Radio Address - Sen. Hobbins on bipartisanship

As we start a new year, we, as Democrats, find ourselves in a new role. For the first time in more than forty years, Democrats are the minority party in the legislature and the Blaine House. And, just as each new year brings new challenges, it also provides opportunities. The Democratic caucus remains hopeful of the opportunities, and, determined to work through the challenges that lie ahead.

Yesterday, Governor LePage was sworn in and gave his inaugural address. I want to congratulate the Governor for his thoughtful speech and expressed willingness to put partisan politics aside. “Putting people ahead of politics” is a longstanding democratic value and we look forward to sharing that principle across the aisle.

Governor LePage’s personal story of rising from hardship to achieve the highest political office in Maine is a testament to his determination and proven work ethic. To that end, he has put forth a lofty plan. As Democrats we were especially impressed by his commitment to Maine’s educational system. We applaud his goal of making Maine the number one state in the country for education. And, as Democrats, we remain true to fairness and equity, transparency and accountability, equality and accessibility. We are

united in our wish to move Maine forward.

It is our job to find solutions to the challenges facing our state. Both parties must operate with a spirit of cooperation and good faith to solve the state’s financial problems, to make government more efficient, and to create an environment more conducive to job creation.

We know that we will not agree on everything. But, we will work with Governor LePage to find common ground because we know the only way to move Maine forward is by taking action. This state can no longer tolerate a stalemate.

There will be issues that cut, fundamentally, at who we are as people and on those issues, the Democratic Caucus will stand strong.

As public servants, we are here to represent Maine people, protect Maine people, and strengthen Maine’s position in the global economy.

We will continue to fight to protect the elderly, disabled, the young and the working people of Maine.

We will continue to defend the Constitution and will stand up each and every time when legislation threatens the civil rights of any Maine person.

And, we will continue to advocate for every person who goes to work every day in an effort to provide for their family and for every person who wants to go work every day but can’t.

Like the hardworking people of Maine we know that we can move Maine forward but only by working hard and working together.

The voters have placed with us a tremendous amount of trust.

Only by extending that trust to one another, will we be able to meet the extraordinary challenges of our time.