SPRINGVALE – A group of over 40 current and former office-holders in Maine today endorsed Mark Lawrence for Congress in Maine’s First Congressional District.
The list includes a wide variety of individuals who have served the state over the years in positions ranging from State Senate President to State Attorney General.
"I am proud to receive their support," said Lawrence.
Marc Malon, Lawrence’s campaign manager, stated that these elected officials’ support of Lawrence was a sign of his strength as a candidate.
"Mark Lawrence knows what is right, is tough enough to do what is right, and the people on this list know that he has the skills to achieve real change down in Washington," Malon said.
The list includes State Senator Peter Bowman of Kittery, a former Commander of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, former State Senator Beverly Daggett of Augusta, the first woman to hold the position of Senate President, and former State Senate President Dennis "Duke" Dutremble of Biddeford.
The full list is printed below:
Senators
State Senator Peter Bowman, Kittery
State Senator Lynn Bromley, South Portland
State Senator Barry Hobbins, Saco
State Senator Nancy Sullivan, Biddeford
Representatives
State Representative Christopher Babbidge, Kennebunk
State Representative Alan Casavant, Biddeford
State Representative Gary Connor, Kennebunk
State Representative Patsy Crockett, Augusta
State Representative Dawn Hill, Cape Neddick
State Representative George Hogan, Old Orchard Beach
State Representative Peggy Pendleton, Scarborough
State Representative Donald Pilon, Saco
State Representative Linda Valentino, Saco
State Representative Walter Wheeler, Kittery
Municipal & County Officials
York County Commissioner Daniel Cabral, Saco
York County Commissioner Sallie Chandler, Lebanon
York County Commissioner Richard Dutremble, Biddeford
York County Commissioner Gloria Layman, York
York County Sheriff Maurice Ouellette, Cornish
Lincoln County Commissioner William Blodgett, Waldoboro
Town Council Chairman Joseph Hanslip, Sanford
Town Councilor Eric Cote, Saco
Town Councilor Margaret Mills, Saco
City Councilor Bob Mills, Biddeford
Town Council Chairman James F. Long, Old Orchard Beach
School Board Member Kate Manahan, Kennebunk
Town Councilor Carol Waig, Windham
Town Councilor John McKinnon, Windham
Town Councilor Joseph Wrobleski, Falmouth
School Committee Member Heather Mills, Biddeford
Former Elected Officials
Former State Senate President Dennis "Duke" Dutremble, Biddeford
Former State Senator Peter Danton, Saco
Former Maine Attorney General Andrew Ketterer
Former Maine Secretary of State Rodney Quinn, Gorham
Former York County District Attorney Gene Libby
Former York County Sheriff Philip Cote, Sanford
Former Mayor Donna Dion, Biddeford
Former State Senator Carol Kontos, Windham
Former State Senate President Beverly Daggett, Augusta
Former State Senator William O’Gara, Westbrook
Former State Representative Thomas Wright, Berwick
Former State Representative Donald Gean, Old Orchard Beach
Former Town Councilor Robert Pendleton, Scarborough
Former City Council President Kenneth Farley, Biddeford
Former State Representative James Henderson, Harpswell
Former State Representative James Reed Coles, Harpswell
Former City Councilor Dennis Doiron, Gardiner
Former State Representative Gary Wheeler, Augusta
BIDDEFORD –Former Maine State Senate President Dennis "Duke" Dutremble of Biddeford endorsed Mark Lawrence (D-South Berwick) for Congress today in a gathering at the North Dam Mill in Biddeford.
"From high gas prices to health care, Mark Lawrence best understands the pressures facing working and middle class families in Maine," said Dutremble. "He is the best equipped candidate to effectively fight for us on these issues."
"I am very honored to be endorsed by Duke," Lawrence said, "Knowing how well he and his family have represented the city of Biddeford, York County and the state of Maine, I hope to emulate that tradition in Congress."
Dutremble noted several problems with politics in Washington, including gridlock and a lack of accountability.
"We need to bring Maine values to Washington," he said. "Mark Lawrence is the best candidate to do that."
York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence (D-South Berwick), a Democratic candidate for Congress, participated in the Human Rights Torch Relay in Portland today.
The rally, which is one of many events taking place worldwide, is designed to call attention to China's human rights abuses as it prepares to host the 2008 Olympics.
"I am proud to be a part of this rally," said Lawrence, "by participating, we are telling the world that the Chinese communist party needs to stop the repression of its citizens, and to stop backing genocidal regimes across the world."
The Maine legislature issued a Resolution of Support for the international campaign, calling on the Chinese government to respect the Olympic Charter.
Lawrence noted that the rally, which he also spoke at, called attention to a wide spectrum of abuses in China's record, and also the need to promote human rights across the globe.
"Human rights needs to be a strong focus of the United States in our foreign policy," said Lawrence, "we should work to build civil society in countries under repressive regimes. This is necessary both for global justice and our national security."
BIDDEFORD – Democratic Congressional Candidate Mark Lawrence, the York County District Attorney, spoke with the Heart of Biddeford Donut Club today at Riley’s Bakery in Biddeford, and then toured downtown businesses.
"One of the keys to our economic future in Maine is restoring our downtown communities," said Lawrence. "Heart of Biddeford has done excellent work to revitalize downtown Biddeford and attract entrepreneurs."
The first stop of the day was at Reilly’s Bakery in Biddeford, where Lawrence spoke with local business leaders to discuss ways to improve the economy. Lawrence noted the high cost of health care as a factor that hurts small businesses. He also noted the need for leaders in Washington to focus on small businesses, research & development and infrastructure improvements as a means of stimulating long-term economic growth.
Following the meeting at Reilly’s, Heart of Biddeford Director Rachel Weyand led Lawrence on a tour of local businesses, including Youland’s Jewelers, Unique & Affordable Custom Graphics, Jonesy’s Main St. Cafe, & Lacava, a creative shop that sells eclectic antiques, art, cards, gifts, and home decoration items.
Afterwards David Versel led Lawrence on a tour of the North Dam Mill, for whom he is the Development and Marketing Director.
"The North Dam Mill holds great promise for fostering economic growth in Biddeford," said Lawrence. "These old mills are examples of pre-existing infrastructure that we can tap into."
Congressional candidate Mark Lawrence (D-South Berwick) marked the 5th anniversary of the Iraq War by repeating his call for Congress to end the war in Iraq.
"We need a political declaration that says that the war in Iraq is over," said Lawrence. "Once that decision has been made, we will be able to withdraw from Iraq as quickly and as safely as possible."
"We have to ask the question: what has been gained from this war, and what can be gained by us staying in Iraq?" said Lawrence. "This war has severely damaged our ability to effectively fight terrorism, hurt our economy at home, and the best solution for the Iraqi people will come only when it is clear that America has made the decision to end this war."
Lawrence noted the key points on Iraq that he has touted since before the announcement of his candidacy in May of 2007:
The Iraq War was started with a political decision by Congress and the President to engage in a war of choice and must end with a reversal of that decision.
Congress, which holds the power of the purse, must back-up this decision by de-funding the war.
Withdrawal from Iraq must have at minimum three principles: 1) the safety of the troops; 2) not leaving weaponry behind to further fuel a civil war in Iraq; 3) Engaging neighboring countries in a pro-active solution to stabilize Iraq.
Mark Lawrence (D-South Berwick) turned in his nominating petitions today to the Secretary of State's office, officially making him a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Congress in Maine's First District.
"All of the people who signed my petitions are sending a message," said Lawrence. "We need bold leadership down in Washington if we want to end the war in Iraq, give all Americans equal access to health care, and produce an economic stimulus package that creates jobs and rebuilds our infrastructure."
Mark Lawrence is currently the York County District Attorney, a position he has held since 2003. Previously, he served in Maine's citizen's legislature for 12 years, and was State Senate President from 1996 through 2000.
Lawrence's campaign turned in well over the 1,000 signatures needed to make his candidacy official.
Tom Allen has made us proud in the first Congressional district, and, for the new Congress that meets in 11 months, my choice for not missing a beat for strong and intelligent advocacy is Mark Lawrence.
Mark has York County roots, being the youngest of four sons of a shipyard worker. He went to public schools before earning degrees at Bowdoin College and the University of Maine School of Law, working as a lobsterman and in the factories to get himself through college.
He made history by winning election to the Maine House in 1988, becoming only the second Democrat elected from Kittery since the Civil War. Four years later, he won election to the Maine Senate, and was elected Majority Leader after just one term. He was twice unanimously elected to be president of the Senate, a position second only to the governor.
Mark is currently serving as district attorney to the nearly 200,000 citizens of York County, a post for which he has won election three times. He has organized the department to maximize effectiveness in the prosecution for domestic violence offenses, and has worked to create a program to treat juveniles guilty of arson.
Mark’s record of public service is long, especially in the pursuit of civil rights, civil justice, and environmental protection. He is troubled by many actions of this administration, and his strong legal background, history of leadership, and respect for the Constitution provide the experience and qualities necessary to demand accountability of policymakers in Washington.
Mark, his wife, and two children live in South Berwick. I write to remind local citizens of his exemplary qualities and record. I urge you to join me in choosing him to be our next Congressman.
Christopher W. Babbidge
Kennebunk
This Letter to the Editor appeared in the February 21st Edition of the York County Coast Star. Christopher W. Babbidge is a State Representative from Kennebunk.
YORK – The Metal Trades Council at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has endorsed Mark Lawrence (D-South Berwick) for Congress in Maine’s First District. The Metal Trades Council, a coalition of 11 labor unions, represents approximately 2,700 Shipyard workers.
"Mark was with us when Donald Rumsfeld tried to strip our workplace rights," said Paul O’Connor, President of the Metal Trades Council. "He understands the struggles of working men and women, and we know he will work to restore the dignity and respect that American families deserve."
Mark Lawrence, the former State Senate President and current York County District Attorney, grew up in Kittery, where his father, Irving Lawrence, worked as a welder on the Shipyard.
"As the son of a Shipyard worker, I am deeply honored to receive this endorsement," Lawrence said. "My parents put four children through college in part due to the work that the Metal Trades Council has done on behalf of Maine working families."
In addition to organizing on behalf of Shipyard workers, the Metal Trades Council has also effectively advocated for candidates they endorse, the most recent example being Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (D-New Hampshire), who won partially due to the organizing work of the council.
The Metal Trades Council is headquartered at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, and includes the following local unions:
International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers, Local 134
Sheet Metal Workers International Association, Local 546
Ironworkers Union, Local 745
Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local 788
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local 836
International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 877
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Local 920
Laborers' International Union of North America, Local 976
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Local 1915
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 2071
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 3073
I strongly applaud Congressman Mike Michaud for his December 21st letter to the House Judiciary Committee supporting impeachment proceedings against Vice President Dick Cheney. Mike’s bold statement gives hope that Congress will fight to protect Americans’ civil liberties.
As he states, “Expansions and potential abuses of power by this administration become precedents for future ones, which lead to further erosions of our constitutional rights. This is why these investigations must be held with the utmost seriousness of purpose and must lay all the facts on the table.”
As a District Attorney, I know that the rule of law is essential to a functioning democracy. The oath we swear to protect the Constitution transcends political parties, partisan agendas, and personal ambition. If Congress does not act to hold our leaders accountable, their unprecedented expansion of executive power will become a dangerous precedent.
I saw Mike Michaud’s strong leadership firsthand in the State Senate, when I appointed him to a key position as Chair of the Appropriations Committee. He is a strong fighter for working families and Maine benefits from his service in the United States Congress.
If I am elected to Congress, I look forward to working with Mike Michaud in the fight to protect Mainers’ civil liberties.
ALFRED - Ned Muskie, the son of the late Maine Governor, U.S. Senator and Secretary of State Edmund S. Muskie, has endorsed Mark Lawrence for Congress in Maine's First District.
Lawrence, the York County District Attorney, is among five Democrats seeking his party's nod to run for the seat currently held by Tom Allen, who will challenge Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) in the 2008 general election.
"Mark Lawrence is the best qualified candidate from Maine," said Muskie. "I have always admired his dedication to public service and his knowledge of the issues that concern the state."
Other Democrats seeking the nod are Adam Cote, Chellie Pingree, Michael Brennan, and Ethan Strimling.
Republicans vying for the chance to run for the seat are Dean Scontras and Charlie Summers.
* Journal Tribune, York County Weekend
* Saturday, December 15, 2007
York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence said today that the new allegations that both President Bush and Vice-President Cheney lied to the country reinforce the argument that Congress should proceed now to impeach the President and Vice-President.
Yesterday, excerpts from a forthcoming book by former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan explicitly claimed that Bush and Cheney misled him regarding the outing of cover C.I.A. agent Valerie Plame. That outing, which is a violation of federal law, was the subject of a federal investigation and resulted in the conviction of former Cheney Chief of Staff I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby. Bush subsequently commuted Libby’s sentence so that he will serve no jail time.
“Congress has a duty to hold this administration accountable,” said Lawrence. “No one in this country should be above the law, especially those who have sworn an oath to uphold it.”
Lawrence has repeatedly called for impeachment, arguing as a prosecutor that Congress needs to aggressively investigate alleged abuses of power by the Bush administration. With regards to the Valerie Plame affair, he says President Bush commuting Scooter Libby’s sentence shows that he is not interested in Americans knowing the truth.
“When I was growing up in Kittery, my parents taught me to take responsibility for my actions,” Lawrence said. “We need hearings in Congress. We need the truth about what the President, Vice-President, and other administration officials know regarding Valerie Plame.”
Beverly Daggett (D-Augusta), the first woman to be elected State Senate President in Maine, has endorsed York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence for Congress in Maine's First Congressional District.
"Through his work in Maine's legislature and as York County's District Attorney, Mark has been extraordinarily effective, honest, and fair," said Daggett, who served as Senate President from 2002-2004.
Prior to becoming District Attorney, Lawrence served in Maine's citizen's legislature, and served as Senate President himself through the year 2000. Daggett served with him, and was impressed by his ability to bring legislators together to pursue a progressive agenda.
Among the successes she cited, Lawrence fought successfully to expand Maine's investment in research & development, to adopt a Patient's Bill of Rights, and to improve civil rights by fighting to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation.
"Mark always fought for Maine values, no matter how much pressure was placed on him by lobbyists," Daggett said.
She went on to say that this mix of legislative experience and legal advocacy as District Attorney is what makes Mark Lawrence an ideal fit for the United States Congress.
"I'm honored to have Senator Daggett's support," Lawrence said. "She has been a trailblazer in Maine politics and knows bold leadership when she sees it."
York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence, candidate for Congress, condemned the State Department actions that have potentially compromised a criminal investigation of Blackwater U.S.A, and called for Congress to investigate the matter as well as the U.S. government's use of private security forces that some are calling "mercenaries."
"We cannot portray ourselves as a pinnacle of democracy while at the same time allowing these private security forces employed by the U.S. to escape the law," Lawrence said, adding that this is further evidence of why he supports a full-scale impeachment investigation by Congress of the Bush Administration's numerous attempts to put itself outside or above the Constitution and the law.
He went on to explain that private contracting is a growing problem with the debacle in Iraq. Citing a September 26th Washington Post article, Lawrence said that the military is undermined by these private companies, who have more relaxed rules of engagement than those followed by soldiers.
"The actions of these private security companies are damaging the reputation of the American soldier serving in Iraq," said Lawrence. "This is another example of why U.S. government out-sourcing of military activities is inherently dangerous."
When I was elected district attorney for York County, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States. This is not just the first act that all elected officials take, it is the most important act.
It is the acknowledgement that our nation is based on principles, not simply the whim of certain people. It is a pledge that each politician will put the fundamental rights of the people above allegiance to any political party, partisan agenda or personal ambition.
George Bush and Dick Cheney took that same oath when they entered their offices.
Yet there is substantial information that the Bush administration has acted far beyond the scope of powers allowed it, and in doing so, undermined the fundamental rights granted to Americans under our Constitution.
There is a currently a debate about whether it is the best political strategy for Democrats, who as the majority party in Congress control the rules, to commence an impeachment investigation of the president and the vice president.
But this should never be the question.
The true question, the only question, must be whether it is the duty of members of Congress pursuant to their oaths of office to protect the public from alleged encroachments on their constitutional rights by commencing the process to determine the validity of the allegations.
The clear answer is that there is more than enough evidence to require Congress to commence the impeachment process, and it should do so soon.
To fail to take action will pose a grave danger to our Constitution through Congress' implicit compliance with the president's assumption of any unconstitutional powers that will serve as a precedent for future presidents, Republicans or Democrats.
The grounds and evidence meriting an impeachment investigation is substantial.
To name a few, they include:
nA domestic surveillance program conducted outside of legal requirements for judicial review against U.S. citizens in violation of the protections against unlawful search and seizures;
nRepeated use of executive orders to unilaterally assume lawmaking powers reserved to the legislative branch;
nCircumventing the public's right to know about governmental actions through conflicting claims in which the administration first insisted that the vice president is beyond the reach of public disclosure laws because the office is part of the executive branch, while then later arguing in court that the office is beyond disclosure acts applying to the executive branch because it is part of the legislative branch;
nMisleading Congress in the justification for going to war in Iraq;
nLeaking or aiding and abetting the leaking of confidential intelligence information regarding a CIA operative for political purposes;
nAnd misuse of the appointment process for the Justice Department in the U.S. attorneys scandal.
In each of these actions, this administration has repeatedly demonstrated its belief -- contradicting the most fundamental principle of America -- that there is one justice system, one set of rules, for themselves, and another for the rest of us.
I disagree with those who suggest that there are more important priorities; who fear that impeachment proceedings would be perceived as either a distraction or as political retribution.
As public officials, we hold no higher imperative than to uphold the fundamental principles on which this nation was founded.
And as history teaches us, justice delayed is justice denied.
York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence called on Mainers to reflect upon Constitution Day, the 220th Anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution, and to fight to protect the fundamental rights it contains.
"220 years ago, our founding fathers had the foresight to recognize that a written agreement was vital to protecting and preserving democracy," said Lawrence. "They laid out the principles of the bill of rights, separation of powers, and checks and balances that have made this country great and strong for over two centuries."
Lawrence noted that in the current political climate, where warrantless wiretaps are authorized daily by an Executive Branch has that has dramatically overstepped its Constitutional boundaries, recognizing the importance of the Constitution is more vital than ever.
"Congress needs to stand up and protect the Constitution," urged Lawrence. "They must investigate all potential abuses of power by the Bush Administration so that future administrations do not think they can behave in a similar fashion."
A District Attorney and a candidate for U.S. Congress, Lawrence stated that a fair and equitable justice system, as outlined by the Constitution, is crucial to the fight against crime and terrorism, and to the protection of democratic values.
"As a Member of Congress, I will never relent in the fight to protect the U.S. Constitution."
York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence applauded the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales today, but noted that it will not undo the damage.
"Alberto Gonzales turned the Justice Department into a political tool for the Bush Administration," said Lawrence. "In doing so, he undermined every
prosecutor in America."
District Attorney Lawrence cited the firing of U.S. Attorneys for political reasons and warrantless wiretapping as the Attorney General's most egregious
offenses.
A candidate for Congress, Lawrence urged the Legislative Branch to continue to review potential abuses of the public's civil liberties by the
Administration.
"Congress's role is oversight. The executive branch cannot be allowed to run rough-shod over the constitution," noted Lawrence. "You cannot have
democracy without the rule of law."
Lawrence stated that vigorous oversight of the executive branch would be one of his top priorities in Congress.
George W. Bush has demeaned the American criminal justice system and dealt a significant blow to America’s reputation as a just society by his annulment of a federal Judge’s jail sentence in the I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby case.
As a District Attorney, I am constantly aware that the success of our criminal justice system depends squarely upon the public’s belief that outcomes, whether they may agree with them or not, are based upon an unbiased process free from political interference.
No matter what the view of American politics has been throughout our long history the American criminal justice system has always been held in very high esteem as a model of how a government can address crime and achieve justice beyond the influence of politics.
American lawyers and judges are invited to travel all over the world to consult with emerging democracies on how to build criminal justice systems that are based on the rule of law and not the raw exertion of power. This continues even today when world opinion of our government’s policies is at an all time low.
Now, in one quick action, President Bush has inflicted a devastating blow to the respect Americans have for their criminal justice system by commuting Mr. Libby’s jail sentence.
Mr. Libby was given all the protections against politically motivated punishment that are built into our criminal justice system:
independent and unbiased prosecution
grand jury screening of all charges;
representation by defense counsel
trial before a jury of his peers
Sentencing by a judge appointed for life to avoid the political considerations of reappointment
Yet despite all these protections, President Bush has exerted his personal will on the American criminal justice system to determine a political outcome.
His defenders point to Presidential pardons throughout history as justification but there is no comparison between those actions and President Bush’s.
We are at a very critical time in our history where the honesty and integrity of the government’s own motivations are being questioned. A point at which unmonitored domestic surveillance programs, the firing of federal prosecutors, judicial incursion into presidential electoral politics and the growing disparity between the very wealthy and the average citizen in our country is causing Americans to question the very belief in the fundamental fairness upon which our society is based.
It is at this time that the integrity of our elected officials is most important to the success of our country. And it is at this time that dishonesty and abuse of power by elected officials and those who served them must receive the fullest and swiftest punishment from our criminal justice system.
President Bush’s action sends the clear message to all who are watching that persons of power and political privilege in our society are exempt from the full consequences of their actions.
Unfortunately that is a message that will on outlive our current political conflicts and strikes at the very core of the basic and fundamental truths upon which our society is built.
Mark W. Lawrence is the District Attorney for York County and the former President of the Maine Senate.
This piece was originally posted in Journal Tribune in July 2007
KITTERY - At the Naval Shipyard where his father worked for nearly 40 years, York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence said today he has filed paperwork to officially launch his candidacy for the seat in US Congress being vacated by Congressman Tom Allen.
"It is time for bold new leadership in Washington that will fight for an immediate end to the disastrous war in Iraq and stand up for the interests of all of the people of Maine," said Lawrence, who said he will make a formal announcement of his candidacy closer to the June 2008 primary.
"We have seen America's middle class nickled and dimed over the past thirty years as they have struggled to make the American Dream a reality for their children," said Lawrence, a Kittery native. "Like every generation of Americans, my dad and mom worked all their lives to make life better for me and my three brothers."
Lawrence, who was joined at the shipyard by his father and mother, Irving and Evelyn Lawrence, and by Dave Schofield, a shipyard worker and member of the Boilermakers Union, said the Bush administration has pursued policies that are making it tougher and tougher for working families.
For the last four years, Lawrence has worked on the front lines of public service as district attorney for York County, the fastest growing county in the state and the home to one of every seven Mainers. Prior to that, Lawrence served 12 years in Maine's Legislature, where he championed increasing educational opportunities for your people; expanding investment in research and development; increasing access to healthcare and preserving land for Maine's future. Recognized for his effectiveness and leadership, he was twice unanimously elected President of the Maine Senate.
Lawrence said with help from his family and by working as a lobsterman and at local factories he was able to pay his way through Bowdoin College, where his interest in public service first emerged when he volunteered on the campaign to pass Maine's bottle bill law. Later, Lawrence was a founding member of the Laudholm Trust, establishing the Wells Natural Estuarine Research Reserve.
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Supporter Voices
"Mark's priority for Maine is its people. He is pro-working families and has always supported workers rights. He was instrumental in getting the $6,000 tax deduction for State employees."
Brenda Kaler, MSEA President 2000 - 2004 Augusta, ME
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