Pine State Politics: In Session

Democratic gubernatorial candidate and businessman Angus King III outlines a problem‑solving agenda focused on making life more affordable in Maine—especially by building more housing, strengthening education and job training, and making it easier to start and grow small businesses. Drawing on his background in affordable housing and renewable energy, he emphasizes a practical, “get things done” approach that streamlines government, while balancing values and affordability.Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.

Independent gubernatorial candidate and state senator Rick Bennett explains why he left the Republican Party and his vision for a less partisan, more collaborative style of leadership in Maine. He lays out his main priorities—making housing more affordable, lowering energy costs, strengthening public education, and improving access to healthcare in rural Maine—while emphasizing practical, “what works” solutions borrowed from successful policies in other states.Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.

In this interview, Republican gubernatorial candidate and businessman David Jones argues Maine needs a “CEO-style” governor focused on cutting state spending, reducing regulations, and lowering taxes to create jobs and make the state more affordable and business-friendly. He emphasizes energy costs, education, and taxation as his top priorities, and says his goal is to “unleash” economic growth so young people can build careers and stay in Maine.Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Libby, a longtime state legislator and economics professor, lays out a platform centered on fiscal responsibility and “common-sense” governance, with a focus on lowering property-tax pressure, expanding housing supply, and reducing costs by reforming energy policy. He also emphasizes education and workforce preparation, especially planning for AI’s impact, while highlighting his decision to run as the race’s only Clean Elections candidate as a way to limit big-money influence and increase accountability.Since the recording of this episode, Jim Libby has withdrawn from the Republican gubernatorial primary.Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.

Maine's current Secretary of State and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Shenna Bellows discusses her bid for governor and outlines her “New Deal for Maine.” Bellows talks lowering everyday costs and expanding well-paying job opportunities, improving access to affordable healthcare, and moving faster on clean energy to address climate change to help people afford basic needs and build a secure future in the state.Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.

In our seventh episode we sit down with Maine State Senator Cameron Reny. Senator Reny walks us through how to run a campaign using Clean Election Funds, a system that allows candidates for state office to publicly finance their campaigns. Fun Fact: Senator Reny was Natalie's middle school guidance counselor!

In our fifth episode we sit down with seasoned campaign professional and lobbyist Lauren LePage to talk all things campaign strategy. Lauren is the daughter of former Maine State Governor Paul LePage, and she explains campaign strategy through the lens of Governor LePage's 2010 and 2014 campaigns.

In our third episode, we sit down with the former Deputy Campaign Manager for Pine Tree Power Lucy Hochschartner, and Bowdoin Professor Max Lykins. Lucy talks to us about the logistics behind referendums, ballot initiatives, and the petition process in Maine, while Professor Lykins walks us through the constitutional theory behind direct democracy and referendums.

For our first episode, we sit down with veteran lobbyist and DC insider Peter Madigan, as well as Maine's Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. Our two guests take us through the process of how our government works, with a special emphasis on the difference between DC and Maine (federal and state structures).