Vote or Quit Bitchin’ 2006
Local election coverage
Voters’ Guide: State Senate District 9
Brannigan faces Fernald in bid for state Senate
By Chris Busby
Democratic State Senator Mike Brennan decided not to seek another term this year in District 9, which includes the northern portion of Portland and a chunk of Westbrook. This opened the door for Democrat Joe Brannigan to try to return to that chamber after three terms in the House of Representatives. But Brannigan must first fend off a challenge by Republican David Fernald before he can rejoin the senatorial club.
Brannigan, 75, heads the social- and health-services non-profit Shalom House, and has been a fixture in the Maine Legislature for decades. He’s already got four terms in the House and four in the Senate to his credit, in addition to his most recent nine-year House stint.
Fernald, 66, is a first-time candidate with a background in technology and business management consulting. Now retired, he continues to be involved in statewide efforts to support and promote technology and tech-sector business development.
As in several other local races for the Legislature this year, the defining issue in this race is likely to be the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). Brannigan opposes the state-wide spending-control initiative; Fernald reluctantly supports it, adding that he’s running because incumbent lawmakers like Brannigan have failed to show the leadership necessary to bring state spending and taxes under control.
“I am supporting it,” Fernald said of TABOR, “but I expect there will be some changes.”
Brannigan supports giving municipalities like Portland the ability to reap revenue from a so-called “local-option sales tax.” Fernald expressed guarded support for the idea, so long as it’s money generated from tourism, rather than “a sales tax on things local people have to buy.”
Brannigan would support a state ban on assault weapons, and is against the death penalty. Fernald said he likewise sees no justification for the civilian sale of military-style weaponry or the death penalty.
Asked if gay and lesbian couples should have marriage rights equal to those of heterosexual couples, Brannigan replied in the affirmative. Fernald replied, “I think marriage is between a man and a woman. That’s the law today. It’s the law theologically, as well.”
Brannigan expressed limited support for an expansion of gambling in Maine, saying it should be tied to harness racing operations. Fernald said he’d consider each proposal on its social and economic merits. In a similar spirit, Fernald said Peaks Island’s secession bid should be subject to a “fair and honest” discussion of its merits in the Legislature. Brannigan already thinks it’s a bad idea.
On the subject of the state’s Dirigo Health program, Brannigan favors expanding the program and having the state administer it itself, rather than offering it through a private insurance company, as is currently the case. Fernald suggests more substantial changes to the program. Though he notes that Dirigo’s intent “to provide health insurance for the uninsured is not a bad idea,” he favors greater open market competition between private plans and an online rating system similar to those for car insurance.
Though Brannigan is a well-respected lawmaker, this contest could result in an upset Republican victory if TABOR-fueled anger carries the day. Voters in Portland may reject the spending cap, and Fernald with it, but who knows how the sizeable Westbrook portion of the district will come down on this issue?
There hasn’t been a competitive race in District 9 since it was reconfigured several years ago to include part of Westbrook – Brennan ran unopposed in 2004. Back in 2002, Westbrookians chose a Republican, Carolyn Gilman, to represent their Senate district. Gilman bested her Democratic rival there by 27 votes.
