FARMINGTON — “He’s Back!”, she said to a quick burst of applause. Former First Lady of Maine Ann LePage was the featured guest speaker at the Franklin County Republican Caucus, held on Saturday, Feb. 12 in Farmington.

And of course she was referring to her husband and former Governor of the State of Maine, Paul LePage, who served two terms in the Blaine House from 2010 – 2018, and vowed to return if Maine lawmakers did not continue to focus on creating good paying jobs for all Mainers and preserve the limited government policies which he had established while serving as Maine’s 74th Governor. So, expect to see Governor Paul LePage on the campaign trail in Franklin County and at the Maine GOP’s Convention in April.

Bill Crandall of Farmington, Republican Committee chair for Franklin County, led all proceedings.  Representatives of many towns were present to offer voter enrollment opportunities. Any Republican who is registered in Franklin county and wanting to be a delegate at the upcoming State Convention should reach out soon to the County Chair.

Other Republican Candidates were also given the floor to speak.  In order of appearance, they were Liz Caruso of Caratunk, vying for candidacy in the Maine 2nd Congressional District for the U.S. House of Representatives.  And followed by primary challenger and former U.S. Congressman from Maine 2nd Congressional District, Bruce Poliquin.

Mike Soboleski of Phillips was followed by Nancy Bessey of Dallas Plantation.  They are entering as primary challengers for GOP representation in the District 73 race for the Maine House of Representatives.

Current State House Rep. Tom Skofield (R-Weld) then spoke for Maine State Senator Russel Black (R-Wilton) who had conflicting speaking engagements in northern Somerset County.  Black is seeking reelection in District 5.  Skofield later spoke later for Robert Carlton of Freeman Twp who also had scheduling conflicts.  Carlton is running for Franklin County Commissioner, District 3.

Neil Mclean, Jr. of Turner then announced his bid for the District Attorney position for the counties of Androsscoggin, Franklin and Oxford.

Last to speak were Paula Murray and Becky Grant-Widen for Lisa Keim (R- Dixfield), candidate for Maine Senator in District 19.

Some common topics for concern were expressed by several candidates to include:

• Medical Freedom to Choose

• Parental Rights

• Quelling infringements on 1st and 2nd Amendment Rights

• Supporting small businesses in manufacturing, retail and services

• Preserving the environment for sporting and tourism

• Defending Police, first responders, and prosecuting felons

• Securing borders from human invasion and drug trafficking

• Returning to classic education instead of indoctrination

• Lifting all mandates and giving jobs back to all who were fired

• Bringing the unemployment rate back below the national average.

There were many more issues put forward, most highlighting the steep decline in standard of living and skyrocketing costs under the current administrations in local communities, in our state, and and across the nation.

Following the speakers, individual towns held caucuses to establish officers and orders of business for sending delegates to the Republican Convention in April.

Upcoming, the Lincoln Social Event with special guest, Paul LePage, will be held on Friday, March 4th.  Hors d’eorves will start at 6 pm, and program events start at 7 pm. Save the date for this fun night of gathering of Conservative minded fellows. Activities begin with reflections on Abraham Lincoln, and move forward to GOP Governor’s race, representation for the Second Congressional District, and local races here in Maine.

Event is held at 379 Wilton Rd, Farmington (the old Family Dollar) and overflow parking is at 361 Wilton Rd, the Blue Sky.  Shuttle services will be provided for overflow parking.  Seating is limited.  Contact Bill Crandall at crandall.bill@gmail.com for event tickets or for more information on becoming a State Delegate.