Brennan To Consider Run for Congress
Cites Iraq war as major reason

Former State Senate Majority Leader Michael Brennan (D-Portland) today announced the formation of an exploratory committee to pursue the First District Congressional seat in 2008.

“If Tom Allen decides to challenge Susan Collins next year, Maine will need a principled, effective and progressive voice to continue representing the First District and help shape the future of Maine and the country. I believe my commitment to solving the problems of Maine citizens and my record of getting things done in the legislature put me in position to make a valuable contribution in Washington. Over the next few weeks I will be listening to Mainers in the First District to discuss the challenges they are facing and how their problems should be tackled,” Brennan said.

“The war in Iraq is also at the forefront of my decision to explore running for Congress. It has taken a terrible toll on our military personnel, their families and the reputation of this country throughout the world. I am committed to ending the war in Iraq and reasserting America’s moral authority around the world,” Brennan continued.

“With the change of power in Congress after the November elections, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make meaningful progress for working men and women in the state. We need to set a new direction in health care, the economy, education and the environment. Democrats in Washington have spent the last six years playing defense against an extreme agenda, but today we need to send someone to Congress who can advance a positive, bipartisan agenda that speaks to the hopes of Maine people,” Brennan concluded.

Brennan served in the Maine Senate from 2002 to 2006, rising to the position of Majority Leader in 2005. Brennan served in the Maine House of Representatives from 1992 to 2000, rising to become Chair of the Education Committee from 1998 to 2000. While in the legislature, Brennan chaired special legislative committees that forged bipartisan agreements to reform health care in Maine, implement the School Laptop Program and dramatically revamp the school funding formula.

Brennan is employed as a policy associate at the Muskie School of Public Service, as an adjunct faculty member at the University of New England, and is a licensed clinical social worker. He also co-chairs the Board of Advisors for Casey Family Services, a national organization dedicated to assisting foster children and their families. He and his wife Joan Martay have two sons, Travis, a student at the University of Maine School of Law and Ryan, a student at Bates College.