Maine Nurses Endorse Chellie Pingree

The Maine State Nurses Association (MSNA) has endorsed Chellie Pingree for Congress in Maine’s 1st District. MSNA President Maureen Caristi, RN said Pingree will fight for the best interests of patients and nurses in Congress.

“I think everyone understands that we need real, significant health care reform at the national level,” Caristi said.  “And Chellie Pingree has proven she knows how to bring about that kind of change.  In the Legislature she stood up to the big drug companies to pass MaineRx.  We need her in Washington standing up to the special interests who don’t want to see our health care system changed.”

MaineRX was a bill sponsored by Pingree that forced pharmaceutical companies to negotiate in Maine for lower prescription drug prices.  The drug companies unsuccessfully fought the bill all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Lots of people talk about health care reform,” Caristi said, “but Chellie Pingree has proven she knows how to make it happen.”

“I’m honored to have the support of nurses in Maine,” Pingree said.  “Nurses are on the front lines of our healthcare system and they see first-hand how badly change is needed.”

“Maine families know this is not the time for small changes in our health care system—we need a complete overhaul to put quality, affordable health care within reach of every American,” Pingree said.

MSNA is a member of the California Nurses Association.

In addition to the Nurses’ Association, Pingree has been endorsed by dozens of organizations, including the Maine State Employees Association and the Maine Education Association.

Chellie Pingree is the Democratic candidate for Congress in Maine’s 1st Congressional District.  Pingree, from North Haven, served in the Maine Legislature as Senate Majority Leader.  After running for the United States Senate in 2002, she was selected as the national president of Common Cause.  Pingree, a mother of three, has started two successful small businesses, providing year round jobs in her community.

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