PORTLAND, Maine – State Senator Elizabeth Schneider of Orono, a sitting Democratic legislator who is running for re-election to her fourth term, today announced her support for Independent Eliot Cutler in this year’s race for governor. In making her endorsement, Schneider said she had carefully studied the candidates in this year’s race and that Cutler is “someone who has a vast understanding of public policy and the courage to make difficult choices.”
“My decision reflects more completely the desires of those I serve, as well as my interest in having a collaborative, fair, thoughtful, strong, candid, trustworthy, successful, honest individual to lead our state,” Schneider said. “Eliot Cutler embodies all of these qualities. It is in the best interest of my Senate District 30 and all of Maine to work to elect a person who has the best chance to bring our state together in this time of severe economic stress and challenge.”
Sen. Schneider is a former Orono town councilor who was first elected to the Maine Senate in 2004 representing Senate District 30, which includes the Penobscot County municipalities Orono, Old Town, Lincoln, Alton, Argyle Twp., Bradford, Edinburg, Enfield, Greenbush, Howland, Hudson, Kingman Twp., LaGrange, Lee, Mattawamkeag, Maxfield, Passadumkeag, Penobscot Nation Indian Island, Springfield, Webster Plantation and Winn.
She is the Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Standing committee on Business, Research and Economic Development and also serves on the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.
“Elizabeth has distinguished herself as a thoughtful, hard-working, common sense legislator who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes is in the best interests of her constituents and our state,” said Cutler. “I am honored to have her support, and appreciate the courage she is demonstrating by supporting me.”
Schneider’s support for Cutler comes on the heels of other recent endorsements for Cutler by both Democrats and Republicans. A few weeks ago Cutler announced the support of State Senator Dennis Damon of Trenton and Representative Leila Percy of Phippsburg, both Democrats and co-chairs of the Legislature’s Marine Resources Committee. Earlier this week he announced the support of more than a dozen prominent Republicans from around the state, including incumbent county commissioners from both Piscataquis and Androscoggin counties.
“Our campaign is gaining momentum every day because Maine people are hungry for strong, independent leadership,” said Cutler. “While the major parties have nominated partisan politicians from the two ends of Maine’s political spectrum, we have created a campaign where moderates and centrists can come together to make Maine work again for all of us. This broadening support – further evidenced today by Senator Schneider – is just the beginning.”