Six Democratic candidates for state and county office came together with nearly 120 supporters in Jefferson on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 2  for a hearty meal of home-made chowders, stews, cider, and pie as the Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC) celebrated the return of the Harvest Dinner to its event calendar after a two-year COVID-enforced hiatus. The group gathered in Le Barn, a landmark gambrel-roofed barn that has been made into an event facility by Jefferson’s Jim and Marie Lindsey. 

“I’m so pleased with the turnout, the friendship, and the enthusiasm of our supporters for our candidates,” said event host and organizer Valarie Johnson. “It was the perfect setting for our event - the afternoon light streaming through century-old windows was just spectacular!”

The program featured food, fellowship, music by Waldoboro’s Laura Buxbaum and Brian Dunn, and remarks by Rep. Holly Stover, who is running for re-election to House District (HD) 48;), Rep. Lydia Crafts, who is running for re-election to HD 46; Clint Collamore, candidate for HD 45;  Pam Swift, candidate for HD 62;Cameron Reny, candidate for Senate District 13; and Lincoln County Commissioner Bill Blodgett, who is running for re-election in District 2. 

“These candidates and our volunteers have talked with thousands of voters across Lincoln County and the message they’re hearing is that Mainers want to see the progress of the past four years continue,” said Kelli Whitlock Burton, LCDC vice chair and campaign leader. “As we enter the final month of the campaign, we’ll continue with these efforts and our work to ensure Lincoln County residents are well-represented in Augusta and Washington, D.C.”

Attendees also contributed to LCDC’s partnership with local food pantries. Every month, LCDC collects specific items requested by a different food pantry in Lincoln County. In the first two months of the project, more than 300 pounds of food and household items have been donated to pantries in Wiscasset, Newcastle and Jefferson. 

For more information on the food pantry project, visit https://lincolncountydemocrats.com/food-pantry. To volunteer with LCDC’s campaign, email campaign@lincolncountydemocrats.com.

The LCDC uses the money raised through this and other fundraising initiatives to support their local efforts in Lincoln County. Its grassroots mission is to organize volunteers and communicate with voters in support of candidates who believe in the Democratic ideals and principles of government by, of, and for all the people.