By David Farmer,Staff Writer
Selectman hopes for a rematch in November, but must first beat retired Air Force colonel

LEWISTON – Republican Randall Greenwood would like a rematch with Democrat Nancy Smith for state House District 80. But before he can take another shot at the incumbent, he has to win his party’s primary against George Thomson.

Greenwood, still relatively young at 33, has a long history in Maine politics.

He was elected a selectman in Wales when he was just 18 years old. Since then he has built a long resume of political activity that has included the Androscoggin County Budget Committee, Planning Board, Comprehensive Plan Commission and Budget Committee.

His primary opponent is George Thomson of Litchfield. Thomson, 61, was a colonel in the U.S. Air Force and former Oak Hill High School chemistry teacher.

In 2004, Greenwood was the Republican nominee in the 80th District, which includes Wales, Litchfield and Monmouth, and came within 344 votes of knocking off then-freshman state Rep. Nancy Smith, D-Monmouth.

After two terms with Smith as the state representative, Greenwood said the district is ready for a change.

“I lost last time by what I would call only a handful of votes,” Greenwood said. “There are enough people who want change in Augusta that I thought I should try again.”

Echoing a familiar theme for Republican candidates, Greenwood said that the state desperately needs someone to impose fiscal discipline. To make his case, he cited the state’s high tax burden, poor business climate and the Dirigo Health boondoggle.

“We have a state that has runaway spending,” Greenwood said. “Someone needs to pull those reins in.”

Greenwood, who owns Mixers bar in Sabattus, said he’s no fan of Dirigo Health, Gov. John Baldacci’s attempt to provide universal health coverage in the state.

“The governor is very proud of his Dirigo health insurance plan,” Greenwood said. “We’ve spent $53 million and we’ve only insured 12,000 people.”

The Department of Health and Human Services, he said, needs a top-to-bottom look.

Looking at the race objectively, Thomson said he knows he’s got a tough hill to climb. “He’s had 2,300 people who voted for him. I’ve had zero.”

Greenwood, Thomson said, has a clear advantage in name identification.

“A lot of people know Randy Greenwood,” Thomson said. “Maybe a lot of Republicans voted for him because they didn’t have a choice last time. Now they have a choice.”

“The backbone of Maine’s economy has been the small business owner, and I am going to honor that heritage,” Thomson said in a prepared statement.

“If I have a dog in this fight, it’s that I’m a taxpayer, a property owner and I have three kids and three grandkids and I want them to be able to come to Maine,” Thomson said.

Thomson also said that he’s skeptical of Dirigo Health, but that something needs to be done to make health care more affordable.

Thomson was assigned to Loring Air Force Base as a pilot during the Vietnam War and has been involved in a number of volunteer organizations, including the Boy Scouts, American Legion and Masons.

Greenwood also touts his commitment to small businesses.

“I understand new businesses and all the regulations they face,” Greenwood said. “I believe Maine needs a more friendly business climate for someone who’s willing to take the risks and create new jobs.”

Thomson gave a nod to Greenwood and his business.

“Randy would be better off if I win,” Thomson said, “because he’s a small businessman and he needs my help.”

Before joining the Republican Party to enter this race, Thomson was an independent who leaned conservative, he said.

When asked about his opponent, Greenwood offered only kind words.

“I will honestly say that Mr. Thomson is a wonderful man. I won’t say anything about him,” Greenwood said. “We’ve actually talked and we both agree that our primary objective is to get a Republican elected in November.”

Thomson said that he would support Greenwood if he wins the primary. “I hope one of us beats Nancy (Smith),” he said. “We’ve really got to change the direction that government is going.”

The primary is June 13.