VP Pete Christopher Selected as Coordinator of Labor Issues for the College Democrats of America

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:19:00 +0000

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

Maine Attends National Convention / Maine Selected as College Democrats Federation of the Year

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 04:22:00 +0000

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

Maine Endorses Ale & Joe for CDA Leadership!

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:44:00 +0000

Monday, July 19, 2010

For Immediate Release

MAINE ENDORSES ALE AND JOE FOR CDA PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT!

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

Dems Call on LePage to Explain Controversial Statements

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 03:20:00 +0000

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact: Ryan Gavin, Ryan.Gavin@Maine.edu

PORTLAND-Tuesday, Maine Democrats called on Paul LePage to clarify his controversial statements on human rights and to reject his Party's ultraconservative platform. Following the GOP convention in May, LePage was one of only two Republican Candidates for Governor who refused to even reject planks of the platform. Mayor Paul LePage, has openly called for the repeal of the Maine Human Rights Act. The Act prohibits discrimination based on one's race, color,sex, sexual orientation and religion. The sexual orientation clause was an amendment to the Act that passed with broad support from Maine voters in 2005.Yet Mr. LePage has said, "My thinking would be it clearly needs to be brought back and reformed. It should be challenged and brought back to the legislature."(http://recordings.talkshoe.com/rss52956.xml)

Mr. LePage's viewpoints seem to be falling in line with the recent Tea Party take over of the Maine GOP. During the May convention, a radical platform was passed that espoused far right philosophies and conspiracy theories. The document calls for the abolition of the Department of Education, makes the nonsensical claim that 'freedom of religion is not freedom from religion' and demands that the United States be removed from United Nations treaties. The platform specifically rejects the 'Convention on the Rights of the Child'. This important document spells out basic human rights for children, and insists that governments must work to ensure basic human rights for children (http://www.unicef.org/crc/).

"The idea that human rights need to be 'challenged' and 'reformed' is completely out of the mainstream," said Arden Manning, campaign manager for Victory 2010. "These fringe views show that LePage is too extreme for Maine. Mayor LePage says he doesn't want to run on social issues, yet he continually campaigns on this very platform-at least when he is talking to fringe media groups like the Aroostook Watchmen. If he really wants to stop focusing on social issues, LePage needs to explain these controversial comments and reject his Party's far right platform."

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Communications Director Ryan Gavin on "Political Pulse"

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 04:35:00 +0000

Thursday, July 1, 2010

This morning, Maine College Democrats Communications Director Ryan Gavin appeared on "Political Pulse", a popular Biddeford news and politics talk show with Justin Chenette. The hour-long interview featured discussion of current political issues, including the BP oil spill, the appointment of Gen. David Petraeus to replace Gen. Stanley McChrystal, and the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. The interview was broadcast live on Biddeford Public Access and The Wildbrook Newtwork, and will re-air on both outlets throughout the coming week. For more information about the Maine College Democrats, visit www.MaineCollegeDems.com or www.RyanGavin.net.

College Dems Meet Libby Mitchell

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:07:00 +0000

Maine College Democrats President Ben Goodman and Vice President Pete Christopher met with Senate President Libby Mitchell (D-Vassalboro), the Democratic Party's nominee for Governor of Maine, after a Portland Seadogs game on 06/15/10 in Portland.

MCD's Rally Around Senate President Libby Mitchell

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 05:47:00 +0000

Thursday, June 10, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact: Ryan Gavin Ryan.Gavin@Maine.edu

Today, the Maine College Democrats released the following statement regarding the 2010 Maine gubernatorial primary elections:

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“Maine has spoken. The Maine Federation of College Democrats congratulates all candidates on a hard-fought and positive primary campaign, and will now fully commit to electing Libby Mitchell in November, Maine’s Democratic Nominee for Governor, as well as other Democratic candidates for national, state and local office.”

“Libby Mitchell brings a lifetime of experience to the race for the Blaine House. As an educator, lawyer, Selectwoman, Speaker of the Maine House and President of the Maine Senate, Libby certainly knows how to make state government work for all Mainers.”

“The Maine Federation of College Democrats also congratulates Waterville Mayor Paul LePage on a decisive victory in the GOP primary. Mayor LePage will be a worthy opponent, but the Maine College Democrats will never hesitate to remind Maine voters of the radical platform passed by the Republican Party in May, which is now the bedrock of LePage’s candidacy.”

“As we look forward to November, College Democrats across Maine strongly believe that electing Senate President Libby Mitchell is the best choice voters can make for the future of the state, and we’re ready to take that message to voters in the fall.”

For more information about the Maine College Democrats, visit www.MaineCollegeDems.com

MCD Vice President Pete Christopher Calls for CDA Labor Caucus

Mon, 24 May 2010 02:29:00 +0000

Sunday, May 23, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact: Ryan Gavin Ryan.Gavin@Maine.edu

In an open letter to College Democrats of America President Katie Naranjo on May 12, Maine College Democrats Vice President Pete Christopher called on the CDA leadership to create National CDA Labor Caucus. Read VP Christopher’s full letter below.

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May 12, 2010

Dear President Naranjo,

Congratulations on a successful year. I hope this letter finds you well. The past few national events have been very successful and set out various, attainable goals that college students across the nation will work tirelessly for throughout the summer and into the fall 2010 midterm elections. There were great discussions that took place with a wealth of knowledge and passion throughout a range of issues. With finance and healthcare reform on the forefront of policy there was little room for much else. With our historic victory on health care reform and the economy reviving, we can now move other issues into our scope. Among these issues, need to be labor policy. With the economy still not one hundred percent, it is important that we start to promote the benefits of legislation like the Employee Free Choice Act. Labor issues have always been at the heart of what the Democratic party stands for and as College Democrats it is our responsibility to promote these issues to our peers.

The strong relationship between Democrats and labor unions has lasted generations and to this day we continue to enjoy the support that they give to us. This winter, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the special election between Martha Coakley and Scott Brown tested this relationship and exit polls seemed to show that the bond was weakening. With that election in the rear-view mirror we need to start thinking about ways to rebuild this relationship. Democrats continue to represent labor's best hope for advancing their goals and expanding membership. We need to push for reform so that another generation of Americans sees us as the fighters for the working class that we have been for decades. College students need to be informed of the central role that unions play in our society and College Democrats need to take the lead on these issues.

We take the lead on many important issues that face our great country, and labor should be no different. College Democrats should start a Labor Caucus, as a vehicle to get ideas and discussions off the ground that would allow us to properly advocate and promote these issues across the nation. Labor issues need to be given the utmost consideration because of how deeply they affect the middle class that built this great country. As leaders on campuses across America, we owe it to our party and our peers to give it our utmost consideration.

Please consider my request to form a Labor Caucus within the College Democrats of America. With any questions please e-mail Pete Christopher at psc617@gmail.com or call at (857)201-9183.

Pete Christopher

Vice President- Maine College Democrats

Cc: Jamarr Brown, Dana Cronyn, Joe Day, Analiese Eicher, Jen Johns,  Aarti Sheth, Lee Drake, Kathleen Digan, Jonny Ortwein

MCD President Ben Goodman Addresses Maine Democratic Convention

Sat, 22 May 2010 14:04:00 +0000

Last night, Maine College Democrats President Ben Goodman served as the temporary Chair of the Maine Democratic Party Convention in Lewiston, Maine and delivered remarks at the opening of the Convention.

Maine College Democrats Announce New Leadership

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:44:00 +0000

Monday, April 26, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact: Ryan Gavin Ryan.Gavin@Maine.edu

This past weekend, the Maine College Democrats (MCDs) held annual elections for statewide offices. Today, the MCDs are announcing a new leadership team, ready to elect a Democratic Governor for Maine in 2010, and continue working to build the future of the Democratic Party in Maine.

Ben Goodman, of the University of Maine, was elected to a second term as President of the MCDs, being first elected President last year. Goodman, a sophomore political science student, is the Student Trustee on the University of Maine System Board of Trustees, and holds many other leadership positions throughout Maine.

Nora Murray, of Bates College, was elected Vice President. A sophomore political science student, Murray has been active in the Democratic Party since her move to Maine from Lancaster, NY.

Pete Christopher, of the University of Maine, was elected Vice President and Treasurer. Currently, Christopher is finishing a congressional internship with U.S. Representative Ed Markey (D-MA), and will remain an integral officer in the upcoming campaign year.

Ryan Gavin, of the University of Maine, was elected Director of Communications for the MCDs. Gavin, a first-year political science student, has been an active member of the Democratic Party in Southern Maine.

Afroz Baig, of Bates College, and Benjamin Richmond, of Bowdoin College, were both elected as Directors of Development. Baig, a former Director of Development for Students for Barack Obama in 2008, will continue to serve the MCDs in his second term in this post. Richmond, a new member of the MCD Executive Board, has extensive experience working with voter registration systems, and will be a tremendous asset to the organization during election season.

Casey Faulkingham, of the University of Maine, and Henry Brockway, of Bowdoin College, were both elected as Program Directors. Faulkingham and Brockway will be working extensively with newly-elected Political Affairs Director Judah Isseroff, of Bowdoin College, as the MCD Fall Convention approaches.

Derek Lane, of the University of Maine, has been elected to represent all MCDs on the Maine Democratic State Committee, a new voting representative position at the state level.

2010: The Historical Challenge

2010 presents a daunting task for Maine Democrats: not since May 8, 1850, has a Democrat succeeded another Democrat as Governor of Maine. While national pundits like to call our state a "Blue State," our state has a tendency of electing independent Governors. Now, more than ever, Maine needs Democratic leadership in the Blaine House and the State House. We're committed to working hard to elect a Democratic Governor–but it's going to be difficult.

Building the Future of Maine's Democratic Party

2009-2010 provided an unparalleled level of talent for Maine's College Democrats. Our team will lose important players like Kat Cosgrove, a great Vice President, and Dave O'Heir, the last of the "elder statesmen" of our team. Luckily, our tremendous schools in Maine provide tremendous leaders to help build an incredible network this summer based on the foundation laid this year to hit the ground running in the fall.

For more information about the Maine College Democrats, visit the official website: MaineCollegeDems.com

New Website Launched!

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:34:00 +0000

April 20th, 2010 - Ryan Gavin

The Maine College Democrats will be launching a new website in the coming weeks! Check out www.MaineCollegeDems.com for latest news updates, and all information related to the Maine College Democrats.

MaineCollegeDems.com expected completion date: May 15, 2010.

Still Working for Change

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:31:00 +0000

October 18, 2009 - Ben Goodman

In 2008, young people not only turned out in droves for President Barack Obama, but worked hard to elect a visionary leader. We know that change didn't end last November–young people everywhere, including so many of Maine's College Democrats are working to help implement the President's agenda, including the right to affordable, quality healthcare for all Americans.

College Democrats across the state worked hard to lobby Republican Senator Olympia Snowe to vote in favor of the Baucus Healthcare Bill in committee–and she did. For our work, Maine was honored as a College Democrats of America Spotlight Federation. Our work didn't end in committee, however–we're going to continue fighting to encourage Senator Snowe to vote for comprehensive reform when it hits the Senate floor.

We're working hard at home, too, to make sure that Mainers stand for equal opportunity and equality this November, by voting NO on Question 1. Democratic Governor John Baldacci became the first Governor in the nation to sign record-breaking marriage equality legislation, and we're going to be the first to support it.

We also are working hard to make sure that Mainers say no to TABOR II (Question 4) and an unfair excise tax decrease (Question 2). Quality schools, essential and emergency services, affordable tuition–you name it–would all be out of reach with TABOR's rigid and unfair formula. It was a dumb idea in 2006, and it's a dumb idea in 2009.

The Road to November 4th

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:30:00 +0000

September 16, 2008 - Chris Van Alstyne

For this first time in a generation, we have the opportunity to bring real change both to Maine and to America. After 8 years of the poor judgment and failed policies of the Bush administration, we can turn a new direction - the right direction. This won't be easy. We are up against an institution of corporate and political corruption as well as a slew of corporate interests who have invested heavily on the failed status quo. Even more, we have to fight a long history of racial intolerance and bigotry which has lingered far too long in this country. In this election which has turned so close, we can't afford to remain apathetic. If we want real change, real leadership on energy, the environment, the economy, healthcare, education, and civil rights, then we have to stand up and do something. In this election, it's not enough to just sit back and talk about change, you have to get up and act. Vote. Volunteer. Knock on doors, call swing voters, get others to register to vote - there are hundreds of ways to help. It's true - We are up against a daunting array of challenges. But together, we can bring the change we need. This time around, the question shouldn't be "why should I get involved?" Rather, it should be "why aren't you involved?" With the stakes so high and the choices do clear, how can you not vote? How can you not act? How can we afford not to stand up together and work for change? This November, our voices must and will be heard. We as College Democrats can help build a better America and we in Maine will boldly lead the way.

Students Take Action

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:28:00 +0000

February 8, 2008

It is an exciting time to be a Maine College Democrat. In anticipation for the Maine Democratic Caucuses this Sunday, campuses across the state are busy hosting events to get out the vote.

This weekend College Democrats will play an integral role by supporting the Presidential candidates. The Colby Democrats chapter will be hosting Chelsea Clinton on Saturday at 10:45 am in the Diamond Atrium. The University of Southern Maine will also welcome Chelsea at the USM Amphiltheater at 1:30 pm on Saturday. In Bangor, students will be receiving Senator Barack Obama at the Bangor Auditorium at 2:30 pm.

In upwards of three feet of snow, many campuses are providing rides to the polls. Student leaders interested in mobilizing their peers are also helping students take advantage of Maine’s same day registration laws.

Maine College Democrats Co-President Julia Stuebing expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming events, “I am thrilled. This year, more than ever before, student voices are making a difference.”

Maine College Democrats To Hold Annual Convention Saturday, November 3rd

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:24:00 +0000

October 31, 2007

BRUNSWICK-Maine College Democrats are busy preparing for their annual convention this Saturday. The highlights of the Convention will include a keynote address by Congressman Tom Allen at 5:30 PM followed by Congressman Mike Michaud.

A debate between candidates vying to replace Congressman Allen will take place at 4 PM in Bowdoin’s Moulton Union. State Sen. Michael Brennan, attorney and Iraq war veteran Adam Cote, State Sen. Ethan Strimling, York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence, and former State Senator and Common Cause President Chellie Pingree will all attend.

“With one year to go, Maine College Democrats will play a crucial role in electing a new President, a new US Senator, and Democrats up and down the ticket in 2008,” said Henry Beck, President of the Maine College Democrats.

The day’s events will also include training workshops centered on the theme “One Year Until Victory” that will focus on fundraising, event planning and grassroots campaigning.

The War in Iraq is likely to dominate much of the discussion at the Convention according to Alex Cornell Du Houx, senior at Bowdoin College and National Council Chair of the College Democrats of America. Du Houx also served as a Marine in Iraq.

“Today’s young adults have a great deal to be concerned and energized about as Election Day approaches. Our generation is being deployed to Iraq - the average U.S. military causality in Iraq is age 21. We are lucky to have leaders like Tom Allen who understand the need to change the current policy in Iraq."

Maine College Democrats Launch New Website; Announce Fundraising Success

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:22:00 +0000

October 8, 2007

Today, Maine’s College Democrats announced the launch of a new and improved website – www.MaineCollegeDems.com. Linked to web resources from College Democrats of America, OpportunityMaine, and important political groups in Maine, the new website will act as a source for real time news about College Democrats and provide campus contact information. Each page on the site also includes inspirational quotes from Maine Democratic leaders like Gov. John Baldacci, Cong. Mike Michaud, Attorney General Steve Rowe and others. Watch for improvements and updates soon.

In the next 24 hours, Maine’s College Democrats will also file the necessary reports with the State of Maine Ethics Commission to report record fundraising success this quarter. Maine’s College Democrats will report over $10,000 in receipts since the beginning of their first fundraising push. More fundraising events are planned both in Maine and Washington D.C. for October and November. Funds raised will be used to implement a state of the art peer to peer voter activation network to bring record Democratic victory for races up and down the ticket in 2008. Maine’s college voters will make the difference.

Can you help Maine’s College Democrats now? Just $20 will help tomorrow's political leaders invest in Democratic victory today.

Donate now: Click Here

Maine College Democrats Take the Fight for Voting Rights to Washington, DC

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:19:00 +0000

July 26, 2007

Former Vice President of the Maine College Democrats testifies in Washington DC about Student Voting Rights in Maine

Christopher Appel, the former Vice President of the Maine College Democrats testified today at the first-ever student-run forum on the future of youth voting rights hosted by Student Association for Voter Empowerment (SAVE), a non-partisan voting rights organization, at the House Judiciary Committee Hearing Room in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington DC.

Appel’s remarks were largely focused on last year’s successful effort by the Maine College Democrats to organize against and defeat LD 203, the so-called “Republican Voter Suppression Act” sponsored by Representative L. Gary Knight (R-Livermore Falls) which would have disenfranchised tens of thousands of Maine voters had it passed.

“Voting rights, especially among college students, should never be a partisan issue but unfortunately in Maine the Republican leadership tries to pass a bill each year that would have a devastating effect on the ability of both in-state and out-of-state students to participate in the political process,” said Appel, former Vice President of the Maine College Democrats. “Partisan maneuvering should never trump defending the core pillars of our democracy.”

The committee included current and former members of Congress, distinguished academics including Curtis Gans the Director for the Center for the Study of the American Electorate, non-profit leaders including Hilary Shelton Director of the NAACP Washington Bureau as well as representatives from the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, Common Cause, Demos, Rock the Vote, and FairVote. Commissioners Gracia Hillman and Rosemary Rodriguez of the Election Assistance Commission presided over the hearing.

“Hearings in the past have focused on electronic technology, voter fraud, and disenfranchisement but never have they been specific to young people,” said Matthew Segal, Executive Director of SAVE. “It is important that our legislators, policy leaders, and the public understand that youth are a suppressed and minority demographic in the American electoral system. I look forward to highlighting the untold stories of my peers and elucidating the insidious nature of youth voter suppression.”

Maine College Democrats President and Waterville City Councilor Henry Beck also shared Maine's voting rights story as a panelist at the national Campus Progress Conference, an arm of the Center for American Progress, in Washington DC in June 2007.