
Maine Democratic National Committeeman Troy Jackson is calling on fellow supporters of Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders to heed the former presidential candidate’s call and work against the “unfathomable” prospect of a Republican Donald Trump presidency.
Jackson, a logger from Allagash seeking a return to the state Senate this fall, said he stood among “wild and negative” Sanders supporters who booed when Sanders urged them to support presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Monday in Philadelphia.
Jackson said the crowd “wanted Bernie to say something that he obviously couldn’t deliver”: that he’d fight for the presidency until the end.
Though Jackson signed a symbolic petition calling for Sanders’ nomination, he acknowledged voters have two choices: “One is unfathomable, and the other is certainly not inspiring, but it’s what we have.”
Also in the room was Sanders delegate Liz Smith, of Camden, a political newcomer thinking of running for office. She said she wants to continue the political movement Sanders inspired.
Jackson said he’s hoping for Sanders’ endorsement in November.
Sanders alternate delegate David Flores, of South Berwick, said once Clinton receives the party’s nomination at the Democratic National Convention this week he’ll work to help her win and hopes other supporters follow suit.
Clinton delegate Cynthia Dill, of Cape Elizabeth, praised Sanders’ message and said it’s no longer about the candidates but “lining up behind the platform and up and down the ticket.”
Portland Democratic Rep. Diane Russell, a Sanders delegate, received cheers at the convention Monday afternoon for speaking in support of Clinton and a compromise deal to reduce the power of superdelegates.
Maine Democratic Party Chairman Phil Bartlett called it “the right move” for outgoing DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz to resign following a leaked-email scandal and said the campaigns should keep moving forward united to advance democratic values.
Sanders delegate Seth Berner, of Portland, said many people adamantly opposed to Clinton have hardened that stance following the release of DNC emails apparently showing staff working against Sanders.
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