MAINE DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHOOSES NEW CHAIRMAN

[MaineDem]

Maine Democratic Party Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUNDAY, AUG. 12, 2007

CONTACT: CAROL ANDREWS
207-622-6233

MAINE DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHOOSES NEW CHAIRMAN

AUGUSTA - The Democratic State Committee (DSC) today elected John Knutson of
Brooklin to serve as Chairman of the Maine Democratic Party effective today.
Knutson is serving in a volunteer capacity.

Knutson said he is committed to electing Democrats on all levels with
aggressive grassroots and fundraising activities. "I will help the counties
develop strong grassroots campaign organizations and enhance the state party's
effectiveness," he said.

Knutson said he is committed to electing Democrats on all levels with
aggressive grassroots and fundraising activities. "I will develop strong
grassroots campaign organizations in each county and to enhance the state party's
effectiveness."

A retired insurance executive, Knutson has most recently chaired the Hancock
County Democratic Committee (HCDC) as well as the Caucus of County Chairs.

He and his wife, Margaret, are both Democratic activists, initiating
successful projects to boost voter participation. Knutson is a graduate of Brown
University.

Under Knutson's leadership, the average annual budget for HCDC grew from
$5,000 to more than $30,000 and dramatically increased Democratic performance
in the county with a complete volunteer staff.

Knutson fills the position vacated by Ben Dudley, who recently became
executive director of the Maine Blueprint Project. Knutson's term ends January
2009.

[Maine-ah]

1. well it looks as though he's got a good record...

[RBInMaine]

2. He is doing this FULL TIME!

He is retired and has chaired Hancock County full so has done an amazing job there turing that county pretty damn blue where once it was pretty damn red. He'll be able to work full time at this, and he is well schooled in effective grassroots organizing. A VERY GOOD PICK.

And thanks to Ben Dudley who also did a very good job.

[MaineDem]

3. Right, full time but he's forgoing the salary

John should do a great job with fundraising, which is the Chair's main responsibility. The grassroots have been well organized in Hancock County and the field organizers that the Party has now (thank you Howard Dean) are doing a fair job at organizing the other counties from what I've seen and heard. We will be in great shape to win the special elections in November and into '08.