Maine Gov.-elect Janet Mills has named Portland lawyer and former Democratic party chairman Ben Grant and campaign manager Jeremy Kennedy as co-chairs of her transition team. Grant says the team has already set its priorities. “What we decided to do is focus intently at first on personnel," he says. "That means recruiting people for the high levels of state government, and for the governor’s office.”
Grant says he hopes to have all of Mills' senior staff in place by her inaugural on Jan. 2, and to be ready to immediately send to lawmakers her list of cabinet nominees.
“I think it is realistic and achievable," Grant says. "There is a great thirst out there for this victory and I think there's going to be a lot of people motivated to join us, if asked.”
Grant says all those considered for a post will face a tough vetting process before Mills decides on filling any particular job.
