AUGUSTA (AP) – Gov. John Baldacci on Saturday endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.

Maine’s governor made his announcement after Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton ended her campaign for the presidency and told supporters to unite behind Obama. Baldacci previously endorsed Clinton.

After the party’s state convention last weekend, the breakdown of Maine’s delegates and superdelegates to the Democratic National Convention was Obama 22 to Clinton’s 10. Baldacci’s announcement throws another delegate in Obama’s column.

In a written statement, Baldacci said Clinton “ran a strong campaign, and broke down barriers against long odds. The country is better for her efforts. Now it is time for all of us to work together to put Barack Obama in the White House.”

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Maine congressional campaign expenditures draw fire

AUGUSTA (AP) – Democratic campaigns in Maine’s 1st District race are complaining about independent expenditures made on behalf of one of the six candidates, Adam Cote.

Joining the critics is the Maine Bankers Association, which opposes regulatory changes sought by the credit unions.

A national group that represents the credit union industry has spent more than $112,000 over the past two weeks to help elect Cote to the southern Maine seat being vacated by congressman Tom Allen.

The law says political action committees may independently spend as much as they want to help elect specific candidates, provided they do not coordinate their spending with candidates or their campaigns.

The other 1st District Democratic candidates are Michael Brennan, Mark Lawrence, Steve Meister, Chellie Pingree and Ethan Strimling.

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AFSCME endorses Strimling

PORTLAND (AP) – First District Democratic congressional candidate Ethan Strimling has picked up an endorsement from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

The union, which has 3,000 members in Maine, said Strimling is the best candidate for the southern Maine seat to represent Maine’s working families in Congress.

The union also cited Strimling’s advocacy for state and local workers who provide basic services to the public, and his sponsorship in the Maine Senate of a bill to increase Maine’s minimum wage.

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Cote announces rebate plan

PORTLAND (AP) – Home and business owners would be eligible for rebates for their heating bills under a proposal announced Saturday by Adam Cote, one of the six Democratic candidates for the 1st Congressional District nomination.

Cote said his proposal is modeled on one advanced by the progressive Center for American Progress. It would provide up to $450 to help working families pay for their gas and heating oil, and $4,000 rebates to small businesses.

Rebates would be paid for by closing $43 billion in tax loopholes for oil companies, Cote said.

Cote has an endorsement of the nonprofit Independent Energy Producers of Maine, which represents renewable energy generators in the state.

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Scontras endorsed by ‘pro-life’ group

PORTLAND (AP) – A group that opposes abortion has presented an annual aware of recognition to Dean Scontras, one of the two Republican candidates in Maine’s 1st District congressional primary.

The Pro Life Education Association (PLEA) recognizes individuals who represent its views publicly. Scontras also claims endorsements by National Right to Life and Concerned Women of America political action committee. CWA promoted biblical values in public policy.

AP-ES-06-07-08 1336EDT