Statewide Screening & Endorsement

The Statewide Screening and Endorsement team met in Augusta on June 20 and 21. Because Rep. Mike Michaud earned a friendly incumbent endorsement from NEA, neither he nor his opponent were interviewed. Because the Secretary of State has not yet issued a final ruling on whether Herbert J. Hoffman has qualified and Laurie Dobson's appeal has yet to be heard, no independent or third party candidates were interviewed.

That meant that we only heard from First District US House candidates Charlie Summers and Chellie Pingree and US Senate candidates Susan Collins and Tom Allen. The results will be released by MEA -- all I can offer right now are the following thoughts about the process.

1. Participation should be higher. The composition of the team includes all members of the MEA-RA, all local presidents, all MEA Government Relations Committee members, all MEA Directors, and all officers of the MEA. Local presidents who are not able to attend or who are attending in another capacity can even appoint proxies.

In theory, that's a couple hundred people. In the event, we had thirty-two voting members in the room.

2. Participants had long memories and open minds. The collective memory in the room was impressive. As a history teacher, I was pleased at how many times previous statements, decisions, and actions of candidates and the Association were referenced. History rules. As an MEA member, I am gratified at the openmindedness and respect with which candidates were received.

3. The event was very well run. Organizations, like individuals, have to learn lessons, sometimes painfully. MEA has learned how to run a statewide screening and endorsement meeting very well. I congratulate Chris Galgay and the MEA staff (Mark Gray, Steve Crouse, Cindy Fabbricatore) -- the smooth, efficient management of the event was among the factors contributing to such a positive series of interviews.

4. Complaints are unwelcome but future participants are warmly invited. Whatever the results will be, they resulted from thirty-two members giving up a Friday and Saturday in June to listen carefully to four sincere, well-intentioned candidates. If you don't agree with the results, mark your calendar now. In 2010, we will gather again to consider the gubernatorial race. Speak to your local president if you think your interests were not represented. Or post a question if you want more info.