Strimling Starts Campaign for US Congress

Portland State Senator Ethan King Strimling has begun his campaign to run for the United States Congress. Strimling’s campaign group met for the first time on November 15th, just eight days after Strimling won re-election to his third term in the Maine State Senate. About forty people attended the event, which was held at The Works restaurant in the Old Port.

“It’s up and running,” said Sive Neilan, Chair of the Portland Democratic City Committee, who praised Strimling’s organization. “He’s going to be the one to beat.”

The District 1 seat in Congress is currently held by Congressman Tom Allen, who is expected to run for the US Senate in 2008 against Senator Susan Collins, but who has made no official announcement. The Strimling campaign did not respond to requests for comments on the campaign and have made no official announcement about it. Strimling is Executive Director of Portland West, and Board President of A Rising Tide, a training program for young people (under 35) interested in politics. Newly-elected West End School Committee member Robert O’Brien is a graduate of the program.

Other Democrats who are expected to run for Allen’s seat include former State Senator Michael Brennan and former House Speaker John Richardson.