Three-way contest emerges for House majority whip

AUGUSTA -- State Reps. Seth Berry (D-Bowdoinham), Cynthia Dill (D-Cape Elizabeth) and Don Pilon (D-Saco) all have their eyes on the assistant majority leader slot next session, providing they win their respective races and the Democrats maintain the majority in the state House.

Current Majority Whip Sean Faircloth (D-Bangor) is not running for re-election, instead focusing on his bid for attorney general.

In addition, Reps. Sharon Treat (D-Hallowell) and John Piotti (D-Unity) are engaged in a race for House majority leader.

Berry said he is running because he wants to see the Democratic caucus well organized and unified, and believed he has the time, energy and commitment to do the job.

He said the Democrats will have a strong majority next session.

"I'm feeling very good about the way things are going," Berry said. "I'm completely blown away by the quality of our candidates."

Berry, a teacher in the off-session, is completing his first term in the Legislature. He is a member of the Legislature's joint Utilities and Energy Committee.

He previously served as chairman of the Bowdoinham selectmen.

Pilon said he decided to run because he is concerned about the direction of the Democratic caucus. "I believe they need someone with experience in the leadership role."

He said his background in business gives him this leadership experience, and his work in sales and marketing has provided him with the negotiating skills needed.

Pilon is currently serving his second term, and serves on the Legislature's joint Taxation Committee.
Outside of the Legislature he is a real estate broker.

Dill said her background in the legal profession and on community partnership teams have prepared her with the leadership skills needed for the job.

In her first term, she said she has developed a background in working across the aisle, and is regarded as a moderate.

A member of the Cape Elizabeth town council, she said she was initially recruited to run for the House. "I was thinking about where I'd best fit in, and that's being in leadership," she said.

Dill is completing her first term and serves on the Legislature's joint Judiciary Committee. Outside the Legislature she runs her own law office.