This is just a sampling of my thoughts on some of the most important issues facing Maine and the country.  If you have questions about my stance on another issue or specific bill, please contact me. 

Jobs and Economic Development

As our economy continues to struggle with the down economy, our number one priority should be getting Mainers back to work. To do that, we need investment in our state and support for small businesses.

Local food and farms

Unlike the rest of the country, the number of farms in Maine is increasing and the age of our farmers decreasing. More and more families are turning to local producers for healthy, sustainable foods. We need federal policy to support this trend, which is healthy for our bodies and our economy.

Caring for veterans

We must provide for those who willingly put themselves in harm's way in the defense of our every day freedoms. I am committed to providing our troops with the resources they need to do their jobs, during peacetime and war.

Access to health care

Everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care. The healthcare reform package Congress passed took great steps toward improving that access, but there’s more to be

done.

Clean, affordable energy

Every time gas and oil go up by $1 dollar, Maine’s economy loses a billion dollars that it will never get back. That’s unsustainable for our state and our families. Maine has the natural resources to produce affordable energy here at home while producing jobs and being good for the environment.

Fighting for Seniors 

Medicare and Social Security work to keep thousands of Mainers out of poverty. But they’ve become targets for those who’d rather cut benefits than having the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share. We need to protect these critical benefits and make sure they are there for the next generation.

Ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken a toll on our economy and our families—and they’re not making us any safer. It’s time to bring our troops home and put the $8 billion a month we spend there back into the country.

Looking out for consumers

If we found out one thing from the financial crisis, it’s that no one was looking out to protect consumers or keep Wall Street’s irresponsible practices in check. We need to make the right changes to prevent another meltdown from happening and have someone to fight for the interests of the consumer.

Working waterfronts

Maine's working waterfronts support 30,000 jobs but are incredibly vulnerable to development.  Our communities need more resources to protect this critical resource. 

Fisheries

The fishing industry is incredibly important to Maine.  I'm working in Washington and here at home for fair regulations, better science, and more resources for all types of Maine fishermen.