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