“Maine is a beautiful state,” she said, noting that her daughters Jenna and Barbara have spent every summer of their lives in Kennebunkport. The audience applauded enthusiastically.

“It’s one with its own distinct character. And the people who live here are unique characters as well. I know. I happen to be related to a few of them.”

Reigning women

Friday’s “W Stands for Women” rally illustrated its womanly theme with females outnumbering males big time.

Not only was most of the audience made up of women, but the stage was women-only.

On a platform behind the podium were 50 Maine women, members of the “W Stands for Woman” coalition. They included Janet Mitchell Bowne of Portland; Jan Staples of Cape Elizabeth, state chair of the coalition; and Christine Rice, a University of Maine at Farmington student who is the women’s outreach coordinator for Maine College Republicans.

GOP superstars U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe were up there too, welcoming the first lady and excited that Lewiston was hosting the event. They did a good job warming up the audience. With 58 days before the election, Maine Republicans will campaign hard “leave no stone unturned in Maine” and will “put a W in the win column” on Nov. 2, Snowe pledged.

The large rally turnout “proves that L-A stands for Laura,” Collins said.

A family that eats together …

Jenna Bush introduced her mother to the crowd Friday.

She first praised her, calling her gracious, graceful and always offering the right words to people. “Whether it’s a comforting thought to school children frightened by Sept. 11 or some playful joke trying to keep my dad in line,” Jenna said.

Jenna also fondly recalled touring Europe with her mother. “We spent plenty of time eating, touring museums, eating, shopping, eating, and – well – eating.” The audience laughed each time Jenna said “eating.”

Turning serious, Jenna said her mother is a role model, and has been a powerful voice for women.

The great thing about hitting the campaign trail with her daughters, Laura Bush later said, is hearing them say “how much they love us – and in public no less.”

Other big names in town for the D’s

Former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell and U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud joined Maine Sen. Neria Douglass Friday for an event benefiting Maine Senate Democratic candidates at the Auburn Hilton Garden Inn.

The event was sponsored by many local and national businesses, business associations and numerous individual contributors from around the state.

Mitchell, who served as U.S. Senate majority leader, has received many awards for his efforts in negotiating the Good Friday peace agreement in Northern Ireland at the request of the British and Irish governments. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor the U. S. Government can give, as well as the Philadelphia Liberty Medal, the Truman Institute Peace Prize, the German Peace Prize and the United Nations (UNESCO) Peace Prize.

“I am proud to bring Senator George Mitchell back to Auburn and Lewiston, which now boast L/A College, Central Maine Community College and so many other signs of forward-looking change,” Douglass said in a written statement.

Michaud served as president of the Maine Senate before running for Congress in Maine’s Second District.

By staff writers Christopher Williams and Bonnie Washuk