PRESS RELEASE
Jackson And Sen. Sanders' Mission To Lower Costs For Mainers Garners Local And National Attention
PORTLAND, ME — Fifth-generation logger, former Maine Senate President, and Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Troy Jackson and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders traveled across the state this weekend, rallying thousands of Mainers behind their shared vision of a government that works for working people. As the second week of early voting begins, Jackson and Sanders encouraged attendees to get-out-the-vote and talk with friends, family, and neighbors about the importance of the upcoming election.
The three rallies made waves across the state as media outlets reported on the unprecedented energy in Maine.
See the coverage below:
Bangor Daily News: Bernie Sanders rallies with Troy Jackson in Bangor as Senate race tightens
Jackson, the former Maine Senate president, focused his remarks on the central message that the government should work for the people, not wealthy donors and corporations. He pointed to his time in the Maine Legislature as an example of his commitment to the people of Maine, and pledged to fight for progressive policies like Medicare for All.
“We’re not from the left, we’re not from the right. We’re from the bottom, and we’re rising,” Jackson said. “I’ve had the honor of having some power for 20 years, and I’ve tried to remember one thing: It was never mine. You gave it to me.”
Portland Press Herald: Troy Jackson, Bernie Sanders bring ‘Solidarity Forever’ tour to Lewiston
Jackson also focused on Sen. Susan Collins’ shortfalls in her 30 years as a senator, pointing to her tendency to side with Trump and recent pay-to-play allegations. “Senator Collins has had 30 years in Washington. She tells us that she’s one of the most powerful people in the U.S. Senate. So I think that Maine has the right to ask, ‘Well, what the hell did you do with that time?’” Jackson said.
“Troy came in like gangbusters,” Schwartz said, speaking to how quickly Jackson managed to build a platform before the election. “It really speaks to the hunger that Mainers have for social justice, economic justice, addressing healthcare issues, addressing housing issues, childcare issues. Troy stands for all the things that I believe Mainers really want.”
WABI: Bernie Sanders joins Troy Jackson for ‘Solidarity Forever’ tour in Maine
“So, I am running around the country and others are doing the same for two goals. Number one, we’ve got to stop Trump. We got to make sure Democrats gain control over the House and the Senate, but that is not enough. We got to make sure that when Democrats do have control over the House and the Senate, they have the guts to stand up to their campaign contributors and fight for an agenda that works for working families.”
Former Maine Senate President Jackson said his priorities include protecting and expanding Social Security, supporting unions and schools, and Medicare for All.
WVII (FOX 22/Fox Bangor): Troy Jackson campaigns with Bernie Sanders in Bangor
"People tell me all the time that this is impossible, but when somebody tells me those things are impossible, I've got an answer for them. We've already started doing them here in Maine. When we were told that we couldn't guarantee meals in schools for kids, we did it. And when we were told paid medical family leave was too ambitious, we did it," said Jackson.
"When he is elected I hope he will bring attention to working people, he's huge in the labor movement," said Lisa Satchfield, a Maine resident.
Sean Tessler: Jackson focusing his speech on affordability.
Troy Jackson: They're cutting back. They're saving up. They're trying to take care of their families, and they are still falling behind.
Sean Tessler: The Democratic candidate also responding to Susan Collins, saying she is the most bipartisan U.S. senator.
Troy Jackson: Senator Collins starts voting with Trump 96% of the time. Look, look, I'm sorry. I don't care who the president is. That is not independence.
Supporter 1: It might be time for a change here in Maine, and I think he could really bring a good new voice and help bring power back to the people.
WGME: Bernie Sanders joins Troy Jackson on campaign trail to rally Maine voters
During the event, Jackson told supporters, “If the people with power weren't going to stand after us, then maybe we should fight and take that power back.”
Sanders said the race could help determine which party controls the U.S. Senate, adding, “But if you want, if we as a nation want to hold Trump and his disastrous policies accountable, the only way we can do that is by electing a Democratic Senate.”
Aaron Navarro: But Democrats and voters I've talked to here feel that it's different this time because of Susan Collins' vote for Justice Kavanaugh as they pinned her for the overturning of Roe v. Wade that was decided in that Dobbs decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. They also feel that Troy Jackson is someone that represents Mainers, has a background that they can connect with. One voter described him as pretty down to earth, so that's the reason why you're seeing a lot of optimism here, and I'm sure Bernie Sanders coming to town, as well as doing more events tomorrow in the Portland area, will help grow that energy.
WMTW (Portland ABC): Sen. Bernie Sanders Joins Troy Jackson In Bangor Rally
"Immigrants aren't deciding whether you can afford health care, gas or groceries, and immigrants sure as hell aren't the reason that working people have been getting screwed in this country my whole damn life," stated Jackson.
Sanders largely emphasized Democratic control of the Senate, stating the race between Troy Jackson and Republican Sen. Susan Collins holds incredible importance to a Democratic majority. "If you want to hold Donald Trump and his disastrous policies accountable, the only way to do that is by electing a Democratic Senate," added Sanders.
CNN: Bernie Sanders Stumps for Troy Jackson in Maine this Weekend
Arlette Saenz: Senator Bernie Sanders is set to hold his final rally of his swing through Maine here as he is trying to boost the Democratic candidate Troy Jackson in this race. Sanders is really a key motivator for many of the Democratic base here in the state of Maine. [...]
Arlette Saenz: [Troy Jackson] said that he does believe that Sanders can help drive up the vote across the state, with both Democrats and those moderates and Independents.
[Jackson] continued to frame his campaign as an effort to give working-class people a stronger voice in government. “Working people have built this country, and working people ought to have a government that works for them,” Jackson said. “That’s what this campaign is about — it’s what it’s always been about.” “We’re not from the left or the right; we’re from the bottom, and we’re rising,” he added.
Jackson also criticized Collins, arguing that her record in Washington has not adequately addressed the economic pressures facing Maine families. “Senator Collins wants a medal for getting road salt off the list,” Jackson said, reiterating a remark he made during a recent debate against Collins. “Well, Senator, we can’t eat road salt! And honestly, the rest of your excuses aren’t tasting very good either.”
Bates Student Newspaper: Bernie Sanders Joins Troy Jackson for Rally in Lewiston
“Senator Collins has had 30 years in Washington,” Jackson said in his speech. “She tells us that she’s one of the most powerful people in the U.S. Senate. So I think that Maine has the right to ask, ‘Well, what the hell did she do with [that power]?’”
Jackson has built his campaign around being a lifelong member of the working class, and he spoke frankly about his intent to center Maine’s working class in his campaign and beyond. “It’s different towns, different struggles, but it’s the same damn truth,” Jackson said of his experiences with Mainers on the campaign trail. “People are working harder than ever just to keep their heads above water.”
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