General Wesley Clark provides Keynote at first annual event
Published at Maine Democrats
August 8, 2005
BRUNSWICK -- Sunshine, lobster, live music, and Maine Democrats were cause for celebration Sunday at the inaugural Muskie Lobster Festival at beautiful Thomas Point Beach.
"The large crowd at this year's Muskie Lobster Festival shows that Maine people are active, engaged, and feeling positive about where Maine is headed,” Governor John Baldacci said.
Governor John Baldacci, Congressman Allen, Congressman Michaud, Senate President Beth Edmonds, Speaker of the House John Richardson, Senate Majority Leader Mike Brennan, House Majority Leader Glen Cummings, Attorney General Steve Rowe, Maine Democratic Chair Pat Colwell and nearly 500 attendees welcomed esteemed guests General Wesley Clark and Democratic National Committee Secretary Alice Travis Germond.
Keynote speaker General Wesley Clark remarked on the strength of Maine's Democratic delegation on Capitol Hill.
He specifically praised Congressman Michaud's work in protecting veteran's benefits as the Bush administration cuts veteran funding while continuing to send our troops overseas to a seemingly endless battle.
“It is our responsibility as a free nation to use every possible means of intelligence and diplomacy in conducting our international affairs,” he said. “Military force is an absolute last resort.”
Clark, who is a retired four-star general, was a presidential primary candidate in 2004 and delivered the keynote address of the first annual Muskie Lobster Festival. General Clark helped draw the impressive 500 plus crowd that congregated among waterfront pinetrees enjoying lobster, barbeque, special speakers, music, and festivities.
Germond addressed the crowd with praise and support of Maine's Democratic majority on behalf of DNC Chair Governor Howard Dean.
“We love Maine,” Germond said. “We love that Maine has a Democratic Governor, Governor John Baldacci. We love that Maine has two incredible Democrats in the U.S. Congress, Congressman Allen and Congressman Michaud. And we love that Maine has a Democratic controlled legislature.”
This, Germond stated, is where the DNC is building from.
“I love Maine so please invite me back! Governor Howard Dean and the DNC are working toward a 50 state campaign strategy becoming more competitive in Maine and every state across the county.”
Maine Democratic Party Chair Pat Colwell was thrilled with the success of the event and the hard work of the volunteers and sponsors who made it possible.
“We are honored General Wesley Clark and DNC Secretary Alice Germond could share in this inaugural event with us,” Colwell said.
“This event is a preview of the kind of organizing and fundraising that is to be expected of the Maine Democratic Party in protecting and strengthening our Democratic majority in Maine while contributing to the national momentum of the DNC.” The Maine Democratic Party hosted the fundraiser with business sponsors Blue Dog Consulting, Poland Spring, Giffords Ice Cream, Diageo, Maine Street Solutions, GFI Partners, Direct Mail of Maine, and the Maine Education Association.
Many thanks to the dozens of amazing volunteers who arrived early and stayed late to make the first annual Muskie Lobster Festival truly great:
