Adam Cote - Maine Democrats latest cover boy?
By Wally EdgeAdam Cote used to be a Republican. He served in Iraq, and is an attorney specializing in energy and real estate development issues. He inspired Republican State Senator Karl Turner and Former GOP leader, Tony Payne to temporarily switch parties. He even made a glowing impression on the conservative talk show host Ray Richardson. The topic of Adam's Republican fan club came up during Cote's campaign for the Democratic nomination for Maine's 1st Congressional District. Although he lost the nomination to Chellie Pingree, Cote, with no political experience under his belt, toppled liberal darlings Ethan Strimling, Mark Lawrence and Mike Brennan, with second place finish.
Cote definitely caught the eye of the powers that be in Maine Democratic circles. In fact, Governor Baldacci just nominated him to fill a vacancy on Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, which oversees the fate of the Brunswick Naval Air Station once the navy exits in 2011.
So what does the future hold for Cote? Well, it looks as though Cote is working on that. He made the trek to the Maine Potato Blossom Festival to march with fellow Democrats and has committed to working closely with Democrats in the upcoming election. The Baldacci appointment is a sign that Adam is moving in to the fold.
It's not clear if Republicans have given up hope on the former Republican either. His moderate social and fiscal policies fit nicely with the Republican Party of Southern Maine, and Cote enjoys a professional, if not friendly relationship with Republicans like Turner and State Senator Jon Courtney (R-Sanford). However, if the GOP is going to make a power play move to get Cote to join their ranks, they better come up with a sweat deal, and soon. Although, it look as though that ship may have sailed.
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Demcratic Cover Boy?
"His [conservative] social and fiscal policies fit nicely with the Republican Party," Bingo! That's exactly why 70% of Democrats rejected his politics in the Primary.
Cote's going to have to do more than go to parades if he wants to win over Democrats. He's going to have to espouse some Democratic values. Reversing his opposition to raising the minimum wage, and ending his support of continued funding for the Iraq war would be good places to start.
A good representation of Maine Politics.
I feel like Adam Cote's ability to appeal to both sides of the political spectrum, and his moderate views on the issues, make him a great force in the state of Maine.
Maine is a fiercely independent and moderate state, and that is why Cote came out of nowhere to recieve the second place spot in the primary. He appeals to the independent, centrist Maine Voter, whereas candidates like Lawrence, Brennan, Strimling, and Pingree, with their ultra-liberal views, appealled to the 1st District's liberal enclaves in the greater Portland Area. (As shown by the other comment on this post).
Adam Cote
Not only does Adam Cote have the ability to appeal to both Democrats and moderate Republicans, he also appeals to independents (and in my case, Greens). I definitely have some areas of disagreement with Mr. Cote (minimum wage), but his obvious quality of character creates a sense of trust--as well as the perception that differences can be overcome.
Heck, let me just come right out and say it: "Cote for Governor" definitely sounds good to me!
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