Hi Folks.
I have discovered that running for office is a privilege. Every week, I get to meet wonderful, interesting people around the state of Maine. It is genuinely an honor to sit and talk with these folks, to get tours where they work and live, and to hear their concerns. We all love our state, and we all cherish the civic culture that makes Maine different and great.
Yet I hear a constant refrain that Maine just isn’t working right. People know it doesn’t have to be this way. They know that with real leadership, a clear vision, and a solid plan to which we all subscribe, we can turn this state around. That’s what I’m offering.
I started last week with a breakfast at Rudy’s of the Cape, a Cape Elizabeth store and restaurant near my home. Rudy’s, like so many other resaurants in Maine, is a where locals meet for good food and conversation. Penny Jordan, of Jordan’s Farm, invited several friends to join us for a long discussion on topics ranging from education to energy. I enjoyed talking about how charter schools could work in Maine, and hearing the group’s concerns and ideas.
Meeting at Rudy’s with folks from Cape Elizabeth
On Wednesday, I kicked off the “Meet the Governor” brown bag lunch series at my good friend Andy Verzosa’s Aucocisco Galleries on Exchange Street in Portland. I spoke about Maine’s creative economy (you can see the videos here and here), and also answered questions on both the creative economy and other critical issues facing our state. Andy’s series is continuing throughout the next couple of weeks, and I encourage you to attend and compare what I have said with what the other candidates are saying. In their videos, many focused much more on the “creative” side of the issue without giving much attention to the economics. Maine people lead the nation in talent and creativity, but the next governor has to help create the conditions that allow them to make a decent living. If we expect to grow the creative economy in Maine, we need to be strategic and specific about how we propose to do that.
Talking aboout the creative economy at Aucocisco Galleries
I also enjoyed participating in the Maine Innovation Economy Forum, where once again I was the only Independent candidate invited to participate. It was a great opportunity to discuss our innovation economy and the potential that Maine has to be a leader in this area. Jeff Thaler of Bernstein Shur in Portland and Jill Goldthwaite of Jackson Labs in Bar Harbor deserve a lot of credit for organizing and hosting this timely event.
In addition to Greater Portland, I also traveled to events in Auburn and Brunswick. I finished the week by celebrating Mothers’ Day with Melanie with a visit to our daughter, Abby, who is attending medical school in Chicago. I am fortunate to have a family (including Harold the goldfish) that is so incredibly supportive – and excited – about my campaign for governor.
Visiting daughter Abby in Chicago . . .Goldfish Harold is a supporter!
Once again, I have a great week ahead with stops in Lewiston, Auburn, the Greater Portland area, and Wells.
I look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail.
P.S. The Republican Governors Association just dumped $1 million into negative ads against Independent candidate for governor Tim Cahill in Massachusetts, and the Democrats have unleashed a similar attack against Independent gubernatorial candidate Linc Chaffee in Rhode Island. That’s a preview of what probably will be coming in Maine, too. I don’t have – and don’t want – a party to do this kind of dirty work, so I need to rely on the support of independent-minded people like you.
Please help us by contributing today.
10 Ways You Can Help the Cutler 2010 Campaign
People are always asking what they can do to help. We’ve run this before, but these are ideas worth repeating. In addition to voting for us in November, here are 10 things anyone can do right now to help us build a winning campaign.
- Talk to your friends, neighbors and family members. Tell them about Eliot and his campaign and why you are supporting his independent candidacy. Send them a link to our website, www.cutler2010.com, where they can learn more about Eliot, watch our videos, read interviews and speeches, and sign up for emails.
- Donate to Cutler 2010. It takes a lot of money to run for governor and every contribution helps. $750 is the maximum amount you can contribute, but any amount you can give right now will be greatly appreciated.
- Ask others to contribute. They can send a check to Cutler2010, P.O. Box 15277, Portland, ME, 04112, or donate online at www.cutler2010.com/donate.
- Volunteer for the campaign. We have lots of work that needs to be done, and we can always use the help!
- Give us contact information. Provide names, addresses, and email, addresses of people you think would be interested in learning more about Eliot and the campaign to campaign@cutler2010.com. That’s how we build our campaign database.
- Host a “Meet & Greet” or fundraiser for the campaign. We have been having gatherings like this all around the state, and they are a great way for people to meet Eliot.
- Follow the campaign on Facebook and Twitter. And then invite your friends to do so, as well!
- Invite Eliot to speak. Whether it’s at your service club, business organization, church group, or workplace, Eliot is excited to speak with any group.
- Write a Letter to the Editor or a post to your favorite blog. Write a letter to your local newspaper saying how excited you are that someone with Eliot’s vision, experience and independence is running for Governor.
- Forward this newsletter to all your contacts. And encourage them to sign up for campaign emails.
From Our Mailbag
A person from eastern Maine who met Eliot years ago recently contacted the campaign. Here is an excerpt from her exchange with one of our staff members:
“[I] am so enthused about Eliot Cutler becoming our next governor. I don’t wish this current mess on anyone, but if anyone can start to turn the situation he can. I met him briefly during the Muskie years and one knew that he would go on to do great things. This campaign will be a great challenge. Maine people are angry….and open to change. What an opportunity for Eliot Cutler and for the people. I do not see a more qualified candidate.”
Every Donation Counts
As a privately funded campaign, we are depending on you to help us raise the funds we need to be successful. Please contribute online today or mail your check to Cutler 2010, P.O. Box 15277, Portland, ME 04112. The maximum contribution is $750, but every contribution helps.
Our website allows you to make contributions automatically every month. Some of Eliot’s most loyal supporters have chosen this as the best way for them to support the campaign, with contributions of just $10 or $20 a month. That’s a great way to help the campaign!
Thank you.
Stay in Touch with the Campaign
You can follow Eliot’s campaign on our website, www.Cutler2010.com and on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
If you want to get in touch with the campaign, please give us a call at 207-699-4401 (toll free, 877-213-5112) or email us at campaign@cutler2010.com.