For over seven years, Maine citizens have been told about what was wrong with our state. Fear, negativity and hyperpartisanship are, unfortunately, often common in Augusta.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

We can do better.

That’s why in the upcoming Democratic primary, I support Adam Cote for governor. Adam is a strong leader who can unleash the potential in our state for more robust growth, greater equity and renewed hope in the future.

Adam served 20 years in the Maine Army National Guard, is a clean energy entrepreneur and is strongly committed to service. He is from Sanford and believes in core Democratic values, such as equal rights, workers’ rights and inclusivity. He believes women should have the right to make their own health care decisions.

Growing the Maine economy and Maine jobs is his No. 1 priority. This can be accomplished through education and workforce training, infrastructure and renewable energy and not just sitting on Maine’s competitive advantages, but actively building on them.

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Let’s be honest: It’s hard to imagine that the general election campaign will be a genteel affair that sticks closely to the issues. Whoever becomes the Democratic gubernatorial candidate is bound to be the recipient of plenty of mud thrown by opponents.

That mud won’t stick to Adam.

He can also win in November.

I believe that his background as an outsider to Augusta, an entrepreneur and someone who has seen combat tours in Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia makes him an exemplary candidate to lead the Maine Democratic Party to victory in November.

That’s why I will be ranking him as my first choice on June 12.

Karl G. Trautman

Portland


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