Strimling Walks the Walk

Senator Bill Diamond, Windham

Dear Friends,

State Senator Ethan Strimling talks the talk, walks the walk, and actually has something to show Maine people at the end of the day.

Ethan's actions make the lives of Maine people better.

As Ethan's colleagues in the Legislature, we have watched him work for years. Find out more about what he's done by reading below, but first, take a few moments to join us in supporting Ethan at www.Ethan08.com We are all behind him as he explores a run to represent Maine's First Congressional District. Walking the Walk

When Ethan heard Maine women weren't safe, he lead passage of legislation that will prevent them from becoming repeat victims of domestic violence (LD2116). Because Ethan believes as we do that the time to stop global warming is now, he stepped up with legislation to create alternative energy and reduce climate change (LD1379). And because Ethan leads with his heart and knew it was right, we saw him get the state to divest its retirement holdings from the genocide of Darfur (LD1758).

But perhaps more than any of that, we saw him build bi-partisan support for one of the most polarizing issues in the statehouse- Tax Reform (LD1819 & LD1833). We believe that Ethan's groundwork crafting these bills with conservative Republican Senator Richard Nass is what has finally provided the foundation for the legislature to seriously work on passing fundamental tax relief for Maine people.

In fact, a recent Portland Press Herald column by Bill Nemitz, "The Odd Couple", said of Ethan and his conservative counterpart, "Call them crazy. You won't be the first. But then try to find anyone in the State House who has bent over this far backward to break the partisan logjam about tax reform."

After all of these years of bitter partisanship in Washington DC, doesn't that sound refreshing? A legislator who, in the Maine tradition of a statesman, is willing to cross the political aisle to get something done for Maine people? Stop for a moment and think about that. Just imagine what Congress might be able to accomplish.

For all these reasons, and many others, we are writing to ask you to support Ethan as he builds the foundation for a possible run for Congress.

Bi-Partisan Leader

While all of us on this letter haven't always agreed with every piece of legislation Senator Strimling presents, Ethan has shown us that he will stand up, be heard, and get things done. In fact, you'll note from the list of towns beside our names that we don't just come from southern Maine.
We come from every corner of this great state, proving again how much Senator Strimling works to include people from differing perspectives. That's why he has earned our endorsement.

From his work making people safer as Chair of Maine's Homeland Security Task Force (LD2044), to his advocacy for young people in prison (LD1376), to his current efforts keeping the Internet neutral and fair for consumers (LD1675), Senator Strimling always has one group in mind, Maine people.

But the ability to work with folks on both sides of the political spectrum is the essential quality that we like about Senator Ethan Strimling. His work with Senator Nass on Tax Reform was really an extension of the bi- partisan work he began as Chair of Maine's Homeland Security Task Force.

In fact, we're not the only people who have given Ethan high marks for this bipartisanship. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce published an article this winter titled "Labor committee puts bipartisanship first" highlighting Ethan's work as Chair of the Committee, calling it a "remarkable display of unanimity and bipartisan cooperation" for this usually bitter and partisan forum.

Someone We Can Be Proud Of

That's why we are asking you to join us today. Because Ethan is someone that Maine people can be proud of. If we are going to make sure Ethan can continue his good work on Maine's behalf nationally, it is essential that we all support him early.

Let's stand together with Ethan as he looks ahead to Maine's future. Maine, and all of us, will be better for it.

Sincerely,

Senator Bill Diamond, Windham
Representative Thomas Watson, Bath
Representative Jane Eberle, Cape Elizabeth & South Portland
Senator John Nutting, Leeds
Senator Joe Perry, Bangor
Representative Rick Burns, Berwick
Representative Teresa Hayes, Buckfield
Senator Bruce Bryant, Dixfield
Representative Charlie Harlow, Portland
Representative Pat Blanchette, Bangor
Representative Tim Driscoll, Westbrook
Senator John Martin, Eagle Lake
Representative Will Walcott, Lewiston
Representative Herb Clark, Millinocket
Senator Dennis Damon, Trenton
Representative Troy Jackson, Fort Kent
Former Representative Deb Hutton, Bowdoinham
Former Representative Joanne Twomey, Biddeford