“Avid supporters” debate in place of Democratic presidential candidates

A couple of presidential hopefuls have stopped in Maine, but face it -- we’re not a priority state for the candidates.

We’re definitely not an ideal location for a debate anytime soon.

Thursday night, though, the Kennebec County Democrats hosted a surrogate debate at Augusta City Hall, gathering local campaign workers and volunteers to speak on their behalf, all who consider themselves “avid supporters”.

In the end, the county group asked for donations. The campaign collecting the most could keep the money. The rest would go to the Kennebec County Democrats. John Edwards’ campaign took home $147 ($135 from one person.) The Democrats got $75.

Four surrogates came, though representatives from all the Democratic campaigns were invited.

The cast of characters:

• Sen. Christopher Dodd: Played by Bryan DeAngelis, Dodd’s New Hampshire press secretary
• Rep. Dennis Kucinich: Played by Herb Hoffman, director of the Constitutional Convention Initiative for the campaign
• Former Sen. John Edwards: Played by Kate Knox, local attorney and volunteer state adviser to his campaign
• Sen. Barack Obama: Played by Shalom Odokara, executive director of Women in Need, based in Portland.

From audience questions, the primary concern in this election was the candidate’s ability to restore trust in government and fix a “broken” system.

Hoffman said Kucinich is implementing his plan now.

“Impeachment,” Hoffman said. “It acts to take apart all of the super structure that this president put in place that invades and erodes the Constitution.”

DeAngelis noted Dodd’s 26 years of experience, and history of working with the Republicans, a key to uniting the country. He also has set a timetable to end occupation in Iraq.

“He’s known as the bipartisan senator,” DeAngelis said.

Knox said President Bush has used the War on Terror to justify some of his worst mistakes. Edwards, she said, has a civil liberties plan which upholds the Geneva Convention. It will shut down Guantanamo Bay, and end warrantless wiretapping.

Odokara said Obama is also stressing bipartisanship.

“You have to walk across party lines,” she said.

Health care and Social Security also came up.

Knox said Edwards plans to repeal tax cuts for the wealthy to pay for the health programs.

Also, “Why aren’t we negotiating drug costs with drug companies,” Knox said. And, “Why aren’t we permitting safe drug importation from Canada?”

DeAndelis said Dodd supports a pay-as-you-go Social Security program.

Hoffman said Kucinich plans to take the cap off Social Security plans.

“Dennis is different, he has a health care plan,” Hoffman said. “A single-payer, not-for-profit, universal health care plan.”