Maine on Bush, Edwards agendas VP hopeful sets rally in Orono

BANGOR – Maine’s designation as a battleground state in the presidential election has made it a mandatory stop on the campaign trail for Democrats and Republicans.

Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards will make a campaign stop at the University of Maine on Wednesday. The political rally in Orono will highlight issues facing residents of northern Maine and the 2nd Congressional District.

More information about the rally is expected to be announced late today or Tuesday, according to Jesse Derris of the Kerry-Edwards campaign.

First lady Laura Bush also is set to visit Maine this week to make her first campaign appearance in the state. She is scheduled to visit Lewiston and Manchester, N.H., on Friday as part of a “W Stands for Women” event.

The exact time and location of her campaign events will be released Tuesday, said Kevin Madden, Northeast spokesman for the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign.

Edwards also will be making his first campaign visit to Maine. Its timing, less than a week after the end of the Republican convention in New York City, demonstrates Maine’s importance in the November election, Baldacci said Sunday in announcing the visit.

“I think his message is going to resonate very well, especially in the 2nd District,” said Baldacci, who planned to attend the rally.

Edwards is expected to speak on the importance of representing the middle class in the national administration, “something we haven’t seen in the last four years,” Baldacci said.

The Democratic governor also said that his administration’s efforts to protect the environment, stimulate economic development and improve access to affordable health care in Maine could be bolstered by similar goals on the federal level if John Kerry is elected president.

Edwards will spend the night in Bangor and travel to New Hampshire on Thursday, campaign officials said.

For Maine Republicans, Laura Bush’s visit cements the state’s status as a battleground in the November election, according to a party leader.

“The president, the first lady and campaign care about Maine voters and what they think; that’s why they’re coming,” said Dwayne Bickford, executive director of the Republican Party of Maine.

Although President Bush has traveled to Kennebunkport to visit family members several times this year, he hasn’t campaigned in Maine since an Earth Day event in Wells this year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.