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Democrats Holding Convention in Bangor

Mal Leary
/
MPBN

Maine Democrats are gathering in Bangor this weekend for their biennial party convention with this year’s elections the main agenda item. Democrats want to energize their rank and file members to support party candidates this fall.

  Democrats are gathered here in Bangor's new Cross Insurance Center, where Republicans met last month. The convention is just getting underway with most of the activity scheduled for tomorrow.

Tonight U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine's 1st District is scheduled to address the convention. Party Chairman Ben Grant says the convention is designed to highlight Democratic unity this election year. He rejects the opinion of many political scientists that in this age of instant communications conventions are no longer needed.

"The conventions are a great opportunity for us to get people enthusiastic and get people focused on the election," Grant said. "There are only about a 150 days or so left before election day. So we need to get people ready to work, enthusiastic about our candidates and a lot of people need to get introduced to the whole ticket to, so its a great opportunity to meet and greet candidates."

Grant says the candidates have the opportunity to gain support among the party activists that attend the convention. He says the two candidates in the second congressional district, Emily Cain and Troy Jackson will certainly benefit from the convention.

"I think it is very, very important for the Congressional candidates," Grant said. "In fact, that is why we chose Bangor this year, because we knew we had a competitive primary in the 2nd District. We wanted to get those candidates in front of as many 2nd District Democrats as possible. Give them the media attention that comes along with the convention so you are absolutely right it is very important, because it is only what ten days away from the actual primary election. So it is a great opportunity for those candidates."

Tomorrow the convention votes on a party platform withe afternoon reserved for campaign speeches. Shenna Bellows, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Sen. Susan Collins speaks first, followed by Emily Cain and Troy Jackson.

Late in the day, Democrats will hear from U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, who’s seeking to unseat Republican Gov. Paul LePage in November.

This year’s keynote speaker is R.T. Rybak, the former mayor of Minneapolis and a Democratic National Committee vice chairman.

Journalist Mal Leary spearheads Maine Public's news coverage of politics and government and is based at the State House.