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First appeared Oct. 24, 2002
On Tuesday President George W. Bush made a special appearance in Bangor to rally support for the republican hopefuls in the upcoming November election.
The many people who headed to Bangor International Airport to show their support for the president and Maine republican hopefuls were greeted by those that gathered to rally.
“I am here to support the president. I think he is doing a great job, and [I] am proud to have him here in Maine and be part of the welcoming group,” Bill Crosswaite of Ellsworth said, a candidate for state representative.
The small hangar where Bush spoke was packedwith more than 2,000 supporters. Two large flags were displayed on both sides of the platform, along with a giant sign above the stage, that read “Maine Welcomes President Bush.”
Once the majority of the crowd had entered the hangar, Joe Bruno, a republican candidate, welcomed everyone to the event. He also introduced the Hampden Chamber Singers and the Hampden band, whose performance added spirit to the event.
“It is pretty much an honor to play in front of the president, especially in Maine,” said Jared Stanhope, of the Hampden marching band.
The singers and band were followed by a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, led by the Bangor Junior ROTC.
After 50 various supporters, friends and candidates entered the platform seats, Governor hopeful Peter Cianchette, Sen. Susan Collins, Sen. Olympia Snowe and 2nd district Congressional candidate Kevin Raye gathered around the microphone to introduce the president.
Kevin Raye introduced Bush. He praised Bush for making a trip to Bangor to support him and other republican candidates.
“[The President is] the man who has reached across the aisle and across the ocean to ensure freedom,” Raye said.
The crowd chanted and raised its hands when Bush started his speech. The President thanked everyone for coming out to show support and for their participation in the political process. Bush then got right to the point – showing admiration for Maine’s republican hopefuls.
“There is no question in my mind that Kevin Raye will be a great United States congressman,” Bush said. “For the sake of Maine and the sake of the United States, you need to send [Sen. Susan Collins] back to the Senate. I firmly believe that Peter Cianchette will make an excellent Governor.”
President Bush challenged the crowd that the nation needs a safer, stronger and better country. He also assured the crowd that Maine’s republican candidates could handle that challenge. He asked that voters trust in their local republicans and turn out to fill out their ballots.
The education problem in Maine was a point in his speech. Bush prompted citizens of Maine to make sure that every child in America becomes a good reader.
“We want to make sure our children can add and subtract, read and write,” Bush said.
President Bush praised Susan Collins for her work in office.
“She has delivered on behalf of Maine and has delivered on behalf of the country,” Bush said.
Issues such as Medicare in Maine were addressed as solvable problems that he said Collins has continually fought for and that she would continue to do so. Bush said that Medicare has many issues and needs an upgrade.
“Susan Collins can get the job done on behalf of Maine,” Bush said.
Bush then focused his speech on support for Kevin Raye. Bush spoke highly of his skills and judgment and addressed his ability to work well in a team.
Following his high acclaim for the three republican hopefuls, Bush again demonstrated how candidates are counting on each voter to vote in the upcoming election. “Don’t just talk it up to Republicans. There are a lot of Democrats and Independents smart enough to vote for these candidates,” Bush said. “This is an important election and we need these candidates.”
