News

Jackman to run for House District 19 seat

Posted on March 22, 2010, at 1:31 p.m.

University of Maine senior political science student Zachary Jackman will run as a Republican Party candidate for the Maine House of Representatives.

Jackman said keeping tuition low would be his top priority if elected. The seat has been held by Democrat Emily Cain, a UMaine alumna and current doctoral student, since 2004.

Despite the district’s history of support for Democrats in the past, Jackman is optimistic about his chances of winning the seat — which includes UMaine and a large part of Orono. He said that as a student he will represent the university, and as a Republican he will represent the taxpayer and small-business owners.

Jackman is seeking public funding through the Maine Clean Elections Fund. He must get 60 people to write checks of $5 or more to the fund indicating their support.

“It’s basically to show that you have supporters who are willing to do more than just sign the petition to get you into the primary,” Jackman said.

If he meets the April 21 fundraising deadline, Jackman will be eligible for $500 of state funding to run in the uncontested Republican primary and $4,000 to run in the general election.

Jackman is president of the UMaine College Republicans and ran for president of Student Government last year. He is a “proud member” of the National Rifle Association, and worked on Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Poliquin’s campaign.

Jackman questioned Cain’s ability to ethically represent the district, saying her employment at the UMaine is a conflict of interest with her role as a state representative. Cain works half-time at the university as coordinator of advancement for the Honor’s College.

“I look forward to a strong campaign,” Cain said “It’s always fun, and it will be a great opportunity for the campus and district to have choice, which is important.”

Cain said she’ll run her campaign the same way she always does, by talking face-to-face with constituents. Cain hasn’t shifted into campaign mode yet because the Legislature is still in session, she said, but promises a good campaign.

“I’ve known Zach for years,” Cain said. The two worked together for UMaine UVote, the nonpartisan get-out-the-vote program at the university. She said she first heard of Jackman’s candidacy from an Orono resident who he approached for a signature.

“My record of support for higher education and young people is a solid record,” Cain said. “My support for research and economic development puts me in a strong position to represent Orono — both the university and the town. You have to represent the whole district, and I think I’ve found a balance well.”

Jackman would not talk about his campaign strategy.

Jackman, originally of South Berwick, said he plans to stay in Orono regardless of the election’s outcome.

“I love this district,” Jackman said.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010, 1:31 pm. You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS feed.