FARMINGTON — Six candidates for the U.S. Senate seat held by Olympia Snowe shared their views with nearly 100 members and guests at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce breakfast Monday. It was held at the University of Maine at Farmington.

Independent candidates Angus King, Steve Woods, Andrew Ian Dodge and Danny Dalton, Republican Charlie Summers and Democrat Cynthia Dill answered questions from attendees.

The chamber is presenting two breakfast forums to inform businesses and voters in Franklin County about candidates. The forums are supported by Franklin Savings Bank, Shiretown Insurance Agency and Calzolaio Pasta.

Franklin County Sheriff Dennis Pike and challenger Scott Nichols, Carrabassett Valley police chief will be featured at an Oct. 29 breakfast at Calzolaio Pasta in Wilton.

The U.S. Senate candidates were introduced by chamber President Scott Landry and welcomed by UMF President Kathryn Foster. Questions were asked about the budget deficit, Obamacare, gun control and the federal government’s role in higher education.

Moderator Roger Lambert posed the questions as state Sen. Tom Saviello, R-Wilton, timed responses.

Asked why she thought they were ready to pick up the gauntlet from Snowe, who said there is no consensus for the Senate to work, Dill said science and fact are her moral compass and she noted her track record indicates an ability to work with people. 

“I’ll work with anyone who puts you ahead of themselves,” she said of her desire to make a difference.

Dill said she wants to see a new generation in Washington, one that includes younger people and women.

Dalton relayed the need for election of independents to hold party members accountable.

Woods, voicing respect for Snowe as honorable and honest, also spoke of a need for competency in what has become a dysfunctional senate.

“We need a shift in the paradigm,” he said, stating a need and a future potential for more than a couple independent Senate members.

Naming former Maine officeholders, Summers said that a partisan background can provide more power. The military veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan said it’s his intention to serve the country, not political parties.

King referred to his eight years as governor and an ability to try to solve problems.  With the country facing severe problems and “the Senate locked up as Snowe says, why send another log to a logjam,” King said.  “We need to start working together.”

Dodge suggested parties are part of a game and members play the game. He urged voters to “send someone outside the game.”

The breakfasts are free for chamber members, $12 for nonmembers. Reservations are required by calling 778-4215.

abryant@sunjournal.com

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