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The Democratic candidates for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District debated the issues last Wednesday in an event sponsored by the University of Maine College Democrats. Students and members of the community from both sides of the political spectrum gathered in 100 Neville to hear the candidates speak. The moderator for the evening was Jonathan Thomas, the representative for the University of Maine area of Orono in the Maine State Legislature and a member of the College Democrats.
“We are very fortunate to have such a strong group of candidates,” Thomas said.
The Democratic primary will be held in June 2002. John Baldacci, who currently represents Maine in the U.S. House of Representatives, will be vacating his seat to run for governor of Maine in next year’s elections. The Democratic candidates vying for their party’s nomination to run for the seat are State Sen. John Nutting of Leeds; State Sen. Susan Longley of Liberty; former State Sen. Sean Faircloth of Bangor; former Clinton foreign service official David Costello of Lewiston; and State Senate President Michael Michaud of Millinocket.
All the candidates except for Michaud attended the debate. Speaking on his behalf was his financial director, Rachel Sherman.
The candidates were given three minutes at the beginning of the debate to give a synopsis of their platforms and the attributes that set them apart from their opponents. The format then turned to a series of questions and answers. The candidates were asked about education, health care and terrorism. Each candidate was permitted 90 seconds to give his or her opinions on the subjects and legislation they would push for if elected to Congress.
The audience members were also allowed to offer questions to the candidates. Many asked about environmental protection and the attacks of Sept. 11. One member of the audience asked if the candidates would represent the majority opinion of their constituents on a particular issue, even if they disagreed with that view. Most of the candidates said that while it’s important to listen to the majority opinion of the people, they would ultimately go with the view they think is right.
“If the voters are displeased, they can vote me out of office,” Costello said.
About 30 people in all came out to hear the candidates debate the issues. Longley said she thought it was great to see students take the time out of their studies to come to the event. She thought the best part of the debate was when the students participated.
“It’s important that we have a two-way street,” Longley said.
Several members of the UMaine College Republicans showed up at the debate to ask questions and hear what the candidates had to say.
“Overall awareness is the key,” Matt Allen, chair of the College Republicans, said.
Thomas said he thought it was a great debate and the candidates came to the event well prepared.
“It’s going to be a tough decision in June,” Thomas said.
