BRYANT POND – Abby Holman of the Alliance for Maine’s Future, which bills itself as “an effort to improve the economic opportunities for all Maine people,” was the featured speaker at the Oct. 12 monthly meeting of the Oxford County Republican Committee held at Franklin Grange in Bryant Pond.

Hoffman stressed the need for the Maine Legislature to be composed of people dedicated to “growing small business rather than government.” She cited the non-partisan Maine Economic Research Institute ratings as providing a clear idea which incumbents should be returned to Augusta and what to look for in candidates running for election for the first time. She cited state Rep. Sawin Millett (R-Waterford) with a score of 97 out of a possible 100 as an outstanding example of what the alliance believes is essential in a member of the legislature if the business climate in Maine is to be turned around.

Other incumbents from Oxford County or a portion of the county with “Gold Star” ratings running for re-election were Rep. Randy Hotham (R-Dixfield), Rep. Arlan Jodrey (R-Bethel), Rep. Richard Sikes (R-Bridgton), and Rep. Philip Cressy (R-Baldwin). Former Rep. Rob Cameron who is a candidate for state senate had a high rating of 80.

Chairman Paul Billings called the meeting to order after dinner. It was announced by Sen. Richard Bennett (R-Norway) that the fund-raiser at Rep. Ted Heidrich in Oxford had raised nearly $10,000 for the party’s campaign effort for candidates in 2004. Bennett also reported on what an extraordinary event the national convention in New York had been.

It was voted to invite the Bush-Cheney campaign to use a portion of the party headquarters at 333 Main St. in Norway for the next few weeks through election day. Rachel Card, the daughter-in-law of President Bush’s Chief of Staff Andrew Card, who will be heading up the effort on behalf of the president in Oxford County and working out of this office, was recognized.

Randy Bumps, executive director of the Bush-Cheney campaign in Maine, outlined the “get out the vote” strategies that will be implemented right down to election day.

State Committee woman Becky Kendall thanked everyone for their help in operating the Fryeburg Fair both. Among the candidates who attended and were recognized were Paula Smith of Andover and Arlan Jodrey of Bethel for the House of Representatives, Steve Merrill for county commissioner and Tom Winsor for register of probate.

Rob Cameron of Rumford for was singled out as being an outstanding candidate and legislator.

The next meeting was announced as a victory celebration at the North Waterford Church on Nov. 9 with Campaign Coordinator Erlon Jones as speaker.


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