Democrats map issues for election Health care, education, gas prices top the list

AUGUSTA – Top-of-the-ticket Democrats marked the post-Labor Day phase of the 2006 campaign season Tuesday by jointly issuing a laundry list of broad policy positions they hope can be winners with voters this fall.

Agenda highlights ranged from affordable health care and higher education to lower gas prices and fiscal responsibility.

The agenda was spelled out in a statement coinciding with a news conference at Southern Maine Community College featuring Gov. John Baldacci, U.S. Reps. Tom Allen and Mike Michaud, and U.S. Senate hopeful Jean Hay Bright.

The Democratic event came one day before an appearance by former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a Republican who was scheduled to address the Maine Heritage Policy Center’s annual Freedom and Opportunity Luncheon on Wednesday at the Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks.

Later this month in Westbrook, the Citizens Alliance of Maine plans to bring together anti-tax activist Mary Adams of Garland and Republican gubernatorial candidate Chandler Woodcock, the state senator from Farmington, for a rally to drum up support for the Taxpayer Bill of Rights citizen initiative that will appear on November ballots.

The Great American Tea Party will be held at Riverbank Park on Main Street in Westbrook on Saturday, Sept. 16.

In addition to the challenge by Woodcock, Baldacci has his hands full with rival Blaine House bids by independent state Rep. Barbara Merrill of Appleton and Green Independent Pat LaMarche. Phillip Morris NaPier also will be listed as an independent gubernatorial candidate on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Hay Bright has her sights set on the Senate seat held by Republican Olympia Snowe.

Allen is challenged by Republican Darlene Curley in the 1st District, and Michaud faces the GOP’s Scott D’Amboise in the 2nd District.

Among other independents seeking major political office is Dexter Kamilewicz of Harpswell, who has mounted a candidacy for the 1st District seat held by Allen.