06 Nov 2020 Thank you for your work volunteering to help elect Democrats in 2020
While we are still awaiting the final resolution of the presidential election—and worrying about the incendiary demagoguery of the Republicans—it’s time to recognize the work of the Democratic campaign in Lincoln County. Like most elections, there were both heartwarming victories and disappointing losses. I know the caliber of the Democratic candidates on the ticket, and I’m sad that the residents of House Districts 87 and 88 won’t have the benefit of Tim Marks‘s and Chris Hamilton‘s service. Voters in House District 89 recognized the excellent work of Holly Stover and are sending her back to the legislature, and voters in House District 90 resoundingly chose Lydia Crafts as their new representative. Every one of us is thrilled that all of Lincoln County will have Chloe Maxmin representing us in the state senate; the future will have a strong voice. These were all tough races; Lincoln County is not a Democratic stronghold; we are about 34% of the electorate.
On the federal level, Lincoln County mirrored the state as a whole in the presidential and U.S. senate races—Joe Biden and Susan Collins‘s percentages in Lincoln County eerily match the state as a whole. Chellie Pingree won by a smaller percentage than she did district-wide, but she still beat her opponent, a Lincoln County resident, by a large margin.
Your work was a huge part of our successes. However, although this campaign was emphatically a team effort, there are a few people I particularly want to single out for their leadership and hard work. Here is a list of people who led the volunteer effort:
Chris Johnson, who puts in innumerable hours as our county committee chair, was the public face of our campaign, and navigated the relationship between our campaign and that of the Maine Democratic Party.
Geoff Bates, who was the organizing force behind the Drive In for Democracy Rally but also chaired the fundraising committee, which gave us the resources we needed to run a strong campaign. Geoff also was instrumental in getting signs large and small displayed around the county.
Lee Warren, who not only put in countless hours designing and painting signs for both the primary and general election (estimated at some 80 signs) but managed an enthusiastic sign-painting team.
Kelli Whitlock Burton, who ran the letter-writing team of more than 100 volunteers who reached out to more than 6,000 Lincoln County voters.
Mary Voskian and Pat Manning, who chaired the Voter Access Squad, finding liaisons in every town to work with the clerks and make sure that the elections went smoothly and voters were informed about new and different voting procedures.
Autumn Mahoney, our talented Lincoln County Democratic Committee communications chair, who maintained the website and social media accounts, created online advertising, and found (and negotiated with) the fabulous musical acts that appeared at the Drive In for Democracy.
Jim Hatch, our LCDC treasurer, an unsung hero who kept an eye on the finances and made the election reports on time.
Lee Pander, Marty Fox, Lisa Miller, Tom Eichler, Mike Herz, Meyer Drapkin, Jeff Tarbox, Betsy Wooster, and Jim Torbert all jumped in and helped in many ways, starting long before the primary.
Hundreds of volunteers participated in this campaign, even in the midst of the pandemic. If I didn’t mention your name above, it doesn’t mean your efforts aren’t recognized. I am filled with awe and gratitude at your commitment to Connecting for Change. In a fraught election, I hope your active participation was a balm for your nerves. I know you gave me hope.
Finally, I want to recognize the work of Jamie Dalgleish, our LCDC field organizer, and Josh Caldwell, our Maine Dems organizer. They worked tirelessly with grace and flexibility. And now they’re out of a job! Nell Compton, from the Maine Dems, and Vlade Sherrill, our college student volunteer from Nobleboro, were also important contributors to the effort. You will be hearing more from me about these young people as they begin their job searches.
Here’s to our democracy and friendships forged in volunteer work!
~Barb
Barb Burt, Campaign Coordinator
Lincoln County Democratic Committee
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