Chandler to lead Democratic campaigns

U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud’s current chief of staff will take a one-year leave of absence to oversee all of the Democratic campaigns in the state.

Peter Chandler will lead the Democratic Coordinated Campaign starting in January. He said he’ll be in charge of voter contact with the party and the get-out-the-vote initiatives.

“It’s an exciting time to be doing this,” Chandler said. “The Democratic Party is poised to take back the White House. It’s a good time to be a Democrat.”

Chandler grew up in Biddeford, and is a Portland resident. He said his goal – other than the Democrats winning – is to heighten the Democrats’ reputation in the state.

“I would like to build a strong statewide Democratic Party infrastructure,” Chandler said, and “make the case to Maine voters why Democrats are the best option.”

Prior to working for Michaud, Chandler was chief of staff to the President of the Maine State Senate, helped the Democrats return to the majority in 1996, and helped the New Hampshire Senate Democratic Caucus win the majority.

"Peter Chandler's skills and knowledge of Maine will enhance our overall party efforts for the '08 elections," said Maine Democratic Party Chairman John Knutson in a press release. "Peter's strong record of winning in this state will help elect Tom Allen to the U.S. Senate, re-elect Mike Michaud, broaden our margins in the State House and Senate and bolster our party organization. We are very excited to have him leading the team."

Julie Ann O’Brien, executive director for the Maine Republican Party, said they are not currently looking to fill a similar position.

“The job description is one of our priorities, but we’re not sure we’d hire a particular person just for that,” O’Brien said.