U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, a Democrat running for re-election in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, was in Auburn on Thursday night, watching the historic presidential nomination acceptance speech by Barack Obama at the home of Joan and Paul Macri on Lake Street.

The Macris hosted about 10 people in their living room, serving coffee, lemon bars and brownies to the group. Michaud took the opportunity to speak individually with guests, discussing his upcoming return to work in Congress and his planned trip to visit Afghanistan.

Michaud, who is facing a challenge for his seat from Republican John Frary of Farmington, said his congressional work and overseas trip will keep him from campaigning heavily until October.

“I’ve got to focus on the job I’ve been elected to do and then worry about campaigning,” he said. “It’s just the way it is.”

Makas in Denver

Outgoing state Rep. Elaine Makas of Lewiston served as an alternate delegate in Denver during the Democratic National Convention last week. Makas said she was particularly impressed with the speeches by Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and U.S. Rep. Tom Allen.

“We’re doing something that’s never been done before,” said Makas of choosing Sen. Barack Obama as the first black nominee from a major party. “I just really hope people come away from the convention with the energy they need to successfully campaign.”

Makas said she’s now attended three national party conventions but this has been “by far the most empowering.”

Vets campaign for McCain

Maine Veterans for John McCain held a press conference in Portland on Wednesday in support of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee on the same day the Democrats at their national convention in Denver concentrated on national security.

The group said McCain is “fully prepared” to be president and Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama is not, according to a statement.

– Rebekah Metzler

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