The Wabanaki Alliance has endorsed four legislative candidates in two State Senate and two State Representative seats.
For candidates with no previous legislative service, responses to the Wabanaki Alliance Candidate Questionnaire were used as criteria for endorsements.
For new candidates running against former or incumbent legislators, if all policy positions are the same, the Wabanaki Alliance then reviewed past voting record of the former or incumbent legislator. If the former or incumbent legislator voted in support of Wabanaki issues, then we endorse the person with a supportive voting record. If the former or incumbent legislator voted against Wabanaki legislation, we endorse the new candidate.
Endorsements from the Wabanaki Alliance are for the primary election only. Candidates endorsed in a primary does not necessarily mean the Alliance will endorse the candidate in the November general election.
State Senate District 24
Includes all of Sagadahoc County, plus Dresden in Lincoln County.
The Wabanaki Alliance endorses former State Representative Denise Tepler in the Democratic primary. Denise has consistently proven with her votes as a State Representative her support for Wabanaki policies.
Ms. Jean Guzzetti, who has not served at the legislature, provided stellar, informative and compassionate answers to the Wabanaki Alliance questionnaire. We are confident she would support tribal initiatives if elected.
“Denise has shown her steadfast support of Wabanaki priorities with her previous legislative experience. We are honored to endorse her candidacy for State Senate,” Maulian Bryant, President of the Wabanaki Alliance and Ambassador for Penobscot Nation.
State Senate District 27
Includes part of Portland and part of Westbrook in Cumberland County.
The Wabanaki Alliance endorses Democratic State Senator Jill Duson. Her voting record for tribal initiatives is unblemished.
Mr. Kenneth Capron’s response to the Wabanaki Alliance questionnaire was thoughtful and supportive of Wabanaki policy initiatives.
“Senator Duson stands with the Wabanaki people and has shown that commitment with her votes this past legislative session. We are pleased to endorse her for a second term,” Maulian Bryant, President of the Wabanaki Alliance and Ambassador for Penobscot Nation.
State Representative District 122
Includes part of South Portland in Cumberland County.
The Wabanaki Alliance endorses Republican candidate Michael Pock of South Portland. His responses to the survey clearly displayed his understanding that the tribes in Maine should be treated no less than the other 570 federally recognized tribes across the country. In addition, the importance of self-determination and property rights in his answers are clearly imbued in his values.
“Mr. Pock’s responses clearly demonstrate his support, understanding and importance of self-determination for the tribes. His point of view that the tribes should not be treated less than the other 570 federally recognized tribes across the country is appreciated,” Maulian Bryant, President of the Wabanaki Alliance and Ambassador for Penobscot Nation.
State Representative District 109
Includes part of Gorham in Cumberland County.
The Wabanaki Alliance endorses Democratic candidate Seven Siegel of Gorham.
“Mx. Siegel’s thoughtful and in-depth answers to tribal priorities were poignant. We are confident he will fight to ensure the tribes in Maine are not treated less than the other 570 federally recognized tribes across the country,” Maulian Bryant, President of the Wabanaki Alliance and Ambassador for Penobscot Nation.
