event.

More testimonials from the 50-State Canvass:

OHIO: "Today was a huge success. Targeted precincts were canvassed. Hundreds of Dems were touched personally for the first time in years and dozens of those signed up to volunteer efforts for the coming Election season. Watch us grow in Southwest Ohio!"

MONTANA: "Nine volunteers distributed over 400 door hangers and got signatures for a Clean Government initiative sponsored by MT Governor Brian Schweitzer in a community so new there is no electoral history. About half of the volunteers had never been active before today! It was a dynamic and enthusiastic push in south central Montana that will help change the balance of power at county and state levels. This is an amazing kick off to the campaign season. Thanks to our leadership who had the vision at the national level and inspired us to do more than we thought we could."

MAINE: "Canvassers received lit packs with the DNC doorknob hanger and our local lit. The canvassers also got walk sheets, and were asked to record address changes and voter comments on issues of importance. Many canvassers reported encouraging stories. Voters were pleased to see Democrats out taking action! We were very happy with our results, and hope to canvass once a month until November, targeting different towns in our county."

NEW MEXICO: "A couple of folks joined in for the first time since the '04 election. A couple of folks were new to the state and this was their first venture in to política en Nuevo México."

GEORGIA: "Young Democrats gathered in Dekalb County to canvas a nearby neighborhood where we passed out literature, asked voters to pledge to vote Democratic in 2006, took down names, phone numbers and email for GOTV efforts later this year. Overall we had a great response and touched about 150 voters in an hour and a half."

NEW YORK: "I've been a Democratic Party activist for 35 years and this is one of the best activities that I've been involved in ever! The response was excellent and the people are mad at the government and want change. As Democrats we must seize the opportunity and provide that change for our neighbors and country!"

TEXAS: "It was a great day! The FM Democrats out of Flower Mound, Lewisville and Grapevine, Texas had about 10 volunteers. I think about when we first came together in 2004 to campaign for John Kerry. We have gone from not only having Democrats and other progressives join us to promote Democratic ideas and candidates at our various functions, but today showed how we have grown in our outreach, by elevating ourselves to progressive grassroots canvassing. Having gotten that first canvassing experience behind us, we now have a base from which to brainstorm on ways to make this great experience even greater. We can continue going out door to door and inviting others to join us.

"It was a great experience. We made new friends. We were able to let those "lonely" Democrats and independents out there in Texas Land know that they are not alone and we need their help. Everyone used what talents they had to make a contribution today- from verbally sharing information, to putting together the flyers. No job was too small as we worked together. We plan to keep it going. Thanks again for your leadership."

OHIO: "I spoke with many people who were tired of high gas prices and the lack of education money for our communities. I know that many Republicans are tired of this corruption and are ready for a change. Also people are concerned about the Iran situation most individuals feel like we cannot afford another war in the Middle East. Our canvass was a positive experience in Newark I think we will see more Democratic voters this year."

NORTH CAROLINA: "We had 6 volunteers cover many of the streets in our precinct. I am the Precinct chair, we got organized in 2005, and this is a great leap forward in building our precinct committee. With the voter stats from the walk list, we will be able to tell if our efforts made a difference street by street. I put together a local flyer with a sample of the ballot we will use on Tuesday's election, and which candidates got endorsements from the local progressive groups. Many of the people we talked with were appreciative, and will be using our guideline at the polls."

ILLINOIS: "The neighborhood I was in was predomininantly Spanish speaking, and I had the bi-lingual door-hangers. It was pretty cool. Thank you for the opportunity to share."

NEW HAMPSHIRE: "We had a very successful 50 State Neighbor to Neighbor Canvass. People gathered at my house for coffee and donuts and a briefing on what our purpose was with this canvass. We broke up into four teams and set out to inform people in our neighborhood just what the Democratic Party stands for. We took time to engage in real conversations and to put a positive message for the future of the Democratic Party out to everyone. Even the Republicans whom we met were at least polite, though they didn't want to hear the message. Of the really enthusiastic Democrats, we also told them how we were taking back the party from the special interest groups and urged them to buy Democracy Bonds. I had run off several applications for the bonds on my printer before hand, and was able to hand out the forms to people who were interested. Overall, I think we had a very positive response and a success in getting the message across that the Democrats really do have a message, and a very hopeful one for the future for our country."

WASHINGTON STATE: "I knew it was going to be a good day when, at the first house I approached, a woman emerged from her garden. Brushing the dirt from her overalls, she smiled warmly when I told her about the Democrats' organizing efforts. She didn't hesitate to fill out a volunteer card and return it to me. I could see her anger and frustration with the state of national affairs. But I saw something else, which will stay with me for a long time. I saw a flicker of hope in her eyes. Hope that by organizing we can make a difference. Hope that we can take back our country. Hope that we can begin to right the many wrongs that have happened under Republican control. Hope that healing can begin. The story was the same at home after home. Their anger with Bush and the Republicans, and their yearning for a strong direction and party unity were palpable."

"Thank you, Democratic National Committee, for creating this wonderful opportunity for neighbors to contact neighbors and begin conversations that will fuel a groundswell of support. And thank you for reminding me that one person can make a difference. I could see that in face after face. My willingness to give up a few hours on a Saturday to ring doorbells and talk to fellow Democrats inspired some of them to take action. And perhaps it inspired others to hold onto hope."

"'You're giving up your Saturday to knock on doors. How can I look you in the face and not sign this?' said one woman was she filled in her volunteer card. Of all the people I contacted yesterday, only one turned me down cold. It's a day I won't soon forget."

VIRGINIA: "It was great! We had 8 in all, four seasoned canvassers and four college students who had not canvassed before. We paired up and had a great experience. Got some names of interested volunteers and generally felt we had pretty good results for a mostly Republican area."

WASHINGTON, DC: "It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed meeting new people as well as canvassing with old friends. At first I scrambled for the comfort of our script - then I realized that I know the words by heart! I was simply sharing with my neighbors the things I'm already passionate about!"

NEW YORK: "No pictures, but 10 registered voters. I enjoyed meeting new political people and talking to the people of Huntington. We made several signs to make sure we were seen!"

FLORIDA: "Based on our canvassing yesterday, we believe that Northeast Florida may just becoming more "blue". We had 30 canvassers out and all came back with pretty much the same stories to relate."

ILLINOIS: "A lot of people wanted to vent about Bush. Some expressed interest in the party and wanted to know how we're doing out here in DuPage County which has long been Republican territory. I was able to give them encouragement.

"The House races are the only national ones we have going here in Illinois this year. Having an interesting contest or a good candidate is always a plus. We have a real shot with Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war vet running against a DeLay protégé in the 6th Cong. District. We had one woman say gas prices were her main complaint. I gave her a handy flyer showing Republican hypocrisy on energy policy and told her not to read it when she's in a bad mood or has had a few beers, it'll just make her angrier.

"All in all a good day and hopefully some likeminded people I met today will take heart that Dems are chomping at the bit for the chance to show we give a damn about governing this country like it ought to be this November."]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/05/slideshow.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/05/slideshow.php 50 State Canvass Mon, 01 May 2006 12:52:28 -0500 Happy One Year Anniversary Chairman Dean One year ago today, Governor Dean was elected Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Since that day, priority number one has been building organization in each of the fifty states and multiple U.S. teritories. Over the course of the next few days, we will have video clips for you from various state party chairs talking about how the new organizational structure has had an impact in their backyard, a message from Governor Dean to you in the grassroots who make these success stories possible, and other assorted goodies.

Video: Maine Democratic Party Chairman: Pat Colwell


Video: Alaska Democratic Party Chairman: Jake Metcalfe

A number of the state chairs, executive directors, and other staff are in D.C. for the weekend participating in various discussions and trainings. In fact, this morning at around 10:30 A.M., Joe Rospars and I are slated to give instruction on online organizing--something many of the statewide leaders have expressed a tremendous amount of interest in already this weekend.

And don't forget to start and promote your own personal fundraising page in celebration of Governor Dean's one year anniversary -- or just hit the one below.

Keep Coming Back... We'll have frequent updates about the impact of the fifty state strategy from across the country over the next few days.

]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/02/happy_one_year.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/02/happy_one_year.php Chairman Sun, 12 Feb 2006 02:45:01 -0500 Baldacci Opposes Raising His Pay Maine Democratic Governor Baldacci will gladly remain the lowest paid Governor in the country for the betterment of his state.
Gov. John Baldacci issued a statement Tuesday saying he would veto any legislation that seeks to raise the governor's pay.

"Until teacher's salaries, health care and roadways have been taken care of, the governor will not receive a pay increase," he said.

A legislative committee on Monday voted 7-3 to support a bill to raise the salary of the governor from $70,000 a year to about $150,000.

Maine's governor is currently the lowest paid in the country.

Baldacci isn't eligible to receive a pay raise, because the state constitution bars a sitting governor from getting a pay hike.

"Let me make myself clear that I will veto any pay increase," he said Tuesday.

Honor and integrety. Democratic values.

]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/02/baldacci_oppose.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/02/baldacci_oppose.php Maine Wed, 08 Feb 2006 13:07:41 -0500 DNC Chairman Howard Dean on Election Results in Maine and Around the Country Washington, DC – Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement on the Maine voters’ rejection of the anti-civil rights ballot initiative:




“The resounding victories last night by Democratic candidates across the country and the decisive defeat of the anti-civil rights initiative on the Maine ballot sent a powerful message that when Democrats stand up for what we believe in, we win. They showed that the values and priorities of the Democratic Party are the values and priorities of the American people.




“The voters of Maine stood up against the politics of hate and divisiveness, and chose instead to endorse a vision of America in which every one of us enjoys equal protection under the law. This victory shows exactly what our party is going to do across the country to stand up and win in 2006.”


]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2005/11/dnc_chairman_ho_4.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2005/11/dnc_chairman_ho_4.php Maine Mon, 14 Nov 2005 11:45:34 -0500 The Maine Event What does Howard Dean and Jimi Hendrix have in common? They have both headlined at the Lewiston Armory. The Gov and I were in Maine last Saturday for the state party's annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner and over 500 people braved the cold and rain to attend the event.

The highlight of the evening was the auction of an autographed poster signed by Maine's Governor, John Baldacci, both Congressmen, the state party chair and Governor Dean. Bidding started at $200 and finally sold for $1,000. I tried to get our press guy, Damien, to place a bet on the kayak that was also auctioned off, but he was concerned that it might not fit in the overhead bin on the flight home.

A special thanks to Speaker Pat Colwell, Maggie Allen, Rich Pelletier, Ramona du Houx and the rest of the staff and volunteers for working their butts off and for helping us get to the airport on time. The only disappointment? I didn't get any lobster. Oh well, next time.



Governor Baldacci, Gov Dean and Speaker Pat Colwell (Thanks to Ramona du Houx for the photo.)

]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2005/11/the_maine_event.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2005/11/the_maine_event.php Maine Tue, 01 Nov 2005 19:11:34 -0500 Stonewall Dems Highlighted in the Advocate After its founding of almost 8 years by Representative Barney Frank and other committed Democratic activists, the National Stonewall Democrats have built a solid foundation of national leadership, grassroots power, and most importantly the LGBT and allies' vote.

They were recently highlighted in the October 25th Advocate discussing ballot measures and elections in Maine, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. It's a great overview of what is happing locally and nationally.

In August conservative lawmakers in Utah were aghast when Rocky Anderson, Salt Lake City's Democratic mayor, vowed to grant health benefits to unmarried partners of gay city employees—even if the city council voted down the resolution. Mike Picardi, chairman of the Utah Stonewall Democrats, explained what the courageous move meant to gay and lesbian families. "It's about time that we have this," he said at the time. "It gives recognition to a group of people in existence."

In November, Texas voters will decide if the state should pass an amendment banning marriage for same-sex couples. To block the measure the Texas Stonewall Democratic Caucus has formed powerful alliances with other groups and lawmakers. "In our community we're engaging with our families and our houses of faith," Shannon Bailey, president of the caucus, told reporters. "We're engaging on the marriage issue and talking about equality."

Such examples are proof of the growing local influence of the National Stonewall Democrats, which represents the LGBT members of the party. The Washington, D.C.–based organization has only four staff members at its national office but counts more than 90 chapters across the country.

Those chapters will be at the forefront of major grassroots battles this fall. There are two antigay ballot initiatives, in Texas and Maine, and the 2006 election looms in the distance. Stonewall is furiously training local networks of volunteers to support gay-friendly candidates. These activists are canvassing neighborhoods to make sure that voters understand the nuances of proposed antigay laws.
…

"That need for flexibility and localized strategies in different states and cities is what Stonewall recognizes, Stern says. "We provide a unique voice in the party and in the community, particularly with respect to issues like marriage equality," he says. "Yes, we are committed to furthering all core Democratic Party principles, and we feel that our struggle fits into those principles."

Full article....
http://www.stonewalldemocrats.org/advocate/

If you aren't already involved with the Stonewall Democrats, you should visit their website and see how you can plug in our start a chapter of your own. Local Stonewall Democrats chapters can be found at http://www.stonewalldemocrats.org/local/ Or contact the Stonewall office at field@stonewalldemocrats.org or 202-625-1382 and get connected to activists in your community.

]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2005/10/stonewall_dems.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2005/10/stonewall_dems.php LGBT Community Mon, 17 Oct 2005 10:50:03 -0500 In the States - Maine The radical right is on the attack again. This time they are trying to legalize discrimination against LGBT people in Maine through a referendum vote this November 8th.

The effort to legalize discrimination is being led by Michael Heath and his Christian Civic League, who recently blamed the devastation in New Orleans on gays and lesbians. Maine Won't Discriminate, a statewide bipartisan coalition, working in concert with Equality Maine, has been formed to fight back and protect Maine's LGBT citizens from discrimination.

The fight in Maine has many repercussions beyond the state line. The radical right is emboldened by their gains in November. They want to cement their power by winning in Maine -- traditionally a solid "blue" state. By beating them in Maine, we can gain the momentum to win the fight against the radical, religious right in all states.

For more information, please visit...

http://www.MaineWontDiscriminate.com

]]> http://www.democrats.org/a/2005/10/in_the_states_-.php http://www.democrats.org/a/2005/10/in_the_states_-.php LGBT Community Wed, 12 Oct 2005 18:17:15 -0500