AUGUSTA, Maine — A primary challenger to U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe and a self-proclaimed tea partier has unenrolled from the Republican party in the wake of the state GOP’s recent caucuses.
Andrew Ian Dodge of Harpswell announced on Tuesday that he was severing ties with his party but said he plans to remain in the Senate race as an independent.
Dodge told the liberal website Talking Point Memo that the Maine Republican Party’s handling of its recent presidential caucuses was the last straw.
The Maine GOP has been criticized for declaring Mitt Romney the winner of a presidential preference poll on Feb. 11 before all the results were gathered.
The party also later admitted to clerical errors that resulted in some communities being omitted from the results. Among those errors were that some results that were emailed to the party ended up in the spam folder.
The Maine GOP has made amends by updating those results, but there is still some animosity that could generate discussion at the next state committee meeting on March 10. The Waldo County Republicans last week recommended a censure of party Chairman Charlie Webster.
Dodge was particularly critical of Webster in his comments.
“Webster patronized and belittled members of his own party to save his own skin. And his excuse the results were in the ‘spam folder’ … well, that is so bad it’s beyond comment,” Dodge told Talking Points Memo. “I have no idea whether it is because of corruption or ineptitude
but the handling of it made it worse and made it look like it was corruption.”
With Dodge out of the Republican race, Scott D’Amboise of Lisbon Falls is the sole GOP challenger to Snowe.
Neither Dodge nor D’Amboise are considered serious challengers to Snowe by political observers, but the three-term senator is taking the race seriously and has been raising money accordingly. Her most recent campaign finance report showed her with $3.4 million in cash raised, much more than any other candidate.
Four Democrats — former Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, state Rep. Jon Hinck of Portland and state Sen. Cynthia Dill of Cape Elizabeth and Benjamin Pollard, a Portland home builder — will compete in a June primary.
Who in the world is going to give this guy money?
Doing a little profiling??
No – actually I was referring to the idea that a newly Independent candidate would try to challenge a strong Republican incumbent after alienating most of the Republicans in the State. You seem to be the one ‘profiling’.
Ha ha, right Bangorian. Glad you didn’t say it about Obama!!
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I suspect you’ve passed on some mighty fine books because of the cover. Too bad he isn’t clean shaven and wearing a $1500.00 suit a la Mr. Snowe. I just read this article and wondered just where did the $3,4oo,ooo.00 that Olympia has for her reelection come from.
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I can see why someone might choose him over Olympia, actually, I just might. But I don’t why someone would choose him over Scott.
Maybe he’ll have his caucus on downtown Main Street, Bangor!
Really? THIS is the face of the Tea Party???
“And Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner will be signing autographs starting at 2PM in the Adirondack Lounge…set your phasers on ‘excited’…”
and look who his followers are. EJ Parsons, amconservative, Cheesecake, larryfromcamden and bonny. Sure does say a lot about their thought process.
Easy, easy now. Don’t go accusing them of having thoughts. Too hahhhhhrrrd.
this is NOT the face of the tea party
what is the face of the tea party/Repub/Dem when I look at them I see kosch and that norquist guy.Not that my opinion means anything, but I feel any politician that pledges an oath to 1 man, or small elite few, and put’s it before his oath to the American people is an act of TREASON.
This is the face of the Tea Party!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUPMjC9mq5Y
you people are funny, always voting on appearances instead of intelligence and ideals.
go back to watching america’s next top model if you want that sort of entertainment.
So professional looking.
Judged as a man, even, Sen. Snowe still dresses better than this guy.
He needs a indie consultant to teach him how to accessorize better.
His scarf just screams: “I’m poison, so you should drink my TEA”
I had to look at the caption twice.
I thought it was Ron Jeremy
That’s funny.
You Guys Are Cracking me up! OMG!!
Years ago we held a few “Tea Parties”,but this guy looks like he is still on the bong. LOL !
I was thinking when they told him they were going to be a tea party , he may have already been having a different kind of tea party ! Why is it when i look at his picture, the phrase CAN I DRIBBLE , I KNOW HOW TO DRIBBLE comes to mind !
Yep. I’m not sure what those skulls and cross bones on the scarf represent. Maybe he’s starting the “Pirates Party”……to pirate away the other disenfranchised Republicans.
Don’t believe they represent pirates.
Looks like poison to me…
Love the skull and crossbones scarf! I hope AID stays active in politics – if only for the entertainment value.
I think Mr Webster needs some attention. Not because of this guy.
Good Golly Miss Molly!
Remember the kids in High School that never came out of the art room?
Never did take Andrew Ian Dodge seriously, but Scott D’Amboise is a very credible conservative candidate.
You’re kidding!
That clown spends $3 to raise $1… and HE’S going to the US Senate to show them how to manage the Budget???
Nope. I don’t think so.
Besides – SINCE WHEN does one term as a Town Selectman in Lisbon (“Moxie Day”) Falls qualify this goof-ball to be a United States Senator???
about the same time a questionable, short history politician qualifies for president.
A citizen of America will cross the ocean to fight for democracy, but won’t cross the street to vote in a national election.
….
Andrew Dodge finally woke up and found out that the republican party in Maine is a corrupt party. Now he want to run as an independent, not much of a chance there.
Why is the BDN having an article on this guy who is a totally irrelevant non-player other than to pretend that he is a typical representation of the tea party? This guy is obviously a joke and he looks the part of an unemployed pirate reenactor or group-home RA. For the BDN to suggest that this guy is a relevant and typical Tea Party type and that his disenfranchisement with the Maine state Republican party is representative of a trend is pathetic. The only ones who have a problem with the Maine GOP right now are the insanely self-righteous and holier-than tho Ron Paul supporters who are so proud of themselves, they will probably all vote for Paul even if he isn’t on the November ticket.
AgentP, I happen to be a Ron Paul supporter. I am NOT self-righteous or holier than thou. I do believe Dr. Paul is the only candidate who will represent WE THE PEOPLE and give the country back to us as our founding father’s declared in the United States Constitution. I did write in Ron Paul in 2008 and if need be, I will again rather than vote with any one of the other political PROSTITUTES! If you choose to go with one of the others that would sell you out in a heart beat, be my guest.
Roll eyes… so you self-righteously vote for somebody with zero chance even if the possible outcome is that a socialist like Obama wins… nice. I’m glad you get to proudly tell your friends that you wrote-in for Paul in 2008, you’re hardcore. I for instance prefer Santorum and will vote for him if I can, but unless he wins the primary, I wont vote for him. I will vote for whomever the Republican candidate is since anything… even Snowe or Collins would be light-years better than Obama. It’s called being realistic, and not giving in to the proud notion of “keeping it real” which is an overrated illusion. Why vote for Paul if he’s not on the ticket? Remember what happened to Gore in 2000 when Nader spoiled it in Florida? Seriously now….
Sorry but Santorum is one who himself said “I can’t wait to rule.” Well, my ancestors fought for this country to be run FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE” and I will be damned if I let a religious zealot like Santorum rule me. I certainly will not vote for Romney as he is just another political prostitute. If you so choose to vote for someone who would sell you out to the highest bidder, be my guest. I prefer to be able to say I stood with someone who believed in the document that was the basis for our government.
By the way, 2000 Florida. Well, did you know that many blacks were prevented from voting? Roadblocks were put up or they were told there were no more ballots. Before you say it was investigated, we were told it was but even the news stations in Florida never got the results of the “investigation”. I know this to be as I have family living there and they have been there for over 20 yrs. I don’t trust ANY politician following the party platform. I only trust people willing to be honest and up front with the people and if some people took the time to listen and research without guidance from their “party” they would find Dr.Paul is the ONLY person who has not changed his views. That speaks volumes. It is a shame some people have given up on independent thinking and research. They would rather do what they are TOLD to do!
Andrew is a very capable and devoted conservative.
There are many that would look at just the outside package, and ignore what he can do for the State of Maine.
My decision to stick with Olympia is “only” the fact she is very entrenched and has become very powerful in DC, if not for that valuable status, I would be supporting Andrew.
Snowe is a RINO and does not represent true Republicans in this state!
Yes, and no.
Your right in that she has lost much sight of her conservative base here in Maine, but to replace her now would be a very big mistake. Olympia’s power in Washington cannot be matched with any incoming alternative, and would take any new freshman many years, and luck to achieve where she is now.
We need things to get better here in Maine now, but what we fail to see that things could get a whole lot worse without people like Olympia
She is definitely powerful. But her power comes from her reputation as a ‘swing vote’. We need a solid vote for smaller government and sound policies.
I would agree, but we also need someone with real connections, be on the right committees and knows how to manipulate DC to get the job done
Really, do you think that in these last 2 years things have gotten better in Maine with
Madam Snowe Job. If you do then I suggest that you take another look. She has not been good for Maine and she has not been good for the U.S.A. She has become a ‘hack’ and has become a very rich woman from her wall street hedge fund and insurance industry ‘friendships’. And, we still have not had an explanation for her husband’s not for profit school business scams.
Senator Snowe has proven to be a benefit for the time she has been in office, unlike Michaud & Pingree
Republicans are RINOs
Yes, sir. Go Scott!
Snowe is clearly a republican – in name and in record. Her voting record is NOT liberal. While it is true that she has voted “common sense,” that does not make her a RINO. Same goes for Collins.
Both have Maine at the top of their voting list. This isn’t South Carolina, Maine wants folks who can see both sides of an issue not blindly voting for extremes of either side.
the fact that she is “very powerful” and “entrenched” is exactly why we need to vote for someone else, the entire Senate and Congress needs an overhaul, way too many lobbyist’s in government now, the people we supposedly elect aren’t even there to serve the people anymore, just special interests and their own bank accounts, she may be better than some of them but I doubt she is immune to it
aaaah no
You may be right that we need to get rid of lobbyist’s, but we still need Snowe
Huh?! :)
People making comments about his appearance as if this photo was hand picked by him rather than the BDN in order to try and do exactly what is happening. Stir up the mental midgets…
Typical mindless electorate judging by looks and attire rather than issues…explains a lot about why the country is in the shape it is. I’d take this guy over the old Snowe bag any day….
Check google images of Andrew- it doesn’t get any better, except that he doesn’t always appear cross-eyed. To be fair, he’s not a bad looking guy. But his CHOSEN personal presentation doesn’t do him any favors.
Maybe he will clean up before November… Then again, maybe he is in a makeup, like the “Tea Party”.
Yes because the other parties have done this country so much good.
Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don’t vote.
This is probably good news. It makes it more likely that Scott can defeat Olympia in June! It will still be an uphill battle, but it now looks more do-able!
Snowe has been Pirating Money into her accounts since she has been in the Senate. She just don’t wear a Pirate Scarf. Besides Snowe has already won Novembers election. The Fix is in. Republicans have their Voter Fraud machine operating.
You fools tried your best, but STILL couldn’t hijack enough caucuses to drag that irrelevant wing-nut RON PAUL across the Finish Line. And Maine was his best shot to steal a win anywhere.
So being for the United States Constitution and living by that document makes you an irrelevant wing-nut! Rather be a wing-nut than a political prostitute.
Still, I think any Republican who would rather have Scott be our nominee should go out and vote in June. Upsets do happen. It’s worth a try.
It appears Dodge is auditioning for the remake of Animal House.
TOGA TOGA TOGA
It’s a shame John Belushi can’t be his Campaign Manager…
My thoughts exactly. Remember the posters “US Senator Blutarsky”?
John , we have enough comedians from Chicago in politics ! And singing the blues to boot !
The funny thing is that this move to leave the GOP for the FIRST time puts Mr. Dodge’s thinking in line with what many mainstream Republicans are thinking. My advice to them, don’t follow people who think like Mr. Dodge or Mr. LePage (Are these two related? Mr. Dodge looks like Paul’s little brother!). It would be best for all if you to simply join with the Democrats instead!
Good luck in November. Go LePage!
He also has a skull and crossbones scarf on… are we really supposed to believe he was ever a viable candidate? Not so much.
He’s a pirate like Bluto
I’d vote for him for the very reason that he’s trying to remove himself from a corrupt system.
He may be cross eyed or what ever but he clearly believes in right and wrong and honesty a rare trait as far as I’m concerned.Most the politician’s I’ve been watching seem to all be bought and paid for.So like always try to vote for the lesser of the 2 evil’s GL everyone.
It’s still voting for evil.
try voting for a good candidate like this guy or ron paul.
WOW those Tea Party Folks. Makes you really wonder. Wonder if he just got back from Pirating the Somali Coast. HARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Wow, you’re ****ing right!
The republicans and democrats have done so well for us! we should just keep on electing more of them!
Remember,
insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Why limit your choice of interpretation to corruption OR ineptitude, Mr. Dodge? This is the Maine Republican Party we’re talking about here. There’s plenty of scope for both at once.
more and more people will soon leave this sinking ship… as they realize the corruption and ineptitude
Spoken like a true Liberal
As if the Democraps are lily white
You do realize that there are parties other than the democrats and republicans?
how about voting for an independent or constitutionalist for once?
Did he sever ties with Republican Party or was it the other way around?
Well there, now there is CLEAR choice for Maine Republicans! Prediction: Primary, SNOWE 75%.
November: Snowe 59%.
Actually, I think Olympia’s biggest hurdle will be the June Primary. If she gets past the June Primary, she will almost certainly win in
November. Constitutionalists and conservatives like me will likely ‘hold
our nose’ and unenthusiastically vote for the ‘lesser of 2 evils’,
while she will add to her total with her coalition of Independents and
moderate Democrats.
If Snowe is vulnerable at all, it is in June.
That is when the conservative base of the GOP has a chance to shock the
establishment and get the attention of the whole nation. And hey, even
if Snowe does win (and I would say she has the edge), it will be nice to
at least have a real choice, if only in the Primary.
She will handily win the Primary. To beat her, we’d have to have a “known quantity” that isn’t illiterate and can make an intelligent statement and is easily identifiable to voters. Opposition now doesn’t meet those criteria. They’ve been “out there” for over a year but no one pays attention to what they say because it too far out.
Wait, Ron Jeremy lives in Maine?
If this is the face of a supposed ‘United GOP’, then I seriously suggest that Rence and Company start packing right now for a nice long vacation in Iceland. And as a registered Independent I can say with some certainty that Dodge is going to be a rapidly forgotten Candidate except for his name on the ballot. Between the Tea Party , now in Maine clearly identified with Dodge and Company, and Religious Ricky, almost non-stop spouting his religious dogma as both political rhetoric but also, more seriously, as a preview of his domestic and foreign policy agenda’s, the Country as a whole is never going to have a more clearly defined Election and Candidate’s position’s seen in over 40 year’s. Not since Kennedy and Goldwater have political party’s been so radically at opposite ends of the political spectrum. And we all saw how that turned out. An educated voter is a smart voter. Education is not necessarily in the school’s and classroom. Sometimes it can even occur in the media. Priceless, isin’t it ?
This is what I see when I think Tea Party.
That is generally what I envision when I think Occupy Whatevah
It would be nice to think of this as a turning point in the Republican Party, a time when the nut-jobs, tea-baggers, talking head, and other racists, bigots, zealots. and bullies left the party and allowed the hard-working, moderates, right of center and adult acting people to take charge once again. If we can say good-bye to the Charlies, Big Paulies, and nuts like this, perhaps those of us forced out of our father’s GOP can return. If not, the GOP will cease to function as a unifying agent and be placed with the other political relics of earlier days like the Whigs, Bull-Moose, and Tories.
Yes because everyone should buy into the BS left vs right, republican vs democrat system that has worked so well for us…
as long as the american people are enthralled by the circus act that the politicians put on each election year then we will never progress as a country.
How about voting for one of the candidates for what they believe, not what they promise they’ll give to you.
If you think either party is going to listen to you or anyone else tell them what to do or say, you are mistaken.
U.S. Senator Blutarsky? Just gave away my age, lol.
This guys dad was Chris Farley, John Belushi and Bill Murry!!!
He is a pretty stealthy Democrat for trying to pull this off.
Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke. – Will Rogers
Sweet Jesus…… I want some of what ever HE’S got!!! Good nuff to trigger the lazy eye………
An unemployed, unemployable parasite who lives in his mother’s basement is going to run as an Independent?? I’m not sure that his total reliance on others (his mother) for his existence in Harpswell qualifies him to change to that particular party, LOL.
And Anotherone bites the dust!
The Tea party is and was a Means to an End for the Corporate Republicans!
You Just Gotta See it to Believe It!
http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/bl-tea-party-signs.htm
Not for nothing, but if I had a face like that I’d shave my… and walk… Oh, wait a min. My wife says I already do, never mind.
Why hasn’t Charlie been arrested yet?…If he knew what was good for him, he’d better get on the next plane out of the country
lapudge jr
Why are there no pirates in Maine?
Because they can’t say ARR!
So far, as I see it, and whether I like it or not, Snowe is sure thing come November. I sure hope someone else rises to the surface of this polluted mess.
I don’t see Snowe being taken down in November. If she gets past the June Primary, she will almost certainly win in November. Constitutionalists and conservatives like me will likely ‘hold our nose’ and unenthusiastically vote for the ‘lesser of 2 evils’, while she will add to her total with her coalition of Independents and moderate Democrats.
If Snowe is vulnerable at all, it is in June. That is when the conservative base of the GOP has a chance to shock the establishment and get the attention of the whole nation. And hey, even if Snowe does win (and I would say she has the edge), it will be nice to at least have a real choice, if only in the Primary.
So….what are his qualifications, other than the fact that he’s member of the Tea Party? I won’t judge (completely) by the cover, but he sure isn’t presenting himself like a serious contender. So, overlooking his unprofessional presentation…….what is his education, his experience, his skill set. Why should I (or anyone) take him seriously????
I agree with your assessment of Dodge. D’Amboise, on the other, might make a pretty good Senator. And, hey, he would almost certainly be better than Snowe.
LOUIE LOOEYE, OH OH , now we gotta go, do do ……..do do do !