Hello, I am Jim Libby of Buxton.  I am currently a professor and chair of the Business Department at Thomas College, but eight years ago, I stood here asking for your vote for governor in the 2002 gubernatorial primary.

I learned a lot in that statewide campaign.  One thing that became most obvious to me from my experience was that a good candidate needs more than just the desire to help the state of Maine and the skills to do it.  We have fine candidates here today ready for the Republican primary.  However, only one candidate bridges the divide between conservatives and progressives.  Only one candidate has the business experience and the political record to lead this state.  Only one candidate has the crucial combination of name recognition, leadership ability, and integrity necessary for a Republican to get elected and to lead this state.  That’s why it’s time for Peter Mills!

I am thankful that so many of you voted for me, and the conservative principles that I brought to the table.  Today, however, I am asking my conservative friends to vote for Peter Mills.  Why?  Because, not only does he have the best qualifications for the job, and the best opportunity to win statewide, but above all, Peter Mills keeps his word.  He kept his word to me, and to you, by voting to let controversial social issues go out to referendum.  There’s nothing more that conservatives can ask of him than that, and as governor, he has promised to do the same.  Peter Mills is running to get Maine’s fiscal house in order, as well as to generate new business and new educational opportunities.  He has no social agenda.

But my personal favorite reason to vote for Peter Mills is that only one candidate can finally put an end to the long, left-wing, radical careers of (God love ‘em) Libby Mitchell and Steve Rowe!

It’s time for Peter Mills.  In fact, it’s past time.  Please join me voting for this deserving leader so that he can revitalize our state.  Vote Peter Mills for Governor!