Pine State Politics: In Session

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Latest Episodes:

Angus King III: Getting Things Done Apr 29, 2026

Democratic gubernatorial candidate and businessman Angus King III outlines a problem‑solving agenda focused on making life more affordable in Maine—especially by building more housing, strengthening education and job training, and making it easier to start and grow small businesses. Drawing on his background in affordable housing and renewable energy, he emphasizes a practical, “get things done” approach that streamlines government, while balancing values and affordability.

Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.

Nirav Shah: The Art of Communication Apr 29, 2026

Former Maine CDC director Nirav Shah joins the show to discuss his run for governor and the crisis-management and communication approach that defined his leadership during COVID. He lays out a four-part agenda—“fix housing, fund health care, feed kids, and fuel growth”—focused on tackling Maine’s housing shortage, protecting access to healthcare amid federal cuts, strengthening supports for children and families, and expanding economic opportunity statewide.

Rick Bennett: The Importance of Moderation Apr 29, 2026

Independent gubernatorial candidate and state senator Rick Bennett explains why he left the Republican Party and his vision for a less partisan, more collaborative style of leadership in Maine. He lays out his main priorities—making housing more affordable, lowering energy costs, strengthening public education, and improving access to healthcare in rural Maine—while emphasizing practical, “what works” solutions borrowed from successful policies in other states.

Troy Jackson: From Logging to Legislating Apr 29, 2026

Democratic candidate Troy Jackson—a fifth-generation logger and former Maine Senate president—lays out a working‑class agenda centered on economic security for Mainers. He focuses on lowering everyday costs and raising wages through stronger labor protections and unions, tackling healthcare costs, addressing the housing crisis, and improving childcare and education.

David Jones: A CEO for Maine Apr 29, 2026

In this interview, Republican gubernatorial candidate and businessman David Jones argues Maine needs a “CEO-style” governor focused on cutting state spending, reducing regulations, and lowering taxes to create jobs and make the state more affordable and business-friendly. He emphasizes energy costs, education, and taxation as his top priorities, and says his goal is to “unleash” economic growth so young people can build careers and stay in Maine.

Hannah Pingree: A Life of Public Service Apr 29, 2026

In this interview, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree draws on her experience as Maine’s former Speaker of the House and as director of Governor Janet Mills’ Office of Policy Innovation to explain how she’s approached major statewide problems from both the legislative and executive branches. She uses that background to lay out a detailed, policy-driven agenda—centered on building more affordable housing, addressing healthcare access and costs, strengthening rural economic opportunity, and turning climate goals into measurable results for Maine communities.

Jim Libby: An Educator's Perspective Apr 29, 2026

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Libby, a longtime state legislator and economics professor, lays out a platform centered on fiscal responsibility and “common-sense” governance, with a focus on lowering property-tax pressure, expanding housing supply, and reducing costs by reforming energy policy. He also emphasizes education and workforce preparation, especially planning for AI’s impact, while highlighting his decision to run as the race’s only Clean Elections candidate as a way to limit big-money influence and increase accountability.Since the recording of this episode, Jim Libby has withdrawn from the Republican gubernatorial primary.

Owen McCarthy: New Kid on the Block Apr 29, 2026

In this interview, Republican gubernatorial candidate and entrepreneur Owen McCarthy lays out his “Maine 2040” agenda around three themes—opportunity, affordability, and discipline—arguing that Maine needs more housing supply, lower energy costs, and tighter control of state spending. Drawing on his tech and healthcare background, he also emphasizes practical education reforms, expanding career-and-technical training, and building an economy that lets young people stay in Maine for good jobs and attainable housing.

Shenna Bellows: A Politics of Principle Apr 29, 2026

Maine's current Secretary of State and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Shenna Bellows discusses her bid for governor and outlines her “New Deal for Maine.” Bellows talks lowering everyday costs and expanding well-paying job opportunities, improving access to affordable healthcare, and moving faster on clean energy to address climate change to help people afford basic needs and build a secure future in the state.

Read All About It! - Reporting on Campaigns May 17, 2025

For our eight and final episode, we sit down with the Editor and Chief of the Maine Wire, Steve Robinson. Steve answers questions such as: "what do journalists consider newsworthy?" and "how do you report on different events?" Our conversation explores the journalist thinking and choices behind how the story of an election is told to the public.

Show Me the Money! - Clean Elections Funding May 17, 2025

In our seventh episode we sit down with Maine State Senator Cameron Reny. Senator Reny walks us through how to run a campaign using Clean Election Funds, a system that allows candidates for state office to publicly finance their campaigns. Fun Fact: Senator Reny was Natalie's middle school guidance counselor!

Walking for the Win - A Guide to Campaigning in Maine pt. 2 May 17, 2025

In episode six, we hear from former US Secretary of Defense, US Senator, and US Congressman Bill Cohen, alongside his old friend, Professor Emeritus at Bowdoin College and expert on all things Maine politics, Chris Potholm. Chris Potholm served as campaign manager for Secretary Cohen's first campaign. Together, they tell us the story of their successful 1972 congressional campaign.

Methods to the Madness - Examining Campaign Strategy May 17, 2025

In our fifth episode we sit down with seasoned campaign professional and lobbyist Lauren LePage to talk all things campaign strategy. Lauren is the daughter of former Maine State Governor Paul LePage, and she explains campaign strategy through the lens of Governor LePage's 2010 and 2014 campaigns.

As Maine Goes, So Goes the Nation - Ranked Choice Voting May 07, 2025

For episode number four, we speak with Maine State Auditor Matt Dunlap. Before becoming the State Auditor, Matt Dunlap served as Maine's Secretary of State for 14 years. During that time, he presided over the passing and implementation of Ranked Choice Voting, as Maine became the first state in the nation to use RCV state wide. In this episode, he tells us the story!

Leave Me Alone! - Referendums, Ballot Initiatives, and Petitions in Maine May 07, 2025

In our third episode, we sit down with the former Deputy Campaign Manager for Pine Tree Power Lucy Hochschartner, and Bowdoin Professor Max Lykins. Lucy talks to us about the logistics behind referendums, ballot initiatives, and the petition process in Maine, while Professor Lykins walks us through the constitutional theory behind direct democracy and referendums.

An Independent Perspective - A Guide to Campaigning in Maine pt. 1 May 07, 2025

In our second episode we sit down with current US Senator and former Governor of Maine Angus King, and his long-time campaign manager and chief of staff Kay Rand. Senator King and Kay provide their thoughts on the 1994 gubernatorial election and reflect on what it took to run their campaign.

Decoding the Political Ecosystem - Politics from DC to Maine May 06, 2025

For our first episode, we sit down with veteran lobbyist and DC insider Peter Madigan, as well as Maine's Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. Our two guests take us through the process of how our government works, with a special emphasis on the difference between DC and Maine (federal and state structures).