KENNEBUNK — Sen. Olympia Snowe’s surprise decision last month not to seek another term in Congress did more than shock her constituents ”“ it opened the floodgates for a bevy of candidates clamoring to fill the unexpectedly vacant seat, and on Friday evening, Democratic contenders filed into town hall in Kennebunk to make their best pitch.
State Sen. Cynthia Dill, former Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, State Rep. John Hinck and small business owner Ben Pollard took to the stage to address citizens’ questions, which were written beforehand and submitted to a moderator for consideration. Though they did not field questions directly from the audience, the event served as an introduction to those vying for attention in the Democratic primary.
Each candidate sought to position themselves as the best possible replacement for Snowe, widely considered a centrist among colleagues and constituents. The specter of that legacy loomed over the hall as the Democratic hopefuls were asked how they would deal with a polarization that has mired Congress in gridlock.
Dill addressed the issue of the filibuster, in which a member of Congress can stall legislation despite popular support, claiming that the filibuster rule “produces a tyranny of the minority.”
Dunlap countered that the filibuster can occasionally be used to halt bills that threaten to perpetuate destructive policy, but that the rule needs modification in order to prevent its abuse.
Hinck concurred, saying, “The filibuster probably should stay, but a person should be forced to stand up and explain their opposition.”
According to Pollard, Democrats need to find ways to appeal more to centrists.
“We as Democrats need to appeal to the political center and get independents to register as Democrats again,” he said.
All candidates, at times, espoused facets of Democratic philosophy, and sought to differentiate themselves on key issues. One of those was foreign policy, which, as local lawmakers and business people, is an area in which they have typically found little opportunity to express their opinions.
Dunlap asserted that the United States is still strong enough to leverage its influence in ways that would improve its world standing, while Pollard said it is important to stand up to China and what he feels are its environmental and humanitarian infractions.
Hinck cited experience living in three foreign countries as evidence of his belief that, while there are deep differences between governments, most people across the world are essentially the same, a sensibility he hopes to bring to the seat.
Meanwhile, Dill took the opportunity during the foreign policy discussion to address the military budget.
“America has to lead by example,” she said. “National security is incredibly important. However, I think we waste too much money on unnecessary and ineffective armament. I would definitely reduce the defense budget.”
Despite the different approaches, the candidates naturally shared some ideological similarities, including the belief that Republicans have been successful in branding the Democratic party in ways that much of the public views as negative, such as being anti-business and reckless spenders.
“One of the things we’ve been very bad at is letting the Republicans define every term,” said Dunlap.
Hinck made the case that Democratic strategies work, citing examples culled from Barack Obama’s tenure as president.
“Osama bin Laden is dead,” said Hinck. “General Motors is alive.”
— Staff Writer Jeff Lagasse can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 319 or jlagasse@journaltribune.com.
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