Maine senator from Orono to seek 2nd District seat

AUGUSTA — State Sen. Emily Cain, D-Orono, announced Friday that she will seek the congressional seat currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud.

Cain is one of several candidates angling for the 2nd Congressional District seat following Michaud’s announcement Thursday that he was exploring a run for governor. Cain, in a written statement, said she filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission and is proceeding with formalizing her campaign.

Cain served as the House Democratic leader when Republicans controlled the Legislature between 2011 and 2012. She is currently a member of the Legislature’s powerful budget-writing committee.

“During my nine years in the Legislature I have fought to protect and create jobs, make college more affordable, increase accountability in government, and support Maine workers and their families,” Cain said in a statement. “I will take those same priorities with me when I go to Washington.”

Cain also touted her ability to broker compromises. In December Gov. Paul LePage singled Cain out as one of a few Democrats he could work with.

“Congress is broken. The way we fix it is by electing people who know how to get things done — even when partisan tensions run high,” Cain said. “I have the experience to make sure that happens.”

Cain is one of several candidates weighing a run for Michaud’s congressional seat.

Democrats include:

• Joe Baldacci, a Bangor city councilor who is the younger brother of former U.S. House member and Gov. John Baldacci.

• State Sen. Troy Jackson of Allagash.

• Attorney General Janet Mills.

• Secretary of State and former U.S. Senate candidate Matt Dunlap.

Republicans include:

• Former state Sen. Richard Rosen of Bucksport.

• Former House Minority Leader Josh Tardy.

• State Sen. Garrett Mason of Lisbon Falls.

• Rep. Alex Willette of Mapleton, the current assistant House minority leader.

• Former Senate President Kevin Raye, who twice ran unsuccessfully against Michaud.