I called my Democratic competitors personally extending congratulations. I support Mike Michaud, our nominee. I thank my incredibly bright, kind-hearted wife, Amy, for enduring this.

Maine’s Democratic Convention provided me a wonderful opportunity to set fund raising aside and speak substantively. I sought a campaign beyond polls and platitudes to issues and ideals. We did that.

I was honored by endorsements from Maine daily papers: I hope the Bangor Daily News and the Maine Sunday Telegram recognized a commitment to policy specifics and substantive accomplishments. I refused credit for cosponsorships, or for bills handed to me by government agencies. I pointed to innovations challenging the status quo, and success in building teams to make new ideas reality: the deadbeat dad child support law, the Healthy Start child abuse prevention plan, Maine Discovery Museum, and the research and development tax credit. I’ve strived to make Maine a little better in specific, substantive ways.

One needs two things to win a primary: a geographic base and money. We raised the most money from Maine Democrats of any campaign. Thank you. However, Washington political action committees and bundling contributions from out-of-state were overwhelming compared to our smaller, heartfelt increments. We do thank the machinists union and all the environmental PACs for contributions (totaling less than $10,000 of $270,000 raised).

My staff and volunteers are incomparable. I worked past midnight seven days a week for over a year. Often – often – Field Director Aymie Walshe worked after I’d gone home. She’d be up early next morning, laughing and working. Finance Director Nathan Gehlert led a well-organized fundraising effort, raising the most from Maine Democrats. I never saw people work harder over a longer time with such class and heart.

I offer this from Whitman:

“Have patience and indulgence toward others, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men … re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, and dismiss whatever insults your own soul.”

Sean Faircloth

Bangor