Each role I have played in my life has contributed to the person - and the candidate - I am today. As you'll see, I'm a lot like you - I understand the issues you face because I've faced them myself, and I understand what's important to you, because it's important to me, too.
Of all of the roles I've played in my life, the one of which I am most proud is that of husband and father. My wife, Ruth, and I live in Scarborough, and have two children: Tricia, currently working in New York, and Chas, a university sophomore. Like any family, we love to get together for long family dinners and conversations. But, when we aren't debating the hot issues of the day, we're working outside in the yard, riding our horses, or relaxing at the beach. And, in my spare time, I enjoy doing crossword puzzles, working outside and finding those little projects around the house that need to be fixed - the ones that "require" me to spend some time at the local hardware store!
In 1990, I beat the odds to win an election to Maine State Senate District 31 representing Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Dayton, and Scarborough. In my first term, I served as the Ranking Member on the Joint Standing Committee on Legal Affairs and the Ranking Member on the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Upon re-election to the Senate in 1992, I became the Ranking Member on the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation and returned to my duties on the Fisheries and Wildlife Committee.
During my time in office, I was able to make significant, positive, differences in the lives of Mainers:
- In my first term, I worked to help craft a workers' compensation reform package that significantly reduced costs to business and protected those injured on the job. It was this reform which helped to broker a budget agreement which ended the state government shutdown. These were difficult times, but ones in which members of both parties worked together for the betterment of Maine.
- On the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee, I co-sponsored legislation that established the loon license plate. Thanks to the generosity and support of Maine motorists, more than $7 million has been invested by the Department of Conservation's Bureau of Parks and Lands and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife since the loon conservation license plate fund was established in 1993. Currently, one in nine passenger vehicles in Maine sports a loon plate.
- I also took a strong stand when it came to working for the many Maine families that utilize mental health coverage. I was the lone Republican in the Senate who supported increasing the lifetime cap on mental health benefits for individuals to $250,000.
This is just an example of what I accomplished while serving my two terms as a State Senator.
Not only did I work with my fellow Republicans, but I'm proud of the way I was able to reach across the aisle to my Democratic colleagues to get things done. The lessons I learned about how to work with those who may have opposing views in order to get results - without sacrificing my own convictions in the process - is a skill I know will be put to good use in Washington.
In 1995, I was honored to have been chosen by U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe to serve as her State Director. As her top Maine staffer, I had the opportunity to work closely with Senator Snowe - and her constituents - on all issues affecting Maine. I also served as an advocate for Mainers who needed help navigating federal agencies. My tenure with Senator Snowe provided me with valuable insight into the needs of Mainers, small businesses, and veterans. Senator Snowe is one of the hardest working people I know, who is driven by her love of Maine and her desire to help those she serves. She helped to foster that ethic in me - it is this passion, and that all it encompasses, that I will take with me to Washington.
Having owned my own small business - Charlie's Beverage Warehouse - and having managed motels in South Portland and Bangor, I know from personal experience both the benefits and the challenges that come with entrepreneurship. I understand the high cost of healthcare, sweating a payroll, managing employees, and making ends meet. It's not easy, but it is very rewarding. Growing up, my parents owned a hotel in a small town in Illinois, and I learned from them the meaning of hard work and building relationships. I love to tell the story about one of the guests that lived with us: Mrs. Ada Norton, a farmer's widow. Every spring, it was my job to wash the windows in her room - trust me, no task was too small or too big as our entire family of seven pitched in for spring cleaning every year. Mrs. Norton always brought me back to her room after I washed the windows and pointed out the job I had - or hadn't - done. She would point at the corners of the windows and say, "if you take care of the corners, the middle will take care of itself!" In my business and political life I have often thought of Mrs. Norton and that small, but very important lesson she taught me. In fact, that is how I approach politics - my most important resource will be the people I represent because they will keep me grounded and informed so that when the big issues arise, I will be able to face them with strength and confidence, knowing I have the people of Maine standing with me.
Prior to my deployment to Iraq, I served two years as the New England Regional Administrator to the U.S. Small Business Administration. In that capacity, I managed SBA District Offices in a six-state region (including Maine), and oversaw the SBA's financing, marketing and outreach efforts in the entire area. After working with the small businesses of the region, I can't emphasize enough the crucial role these entities play in the Maine economy. In Congress, I'll fight to make sure the government takes full advantage of the innovation, energy and efficiency that small businesses can offer. I know that small business is big business in Maine and, without them, our economy would cease to exist. I know that one of your major expenses as a business owner is the cost of health care. That is why I will work toward Small Business Association Health Plans as well as making the cost of health insurance 100% tax deductible for every American. The Congress must enact legislation that will help small business, and individuals, afford health insurance.
I'm incredibly proud to say that I am a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, and one of more than 84,000 veterans in Maine's First District. I have been a U.S. Navy Reserve Public Affairs Officer for almost 15 years and have had the honor of serving in areas as close as Brunswick and as far away as Bahrain. I have spent most of my Naval career serving as a member of Navy Information Bureau 101, assigned to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Bahrain. I have been recalled to Active Duty to serve extended periods on two occasions: first, after September 11, 2001, to serve in the Pentagon supporting the U.S. fight against terrorism; and most recently, in July 2007 when I left Maine for Baghdad, serving with Multi-National Forces in Iraq, as part of the Communications Division of the Strategic Effects Directorate.
While serving in Iraq, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices the many men and women in our military make every day and the pride they have in representing such a fine country. I was also able to experience the successes of the surge, and the opening of a medical clinic in Fallujah where I saw hundreds of children and adults receive health care for the first time in their lives. I saw women who, for the first time, have the ability to open their own businesses thanks to the new Women's Business Development Center co-located with the Fallujah Chamber of Commerce. I attended Fallujah City Council meetings and witnessed proceedings in which council members - looking to the future - discussed school construction and equipment purchases.
My time in the Navy has strengthened my belief in the goodness of America and the brave men and women who fight for our freedoms every day. I truly understand what President Kennedy meant when he said: "...any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy.'"
I appreciate your support and would be honored to have your vote in November.
