Sanford Police Chief Eric Small and State Rep. Ann Fredericks in front of Sanford City Hall
Photo: Eric Small Maine House District 143
By Lee Burnett
In a paired announcement on Facebook, Rep. Ann Fredericks said she is leaving the Maine Legislature next year and endorsing as her successor Eric Small, who said he’s stepping away from his Congressional campaign in hopes of succeeding her in the Maine House of Representatives.
Both appeared in a video posted on the Eric Small Maine House District 143 Facebook page, which had been renamed from his former Congressional campaign Facebook page.
Fredericks, owner of Vetted Cannabis medical marijuana dispensary, is serving her second term in the Maine House. She has one of the most conservative voting records in the House, as judged by legislative scorecards compiled by interest groups.
In her announcement, Fredericks bemoaned Democratic control in Augusta, which she blamed for making Maine less affordable and with higher energy prices, and where small businesses are struggling to stay open. She did not give a reason for stepping away from the Maine Legislature. In an earlier interview she said she is intent on securing equitable regulation of medical marijuana.
In a letter posted on his campaign Facebook page, Small said he decided to switch races to make a difference.
“This decision is not about stepping away – it’s stepping where I can be most effective. As Sanford’s Police Chief I have seen firsthand the challenges our families face – from public safety to affordability – and I believe real change begins right here at home.”
Mark Brewer, a political science professor at the University of Maine, said he’s not surprised Small is ending his Congressional campaign, although he had not paid “a whole lot of attention” to the campaign to start with.
“I can’t imagine any scenario where he would win, and that’s no knock on him,” he said. “That district is as blue as blue can get.” Small had been running against Ron Russell for the Republican nomination to challenge Pingree, a Democrat serving her ninth term. “She’s an entrenched incumbent. I would think she could hold onto that seat for as long as she wants it.”
Neither Small nor Fredericks could be reached for comment.
The post Small Shifts Focus from Washington to Augusta appeared first on Sanford Springvale News.
