Maine Governor and former Senator George Mitchell endorse Kerry

[WWW]

Maine Governor John Baldacci and former Senator George Mitchell endorsed John Kerry today, according to Maine Public Radio.

[MaineDem]

1. Thanks for posting this

I was at the event in Portland today. The Governor phoned in his endorsement following his accident and hospitalization yesterday.

The Attorney General, Steve Rowe, former Speaker of the House Mike Saxl, and State Democratic Chair Dottie Melanson also were there and are supporting Kerry's campaign.

[WWW]

3. Your welcome

There is a fundraiser going on at Mamma Baldacci's in Bangor tomorrow at noon. Are you going? I think we will. So cool that you got to go see Kerry in Portland!

[MaineDem]

16. Ted Kennedy will be there

And I think Vanessa Kerry. I know they'll both be at Bates in the afternoon.

We might go; depends on the weather.

[WWW]

18. would love to meet up with you

I am sure we will talk tomorrow, :)

[Padraig18]

2. Mitchell did NOT endorse Kerry.

I saw him on Inside politics this aftrnoon. He specifically did NOT endorse Kerry, but simply said he'd be a good candidate. Maine NPR is wrong.

[WWW]

4. sorry

that is what I heard....

[Padraig18]

8. What you heard is wrong.

I heard the words from Mitchell's own mouth.

[JohnKleeb]

5. Is Kerry's site lyin then

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2004_0205e.html
It appears Kerry just received Bart Stupak of Michigan as well.

[MaddogTerp]

23. It wouldn't be the first time

that a campaign stretched the line in an effort to build momentum. But several news sources are reporting that it *was* an endorsement. This article, for example:

http://www.centralmaine.com/news/local/390851.shtml

it contains several other interesting items as well, and is worth reading.

Personally, I wouldn't be much concerned about it - how much is Mitchell's endorsement worth, anyway?

[Raya]

6. Endorsement was announced. Sorry

[Padraig18]

9. It was most certainly NOT announced.

I heard from Mitchell's own mouth JUST THIS AFTERNOON on Inside Politics that he was NOT endorsing anyone.

[WWW]

14. so the posters here are lying? n/t

[MaineDem]

15. Ummm, read this

February 05, 2004

For Immediate Release
Washington, DC –

Today, former Maine Senator George Mitchell sent a letter to Maine Democrats announcing his support for John Kerry for President and asking for their help as Kerry campaigns in Mitchell’s home state of Maine.

“I support John Kerry because I believe that he is best able to advocate and advance the principles of our party and to win in November,” wrote Senator Mitchell. “I worked side-by-side with John Kerry for many years. He was and is a close friend. In the Senate, he is a strong and effective leader on both foreign policy and domestic issues. It is critically important that we Democrats nominate and support our best and strongest candidate – John Kerry.”

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2004_0205e.html

Edited to add: Last November George Mitchell did a video-taped introduction of John Kerry at Maine's Jefferson-jackson Dinner. This endorsement has been expected for quite some time.

[Clem]

7. Very poor choice, IMHO

Kerry is NOT to be trusted.

Kerry is considered elitist - he has millions in his own name. What benefit would Kerry have with a POTUS next to his name and doing absolutely nothing for the common people?

[WWW]

10. Clem you can come play with us when you have 500 posts n/t

[Clem]

11. Sure. Just give me a few days

to build up my posts. I'm ABB, but not for Kerry. Sorry. I've read enough reliable information to outright reject Kerry as a potential candidate. What's your justification for picking Kerry then? Inquiring minds would _LOVE_ to know.

[WWW]

12. I am really busy right now but I willl pm you as soon as I can n /t

[salinen]

13. Ah 2 posts

I remember when I had only 2 posts. It was spring, and the birds were singing, my best girl was waiting for me at the malt shop.......

[GalleryGod]

22. I'll See your "500" and raise another 400 posts!

LOL:hippie: :evilgrin: O8) We kid,we kid.

[MaineDem]

17. johnkerry.com

Read a few things and then I'll be curious if you feel the same way.

Welcome to DU just the same.

[JohnKleeb]

19. MD what do you think of this?

Mitchell i know from his work in Northern Ireland. I hope Kerry has a nice plan on this, Kucinich had a good one if I recall.

[MaineDem]

20. I applaud it

I've known George Mitchell since I was in high school. He was one of the inspirations that got me interested in politics. His work in Ireland was excellent and I'm disappointed in this administration's lack of effort in that regard.

I think these endorsements will have an impact on Sunday's caucuses but Maine people can be very independent and the outcome could still be a surprise.

Edited for spelling. I need to use that spellcheck feature more often.

[Isere]

21. George Mitchell for Secretary of State!

Ditto to the above praise for George Mitchell. He is one of the most able statesmen in the country and I hope that he will consider becoming more active in government when the Democrats take over in '04.

I see him as a perfect Secretary of State or UN Ambassador. Or ever Ambassador to France where he can repair our shredded European ties.
Whatever he does, he does it with distinction!