Cain taps late-night jokester for campaign communications post

Emily Cain, Democratic state senator from Orono and candidate for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, recently announced her campaign team.

Most of the list outlines finance positions filled by behind-the-curtain Democratic operatives. Names such as J. Levi Knapp (finance director), James Stretch (deputy finance director), and Robert Robilliard (finance assistant) are likely unknown to most folks outside the insular world of political campaigns. (Here’s the full release from Camp Cain, for those who are interested.)

Then there’s Dan Cashman, who will handle communications for Cain’s 2014 campaign. Cashman was assistant press secretary for Democratic Gov. John Baldacci from ’05 to ’09, and staffed Rep. Mike Michaud’s re-election effort in 2012.

But if you live in or around Bangor, you’re probably more familiar with “Danny” Cashman because of his other job as host of the “The Nite Show,” a Letterman-style variety show on the local CBS affiliate, WABI-TV 5.

Dan Cashman, left, during filming of “The Nite Show” in October 2010. BDN photo by Gabor Degre.

Cashman has hosted guests including Sen. Angus King, rapper Spose and Gov. Paul LePage, as well as other high-profile and not-so-famous Mainers and other characters from away.

In an interview Thursday, Cashman said he’d continue to host “The Nite Show” throughout Cain’s campaign.

“’The Nite Show’ is my hobby, and it’s a fun hobby,” he said. “Some people get their creative juices out of by playing in bands or acting in theater. I’m just lucky, or fortunate, enough to do an entertainment TV show.”

With more than a year to go before the election for the 2nd Congressional District, which is being vacated as Michaud makes a run for governor, Cashman said Cain has already hit the ground running.

“We’re still seeing the Democratic primary solidify, in terms of what the full slate of candidates might be, but in the meantime Emily is getting out, talking to people, while maintaining her focus in Augusta,” Cashman said.

Other Democrats running in the 2nd CD include Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, and U.S. Navy reservist Alden Smith of Sangerville. Bangor City Councilor Joe Baldacci, the former governor’s brother, is also expected to run.

GOP contenders include former Maine Senate President Kevin Raye of Eastport, former State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin of Oakland, former state Senator and current Office of Policy and Management Director Richard Rosen of Bucksport, and U.S. Navy Veteran Blaine Richardson of Belfast.

Mario Moretto

About Mario Moretto

Mario Moretto has been a Maine journalist, in print and online publications, since 2009. He joined the Bangor Daily News in 2012, first as a general assignment reporter in his native Hancock County and, now, in the State House. Mario left the BDN in 2015.