BANGOR – Former U.S. Sen. Gary Hart of Colorado is scheduled to swing through Maine on Thursday, April 17, to gauge support for a possible run for the Democratic nomination for president in 2004.

Hart is scheduled to speak at 10 a.m. in the Memorial Union building at the University of Maine, which will be followed by a noon Democratic lunch and reception at Momma B’s Kitchen, 96 Hammond St., Bangor. Later in the day he is scheduled to speak at Colby and Bowdoin colleges before making an evening appearance in Portland.

Members of the Baldacci family, including Joseph, Beth, Rosemary and Gerry Baldacci, will play host to Hart in Bangor. On Sunday night, Joseph Baldacci said the appearances are not fund-raisers per se and that more information will be forthcoming from Hart’s supporters early this week.

Hart was in the U.S. Senate from 1975 to 1987. He was a Democratic candidate for president in 1984 and was considered a leading contender for the 1988 presidential election when stories and photos were published of his alleged affair with former Miami actress Donna Rice in the spring of 1987. Hart’s campaign ended within days of the scandal becoming known to the general public.

In 1998, Hart was appointed by former President Clinton to serve as co-chairman of the U.S. Commission on National Security in the 21st Century. According to national news reports, he is testing the waters for a possible bid for the presidency and has been speaking nationwide on matters ranging from America’s role in the 21st century to the alleged mercenary and economic motives the United States has for going to war with Iraq.

Hart’s noontime appearance in Bangor will be open to the public, according to Joseph Baldacci.