Yesterday, Senator Olympia Snowe announced her retirement. This particular bit of news sent shock waves through the political world. It was widely believed that she was going to run for reelection and that she would have crushed any one of her Democratic opponents. She was even gearing up for reelection. With her retirement, this Senate seat goes from a Safe Republican hold, to a Lean Democratic gain. Severely complicating the Republican party's attempt to retake the Senate.
Now the question is, who's going to run on the Democratic side. PCCC has begun a campaign to draft Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. The same organization helped to draft Elizabeth Warren, Pingree is a progressive champion and would make and excellent Senator.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-North Haven)
Chellie Pingree was elected to Congress in 2008. She began her political career as a State Senator in 1992, defeating a popular Republican incumbent. She quickly rose in the leadership to become Senate Majority Leader. In 2002 she ran against Senator Susan Collins, but ended up losing to the popular Republican incumbent. In 2003, Pingree became the President and CEO of Common Cause. A group that advocates empowering ordinary people to make their voices heard.
In 2008, Congressman Tom Allen decided to run against Collins. Pingree quickly jumped into the Congressional race to replace Allen. She quickly picked up the support of numerous groups and individuals such as Emily's List and Planned Parenthood. She went on to win the primary and general election.
Since her election to Congress, Pingree has joined the Progressive caucus and the LGBT Equality caucus. She is strong progressive voice and a strong leader. Being an outspoken advocate for Marriage Equality in her own state, a strong pro-choice voice, and supporter of numerous other progressive causes.
Soon after the news broke PCCC seat up an ActBlue page to raise money to draft Pingree into the Senate race. Pingree has said she will make up her mind in the next few days and we should help her! Please try to donate, or make your voices heard through her Facebook and Twitter pages. Anything and everything you do can make a difference.
Also remember, it's possible Mike Michaud could jump into the race. If we can help convince Pingree to run, he may stay out. Michaud is a Blue Dog and anti-choice Democrat. We can do a lot better than him and we will with Chellie Pingree!