Jean Hay Bright's campaign for US senate may receive a much-needed shot in the arm when progressive congressman and former prez candidate Dennis Kucinich comes to Maine to stump for her. Hay Bright, who was a local co-coordinator on Kucinich's presidential campaign in 2003 and 2004, is miles behind incumbent republican Olympia Snowe, according to a recent poll by Strategic Marketing Services. According to a report published on Tuesday by the Portland Press Herald, SMS says roughly 9 percent of Maine voters intend to support Hay Bright, compared with roughly 73 percent of voters who support Snowe. Ouch.
Kucinich, who is running for reelection in Ohio, will speak on Monday, October 9 at South Portland High School. The event is free, with requested donations to Hay Bright's campaign of $5 for students, $10 for adults. Hay Bright will likely appreciate all the spare change she can get, since she's up against an unbeaten opponent who has over $2 million on hand without any debt, according to June 30 figures from the Federal Election Commission, the most recent available. Hay Bright, according to the FEC, was operating with only $119 on hand and a debt of more than $12,000. Double ouch.
Hay Bright and Kucinich have both made their opposition to the Iraq war a central element of their platforms. Kucinich endorsed Hay Bright last spring.
Jean Hay Bright listens while Kucinich speaks to a group in Maine in an undated photo.