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State Rep. Cornell du Houx (D-Brunswick) was once thought a rising star in the world of Maine politics. Then there was a nasty breakup with another lawmaker who filed a temporary protection-from-abuse order against him. By the time a court settlement was negotiated, the head of his own party was publicly calling for him not to seek reelection. Du Houx resisted, but last week announced he would stand down after all, on account of the U.S. Navy having called him up for duty. His political star is no longer ascendant.

Unfortunate timing, perhaps, for North Carolina-based author Jeff L. Thigpen, who earlier this week put out a press release touting his new book. "Rep. Cornell du Houx profiled in On Point: Voices and Values of the Young Elected Officials," the headline reads. "New book highlights 16 young elected officials as they tell their stories."

In the release, Thigpen states he wrote the book to highlight "an emerging group of principled leaders shaping a new era in American politics."

"It's time we know them and why they were inspired to run for elected office, and how they are meeting the challenges of this time in history," he continues, apparently unaware of recent events in Maine. "Most importantly, it is time we hear their stories."

Du Houx was one of only seven state lawmakers chosen for the book, which profiles young elected officials. It went on sale July 1.

Former Maine Sen. George Mitchell wrote the book's preface.

About the Author

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Open Season targets all of Maine's political wildlife, from Portland city government to the donkeys, elephants and independents stalking the Statehouse and U.S. Capitol.

John Richardson joined the Press Herald in 1990 after working as a reporter in New Jersey. He has covered a variety of beats, including marine issues, the environment and health care. He is now covering politics and focusing on Maine's U.S. Senate race.
John can be reached at 791-6324 or jrichardson@pressherald.com
On Twitter: @jrichmaine

Colin Woodard has covered politics and elections for more than two decades, from Bosnia and Bucharest to Washington, D.C., Augusta, and Portland City Hall. He has written for a wide range of national and international publications and is the author of four books, including "American Nations," a history of North America's regional cultures. He joined the Portland Press Herald at the end of April and covers political finance and lobbying, among other things.
Colin can be reached at 791-6317 or cwoodard@pressherald.com

Susan Cover has covered Maine politics for 10 years and worked in Kansas, Ohio and Rhode Island as a reporter. This year, she is focusing on covering the same-sex marriage debate for MaineToday Media.
Susan can be reached at 621-5643 or scover@mainetoday.com

Michael Shepherd joined MaineToday Media in May 2012 after graduating from the University of Maine in Orono, where he edited The Maine Campus, the student newspaper there. Until November he'll be writing the Truth Test, a recurring feature analyzing political statements and advertising.
Michael can be reached at 621-5632 or mshepherd@mainetoday.com

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