Hey folks,
It's been a while since I've updated because I've been extremely busy getting this campaign together. But so far the support I've received has been amazing! Last Sunday we had our first organizational meeting and about twenty-five people showed up to volunteer for various tasks. Tomorrow we're sending out a mass mailing to voters in our district, reminding everyone to vote in the June 10 primary. My palm cards are almost ready and I'll be out in your neighborhoods very soon, hitting doors and discussing the big issues. In the months ahead I will begin to lay out my ideas on how we can improve our communities here in District 44. However, first I'd like to turn your attention to my opponent's record, so that you can get an understanding of how we have been represented in Augusta.
Recently Dr. Walker drew the lines between Democrats and Republicans in an op-ed which was printed in the Bangor Daily News entitled Two sides to story of legislature or The Myth of Bi-Partisanship (as it was called in the Camden Herald). I encourage everyone to read this column, but to give you a quick summary, Dr. Walker's message was, "Democrats and Republicans don't get along."
This is probably not news to anyone reading this post, but since our representative seems so irritated with the ruling party for not supporting the legislation he has sponsored and supported, I think it is extremely important to analyze his record during his recently completed freshman term.
Votesmart.org is an excellent resource for the vigilant voter and you can view Representative Walker's voting record here.
The State of Maine Legislature website provides a list of bills sponsored by each representative.
Here are the three bills Dr. Walker has introduced in the legislature during his term (all of which were killed):
LD 912 (HP687)
An Act To Return Affordable Health Insurance to the State*
LD 1325 (HP933)
An Act To Ensure Adequate Funding for Students of Alternative Schools
LD 1271 (HP899)
An Act To Establish Health Care Practitioner Immunity for Consulting Physicians in Critical Specialties or Subspecialties
* see my last post
I encourage everyone to take a look at these bills and draw your own conclusions if you have the time. In the coming months I will provide my own analysis.
We're trying to launch a debate blog soon, so hopefully we'll both have the chance to present our views in the same forum. More on that later!
- Andy
Blog Archive
About Me
- Andrew O'Brien
- My name is Andrew O'Brien and I am the Democratic candidate for the Maine State House of Representatives in District 44, which includes Islesboro, Lincolnville, Hope, Appleton, Searsmont, Liberty and Morrill. I was born in Lincolnville, Maine and I attended local schools before pursuing a bachelor degree in history at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. From 2001 to 2007, I lived and worked in Taiwan as a teacher and political reporter. During those years I also worked as a human rights activist and toured extensively throughout Asia with my rock band. In 2007, I returned to the US to pursue a degree in education. Currently I am working at a homeless shelter, writing for a magazine and painting houses. Living and working at a time of uncertainty concerning our state's budget and economy led me to the path I have chosen as a candidate for the State House. As a native of Lincolnville and as someone who has worked in a variety of trades, I feel that I truly understand the problems ordinary working Mainers face on a daily basis. I am up for the challenge of tackling some of the big problems in our state and I hope to share ideas with all of you on the campaign trail very soon!