Potatoes and politics: A look at the candidates and issues in Northern Maine

Other stories in this series:

A look at the candidates and issues in Northern Maine; Senate District 35; Senate District 34; Two College Republicans; Adam Cote spotting; Splitting the electoral votes

State Sen. John Martin has stayed in one of two legislative seats for more than 40 years.

The thing that has kept him from seeking higher office is the same thing that drives many opponents and neighbors to seek a legislative seat to begin with.

They have no intention of leaving Aroostook County – known by most Mainers simply as “The County.”

PolitickerME made the drive to The County last weekend for the Potato Blossoming Festival, where I was able to meet up with a myriad of politicians and candidates who talked about life and campaigns in the potato country.

Four hours away from Augusta and one hour away from the tip of I-95 in Houlton, over the rolling hills and through the potato fields, Democrats and Republicans gathered in Fort Fairfield for the festival, which – in an election year – is one of the summer’s biggest political events.

Legislative leaders and local politicians and candidates gathered in a cramped community center to dine on boiled potatoes and steak. Democrats opened a regional office in Presque Isle. They all gathered again to march in a parade that Saturday.

The County is hometown to U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, who faces a tough race this year. Don’t miss our story about her hometown of Caribou, and her family business.

It is also the location of two state Senate races with the potential to be very competitive.

Aroostook County includes two state Senate Districts and nine House districts. The following races will take place there this fall:

H.D. 1: OPEN SEAT: John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, unopposed

H.D. 2: Incumbent Ken Theriault, D-Madawaska, unopposed

H.D. 3: Incumbent Bernard Ayotte, R-Caswell, v. Wade McLaughlin, D-Limestone

H.D. 4: Incumbent Peter Edgecomb, R-Caribou, v. (Democrats searching for replacement candidate)

H.D. 5: Elizabeth Michaud, R-Presque Isle, v. Michael Willette, D-Presque Isle

H.D. 6: OPEN SEAT: Tyler Clark, R-Easton, v. (Democrats searching for replacement candidate)

H.D. 7: Incumbent Patricia Sutherland, D-Chapman v. Zachary Smith, R-Presque Isle

H.D. 8: Incumbent Richard Cleary, D-Houlton v. Mary Deanne Rogan, R-Houlton v. Stan Ginish, U-Houlton

H.D. 9: Incumbent Henry Joy, R-Crystal, v. Robert Zabierek, D-Sherman

S.D. 34: Incumbent Roger Sherman, R-Houlton, v. Jackie Lundeen, D-Mars Hill

S.D. 35: OPEN SEAT Troy Jackson, D-Fort Kent, v. Danny Deveau, R-Cyr Plantation

Video below: McLaughlin, Zabierek and Michaud talk about their races

Susan Collins Country

Aroostook County is home to Maine’s junior senator, Susan Collins, who grew up in Caribou.

Collins now lives in Bangor, and makes it home six to seven times a year. Her parents and family still live in town, and the family business is still a Caribou staple.

“I can’t imagine a better place to grow up,” Collins said.

Collins still keep other ties in Caribou aside from her family. She insists on seeing her family dentist – a thorn in her staff’s side whenever its time for a checkup. Also, a Caribou seamstress , has made several formal dresses for her.

Giant districts

It makes for lots of scenic drives, and lots of fill ups at $4 a gallon. Whereas one could walk from one end to the other of a Portland House District, Aroostook County legislative districts are huge.

Lundeen and Jackson, both hoping to shift from the House to the Senate, are noticing this.

“I’m campaigning much harder, and longer,” Lundeen said. The district she hopes to represent stretches for 100 miles.

“There’s no way to hit all the doors, so I’m concentrating on towns that are new to me,” Jackson said.

The County

Beyond the potatoes, the drive and the sheer enormity of The County, politics in Maine’s northernmost districts is not that much different from the rest of the state.

The issues are the same. The winters are cold, therefore residents worry about the cost of heating oil. Gas prices are high. The economy is lousy. Jobs are leaving.

Also the same is the enthusiasm about the election.

“I think (Democrats) are extremely energetic and active,” said Virginia Manuel, chairwoman of the Aroostook County Democrats. “We are so organized here, the infrastructure is in place, and we have an office staffed and a cadre of volunteers.”