Baldacci: Ditch the caucuses

DENVER -- Gov. John Baldacci told PolitickerME Tuesday that as the Democratic National Committee reviews the presidential primary system, Maine would benefit if they got rid of caucuses and superdelegates.

He said people were very upset about the long lines and problems that happened at the Portland caucuses, and many working people cannot take hours off in their day to vote.

The Democratic National Committee is discussing a number of changes to the presidential primary election process, including changing the schedule and getting rid of caucuses.

Baldacci is attending the convention as a superdelegate. He originally supported Hillary Clinton but endorsed Barack Obama after he clinched the nomination. Baldacci said today that he will continue to support Obama if there is a roll call vote.

Baldacci said he was impressed by Michelle Obama’s speech Monday night. He said she could “become a political figure in her own right,” thanks to the foundation Clinton has created.

Baldacci is also using the convention to bond with his 17-year-old son, Jack. Last night, the two went to a “Rock the Vote” event together. “The thumping is still going on,” Baldacci joked.

Now, Baldacci said, Jack is interested in attending a Willie Nelson concert with him.

Baldacci’s wife, Karen, is also in Denver. She has attended a reception for first spouses and toured Denver.

Baldacci spoke to the Maine delegation during their Tuesday breakfast. There he encouraged bipartisanship through tough times.

“Americans share in the common kind of struggles, whether you’re working on the farmland up north or on the city streets down in Portland or anywhere in between,” Baldacci said. “People want change, they want a new direction, they want new opportunities.’