Maine Democrats Elect Knutson State Chairman
By Mike Hein
Aug 12, 2007 - 6:13:36 PM
Ballots Counted on Augusta City Center Steps
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| John & Margaret Knutson |
62 of the 78 Maine State Democrat Committee members gathered on Sunday afternoon, August 12, at the Augusta City Center to elect John Knutson of Brooklin the new Democrat State Chairman. The vote total was not made public.
The meeting was called to order at 3:10 p.m. No Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and no moment of silence was observed. Among those in attendance was current Maine Democrat Party Executive Director Arden Manning, State Representative Patsy Crockett of Augusta, and State Representative Elaine Makas of Lewiston.
Prior to the nominations, a question regarding reviewing the salary of the State Party
Chair was ruled "out of order."
Also attending the State Committee meeting were Kennebec County Democrat Committee Chair
Rita Moran of Sidney and Vice Chair
Edward Lachowicz of Augusta. Both have recently publicly affirmed they are practicing pagan worshippers.
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| Pagan Rita Moran |
Two nominations, that of Knutson and Eric Mehnert of Orono, were considered by the committee for the postition of Maine Democrat Party Chairman. Knutson was nominated by Tom Scroth
of Sedgwick, and seconded by Tim Nason
of Dresden and Heather Martin-Zboray
of Surry.
Mehnert, who lost a close 2006 Democrat primary race to Jean Hay Bright, was nominated by Sallie Chandler of Lebanon and seconded by Ramona DuHoux of Solon.
Knutson stated in his nomination speech that he cares "passionately about Democrat values." He stated that he became active in Maine Democrat politics after "[President] George Bush stole the election in 2000."
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| Counting Ballots |
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| Rep. Patsy Crockett |
After both Knutson and Mehnert spoke to the Democrat State Committee members, the secret ballot vote was held. Not able to find a separate conference room unlocked on a Sunday, the State Committee members dumped the ballots on the stairs at the entrance of the Augusta City Center. The ballots were counted on the steps, and Knutson was announced the new Maine Democrat Party Chairman.
Shortly after the Democrat State Committee decision, the Maine Democrat Party sent a press release email, which read in part:
"The Democrat State Committee (DSC) today elected John Knutson of Brooklin to serve as Chairman of the Maine Democrat Party effective today. Knutson is serving in a volunteer capacity.
Knutson said he is committed to electing Democrats on all levels with aggressive grassroots and fundraising activities. 'I will develop strong grassroots campaign organizations in each county to enhance the state party's effectiveness.'
A retired insurance executive, Knutson has most recently chaired the Hancock County Democrat Committee (HCDC) as well as the Caucus of County Chairs. He and his wife, Margaret, are both Democrat activists, initiating successful projects to boost voter participation. Knutson is a graduate of Brown University.
Under Knutson's leadership, the average annual budget for HCDC grew from $5,000 to more than $30,000 and dramatically increased Democrat performance in the county with a complete volunteer staff.
Knutson fills the position vacated by Ben Dudley, who recently became executive director of the
Maine Blueprint Project. Knutson's term ends January 2009."
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