Mike Michaud hires well-known campaign experts for 2014 gubernatorial run

Congressman Mike Michaud has hired several well-known state-level political activists for his run for the Blaine House, which is likely to center around Michaud maintaining his strength in the 2nd congressional district while building support in the south.

Some of the top officials in the campaign are well-known in political circles for their exhaustive grassroots-level work on several recent elections and policy campaigns.

Michaud has hired Matt McTighe of York for the all-important role of campaign manager. McTighe, who according to a press release has 14 years of working in political strategy, undoubtedly was attractive to the campaign for leading a successful campaign in 2012 that resulted in a successful same-sex marriage ballot initiative.

Another familiar face in Michaud’s campaign will be David Farmer, who has been tapped as a senior adviser on communications and policy. Farmer, who worked in Gov. John Baldacci’s communications office  before becoming Baldacci’s deputy chief of staff, was also involved in the 2012 same-sex marriage initiative as a communications director of a group called Mainers United for Marriage. Farmer recently announced he’s suspending a column he wrote for the Bangor Daily News in order to increase his involvement in Michaud’s campaign.

Lizzy Reinholt, a spokeswoman for the Maine Democratic Party and past spokeswoman for several progressive causes, will serve as Michaud’s director of communications. In her new role, Reinholt will likely be the most public face of the Michaud campaign, other than Michaud, presumably.

Rick Redmond, who has worked for the Maine Democratic Party and President Barack Obama’s Maine Finance Committee, will oversee Michaud’s fund raising, which will undoubtedly require bringing in a total that’s measured in seven figures.

Jackie Potter, who in recent years has been a high-level adviser to Democratic U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree and Tom Allen, will serve as Michaud’s community outreach director. That means she’ll work as a liaison between community leaders, organizations and businesses and the campaign.

“I wanted a diverse and experienced campaign team that will reflect my positive outlook for the state and help me spread my visions for how to get Maine back on track to men and women all over the state,” said Michaud in the release. “I was particularly impressed with the honest and uplifting tone Matt and David brought to last year’s campaign. I think the state could use a little more optimism in our political discourse if we’re going to remind Mainers and those looking to invest here that our best days are still ahead.”

UPDATE: Brent Littlefield, chief political adviser, sent along this response to Michaud’s hires: “A collection of Baldacci leftovers and those who have promoted ultra liberal causes.”

Christopher Cousins

About Christopher Cousins

Christopher Cousins has worked as a journalist in Maine for more than 15 years and covered state government for numerous media organizations before joining the Bangor Daily News in 2009.