Lincoln County Democratic officials joined local and state candidates at the Lakehurst Camp Lodge in Damariscotta for the party’s annual lobster bake fundraiser and meet and greet. Despite predictions by analysts nationwide that Democrats face a tough election year in 2010, Democrats at the Aug. 22 gathering exuded confidence going into November.
“The organization of the Lincoln County Democrats is the strongest ever,” said Bill Williamson, chair of the Lincoln County Democratic Committee. All the negative stuff only encouraged them to work harder, said Williamson
Williamson’s resolve was felt throughout the Democratic camp.
“We never run away from a good fight, “said Daphne Stern, a veteran of several past political campaigns. Stern said Sunday’s gathering was the kick-off for the final stretch of the 2010 campaign.
According to Williamson, 75 lobsters and over 100 hot dogs were prepared for Sunday’s meeting. A lobster dinner, complete with mussels, corn, and potato salad, cost $32. A hot dog dinner cost $6.
Though he estimated that the Democrats would rake in around $2000 from the event, Williamson insisted that the purpose of the event was not only to raise money.
“The goal is to get like minded people together and exchange ideas,” he said.
The lobster bake was attended by all of the area candidates, senators, and representatives. The issues on everyone’s lips were jobs, the budget, and energy.
“There’s a lot of concern about the future and job security,” said District 19 State Senator Seth Goodall.
Goodall said he planned on focusing on the budget and energy from his position as Chair of the Natural Resources Committee when he returns to the Senate.
Goodall, like other Democratic candidates, said that raising taxes would not be considered when discussing ways to slash the deficit. “Now is not the time for taxes,” said Goodall.
Goodall said that every program would be analyzed when considering budget cuts.
Confident about reelection, Goodall also sounded optimistic about his colleagues in the Senate.
“The Democrats have a very strong set of candidates this year,” he said. “I’m very optimistic.”
Discussion of the budget continued at individual tables as fundraising attendees sat down to eat their lobster dinner. Possible resolutions to the budget deficit varied.
Jim Torbert, retired schoolteacher and chair of the Whitefield Town Democratic Party, suggested raising the meal and lodging tax, a move he said would relieve the tax burden on most people and pass it on to tourists. He said no cuts should be made to schools.
“Education has been cut enough,” said Torbert, “We’re cutting off our nose to spite our face.”
Susan Williamson, the wife of Bill Williamson, believed that enough cuts had been made to vital programs and projects.
“We’ve cut everything that I think we can cut,” she said. She suggested that people may have to accept higher taxes to pay for everything.
Lynn O’Connell offered another opinion. She suggested that people relied too much on government programs and not enough on civil society. She suggested that people volunteer more.
“Why are we here? It’s all volunteers,” said O’Connell.
The Lobster Bake was ended with a short presentation by each candidate. Senate President and Gubernatorial Candidate Libby Mitchell spoke first. Rep. Shellie Pingree ended the festivities.
Disregarding differences of opinion on specific policy issues, all were delighted to meet their representatives and candidates face to face.
“It’s great to know the people we vote for,” said Torbert.
