Energized Republicans from 16 Lincoln County towns caucused on February 22 in a display of grassroots activism. The well-attended event at the Edgecomb Eddy School also provided an opening for spirited discussions about where this state and country are headed.

At the event, hosted by the Lincoln County Republican Committee (LCRC), attendees voted for town officers, elected delegates to the State Republican Convention to be held April 25 and 26 at the new Cross Convention Center in Bangor, ratified bylaws and heard from Republican candidates and party officials. (The remaining Lincoln County towns are holding their caucuses at other times.)

The overriding theme was the need to return the state house to Republican leadership and reelect Gov. Paul LePage. The consensus was that the current 126th Legislative has accomplished little in contrast to the 125th Legislature under Republican leadership. At the national level, the focus was on reelecting Sen. Susan Collins and electing Republicans to the two U.S. House seats. County and local offices were also a priority.

As part of the opening session in the gym, attendees were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by LCRC chairman Stuart Smith, who also gave the Invocation. Elizabeth Printy, LCRC Financial Chairman, who has sung in international venues, including Lincoln Theater and The Metropolitan Opera in New York City, led the singing of the National Anthem.

Jason Savage, executive director of the Maine Republican Party, spoke of the major changes taking place at state headquarters. First, he said, they have increased their full-time staff to provide better year around help. They have also updated their technology capability, including a brand new up-to-date website. Program-wise, he said, they've launched a number of new initiatives. #GEN207 is focusing on bringing young people into the party. Currently, they are hosting open forums for young people.

Savage also noted that Maine now has a number of young people in leadership roles. Ashley Ryan, National Committeewoman, at 22, is the youngest person to ever be elected to the Republican National Committee. The second youngest is Alex Willette, Maine's National Committeeman, who is 24. As House Assistant Minority Leader, Willette is the youngest person in the country to be in a state legislative leadership position. Savage, who is 34, also cited the example of Lee Jackson, a UMaine student, who at 19, was recently elected to RSU34 beating the incumbent. Joe Turcotte, Maine Republican Party Field Organizer, is just 24 years old.

Savage said another major initiative recently announced, called “She Leads,” is aimed at helping women to assume a greater role in the party.

Jon McKane, former Maine State Legislator, spoke in support of the reelection of Collins and Patty Aho, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, spoke in support of LePage's reelection campaign.

The recently completed Maine legislative redistricting has resulted in changes to most districts in Lincoln County and new district numbers. State Representative Deb Sanderson is now running for reelection in House District 88. Also running for reelection to the House is Ellen Winchenbach in what now is House District 91. Les Fossel of Alna, a former House Representative, is now running for State Senate in District 13. Jeff Pierce is a candidate for State House District 53 (which only includes Dresden from Lincoln County, the balance being in Sagadahoc County). Jeff Hanley is a candidate for State House District 87. Anna Morkeski is a candidate for State House District 90, and Geoffrey Raushlu is running for reelection as District Attorney.

As indicated earlier, the 2014 Maine Republican State Convention will be held April 25 and 26 in Bangor. Although many caucus attendees signed up to be delegates or alternates to the event, said Smith, there are still some openings for those interested in attending. For more information, contact your town chair or Smith at stuart@sequinsoftware.com.

Towns that caucused on February 22 include Alna, Boothbay Harbor, Bremen, Bristol, Damariscotta, Dresden, Edgecomb, Jefferson, Newcastle, Nobleboro, Somerville, Southport, Waldoboro, Westport Island, Whitefield and Wiscasset.

For information about the Lincoln County Republican Committee, visit www.lincolncountyrepublicans.org, or email Smith.