Elections matter. That was the basic message Maine State Attorney General Janet Mills, a Democrat, delivered to Lincoln County Democrats at the group’s monthly meeting March 3 in the Newcastle Community Room.

Speaking to gathering of close to 50 people, Mills emphasized the importance of maintaining a Democratic majority in the legislature, as that body elects the state's attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer and auditor who, in turn, can influence state policy in important ways.

She also discussed the importance of good, responsible governance for the people of Maine, something that she argued the Gov. Paul LePage administration has failed to provide. She pointed to a focused effort by administration officials to tighten the laws on voter access to the polls as one example of that failure.

Her own priorities as attorney general are to deal with real problems of Mainers by seeking foreclosure relief for homeowners, reducing domestic violence, reducing prescription drug abuse and heroin usage, and protecting consumers, particularly seniors.

Mills contrasted the LePage approach to governing with that of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike Michaud, who has demonstrated through years of experience in the Maine legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives his ability and willingness to work with people of both parties to get constructive things done. "And his 27 years’ work in a Maine paper mill belie the notion that he is a career politician."

She described Michaud’s integrity, consistency, civility and skill in bringing people together. Michaud is, she said, "someone suitable for governing."

Mills also took on Independent gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler who, she said, talks of his interest in education and tax reform, but in the four years since he ran for office in 2010 has seldom appeared in Augusta to join in the discussions of those issues that serious policymakers have been holding.

Prior to Mills taking the floor, Lincoln County Democratic Committee's Chairman Lisa Miller led the business meeting. Miller said that in addition to the high turnout of Democrats at the Lincoln County causes, turn out throughout much of the state was high. Dean Curran, former U.S. ambassador, reported on highlights and changes in the Maine Democratic Party Platform 2014.

The Democrats' next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 26. Guest speaker and location will be announced in the paper and at www.lincolncountydemocrats.org.