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| Maine Green Independent Party Breaks Caucus Records. |
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MAINE GREEN INDEPENDENT PARTY Thursday, March 25, 2004 Contact: Maine Green Independent Party Breaks Caucus Records Augusta, ME -- Maine Green Independent Party officials have confirmed that this year's statewide caucuses mark an all-time high turnout for participation. Over 175 registered Green Independents participated in as many as 64 municipal caucuses held around the state and in each county, a 50% increase from the 41 caucuses held in 2000. The recent change in state law which removed the Presidential primary, leaving it to the parties to determine how their nomination will be decided, is attributed as a major factor contributing to the higher turnout. "Greens realized that given the dynamics of this year's presidential race, who we nominate to be our party's candidate could have as profound of an impact upon the race nationally as do the nominations of the major parties," said Ben Meiklejohn, party chairman and statewide caucus organizer. Official results of the Green caucus votes show that Ralph Nader has won the popular Green vote with 52 votes, a 10-point lead over David Cobb's 42 votes. The Maine Green Independent Party is the first state Green Party to award Ralph Nader as the top vote-getter in a primary or caucuses this year, and it has 19 delegates it may send to the national convention to help determine the outcome of the presidential nomination by the Green Party of the United States. David Cobb currently has the largest commitment of delegates nationwide. The final decision for the presidential nominee will be made at the State Convention, April 17-18 in Lewiston. There, delegates will be elected to represent MGIP at the National Convention in Milwaukee, June 24-27. "There is no 'right' Green opinion on the presidential race this year, as viewpoints on the matter are across the entire spectrum," said Meiklejohn, referring to the diversity of votes for presidential nomination within the party. The official tally, with all municipalities (except LaGrange) having reported their votes to party leaders, is as follows: Ralph Nader 52, David Cobb 42, Lorna Salzman 19, "Nobody" 14, Carol Miller 9, Denis Kucinich 8, Kent Mesplay 5, Peter Camejo 4, Paul Glover and John Kerry 2 each, and Cynthia McKinney, Ben Meiklejohn, Denis Howard and John Edwards each receiving one vote. At least 17 people abstained. For more information: State Convention information 283 Water Street |
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