Two Dem party leaders eye DNC woman slot

Two candidates are vying for the state’s Democratic National Committeewoman post, who will be selected by state delegates at the Democratic State Convention this weekend.

Rita Moran chairs the Kennebec County Democrats and is a member of the state committee. She was originally elected committeewoman for the current term, but ousted after the state committee determined the vote to elect her was unfair. Jennifer DeChant of Bath had held the position before, and won her seat back. Moran is a second generation party organizer.

Maggie Allen of Madison is also seeking the seat. She is a former executive director of the Maine Democratic Party, and was a Regional Field Director for the Kerry/Edwards coordinated campaign in 2004. She is working on a doctorate degree in public policy from the University of Maine at Orono.

State delegates will also elect a National Committeeman. Incumbent Sam Spencer is seeking reelection, and PolitickerME has not learned of anyone challenging him.

Maine’s DNC members serve as a liaison between the national and state committees. Their primary responsibility is to secure national resources for state committee use.

The newly elected members will begin the day after this year’s national convention – therefore won’t be superdelegates until 2012, the year the term expires.

Allen is running because she wants to keep the party active, even in the off years.

From her literature:

“I am running to invigorate the DNC Neighborhood Leaders Program by traveling around the state to coach Democrats on the necessary tools for victory.

“Elections are won by a strong local grassroots program that includes the off years not just the months leading up to the campaign. Through work with the Democratic Party, I witnessed the tremendous demands that county chairs face and the unique needs of each county. I believe the DNC Neighborhood Leaders Program will be a supportive asset for county and municipal chairs both during and after the election.”

Moran is running because she believes the party needs fresh faces. She promises to use her negotiating skills to make sure the national party continues to invest in the state.

From her literature:

"When we have a Democrat in the White House and a Democrat representing Maine in the US Senate, when we have “change we can believe in” for our country, it will be time to do the same for our party. We need to decide what works and what doesn’t, and make some tough decisions. It is clear that we must rethink our superdelegate system, and how we schedule our caucuses and primaries. The choices made by the DNC will affect our party for years to come. I believe those decisions are best made by someone who comes to that bargaining table with a fresh perspective, a history of negotiating successfully, and a commitment to joint decision-making. I know that together, we can grow the grassroots in Maine!"