Christopher Dodd

Peter CianchetteIf confirmed as U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica, Peter Cianchette said he will focus on strengthening trade between the country and the United States, and work with local law enforcement to combat drugs being grown in the Latin American country.

Cianchette, Maine’s Republican National Committeeman, appeared before the U.S. Foreign Relations Committee Wednesday for a confirmation hearing. President Bush tapped him for the post in February.

Shalom Odokara, a prominent womens rights activist in Maine, represented the Obama campaignA couple of presidential hopefuls have stopped in Maine, but face it -- we’re not a priority state for the candidates.

We’re definitely not an ideal location for a debate anytime soon.

Thursday night, though, the Kennebec County Democrats hosted a surrogate debate at Augusta City Hall, gathering local campaign workers and volunteers to speak on their behalf, all who consider themselves “avid supporters”.

In the end, the county group asked for donations. The campaign collecting the most could keep the money. The rest would go to the Kennebec County Democrats. John Edwards’ campaign took home $147 ($135 from one person.) The Democrats got $75.

Four surrogates came, though representatives from all the Democratic campaigns were invited.