Ben Goodman for President
Dear Friends,
On May 8, 1850, John Hubbard of Readfield succeeded Governor John Dana of Fryeburg, to become the 18th Governor of the State of Maine. Hubbard would become the last Democrat to succeed another Democrat to become Governor of the Pine Tree State.
While many pundits say that Maine is considered "safely in the blue column" for 2010, the Race for the Blaine House will be a battle.
In addition to staring 160 years of history in the eye, next year Maine will also elect a new legislature, responsible for crucial redistricting based on numbers from the 2010 census.
Maine Democrats will be forced to defend the State House, State Senate, Blaine House, and both congressional seats. In a time of great economic uncertainty in Maine and across the nation, 2010 could be the most pivotal election in Maine's 190-year history–without the excitement of 2008.
It is imperative that the Maine College Democrats use the 2009-2010 school year to build and expand its organization and become a driving force in state politics.
I'm running for President of the Maine College Democrats because I believe I have the drive, energy, experience, and enthusiasm to build our organization for battle in 2010.
As your President, I'll work closely with the Executive Board to reach out to every college and university in the state, with the goal of setting up a chapter and core group of Democrats at every post-secondary institution in Maine by May 2010.
In the fall, I'll embark on a "Listening Tour," bringing members of the Executive Committee with me to chapter meetings across the state to find out more about your chapter, and learn where strengths and weaknesses across the state can be balanced for the strongest organization possible.
I'll promise to turn our annual convention into a financial opportunity for our organization, working to bring in a major speaker and open the opportunity up to all Maine Democrats to make sure that we have the resources to elect Democrats up and down the ballot in 2010.
Most importantly, I've assembled a team that represents the best that Maine has to offer. For our organization's two vice Presidents, I've asked two extraordinary individuals to work closely with me to take our organization to a new level. Kat Cosgrove (Colby '10) has a wealth of Democratic organizing experience both at home and abroad. Dave O'Heir (UMaine '10) is already a Democratic Veteran, having just finished a term as Political Affairs Director for the Maine College Democrats.
I've spent all of my life in Maine. I grew up in Kennebunk, in Southern Maine, and attend the University of Maine in Orono, in Eastern Maine. I understand how this state works, and even more importantly, understand why this state so desperately needs the continuance of Democratic leadership.
I also know the Democratic Party. In addition to membership in my town and home county committee, I represent York County on the Democratic State Committee, and am an elected member of the Maine Democratic Party Executive Committee. It is imperative that our organization reach out to and work with key Democratic figures and the Maine Democratic Party–and I know how to make that happen.
I hope to earn your support and work closely with you toward Democratic gain in 2010.
Sincerely,
Ben Goodman
University of Maine '12
Experience
Maine Democratic State Committee
Executive Committee Member
September 2008 - Present
York County Representative
May 2008 - Present
Maine Legislative Youth Advisory Council
Youth Co-Chair (2007-2008)
August 2006 - Present
Students for Barack Obama
Maine Campus Coalition for Change
Communications Coordinator
July 2008 - November 2008
Maine High School Director
Northeast Regional Coordinator
May 2007 - June 2008
Maine Democratic Party
Intern
June 2009 - Present
September 2008 - November 2008
Obama for America
Intern
February 2008
United States House of Representatives
Page
July 2007 - August 2007
Volunteer
Ethan Strimling for Congress
Tom Allen for Congress
Pingree for Senate
Lawrence for Senate
Kerry-Edwards 2004
Dean for America 2004
Gore-Lieberman 2000