In Maine, Former Governor Angus King Praises Obama, Speaks About Energy

Warns of Difficulties Mainers Face in Affording Heat This Winter

Livermore, Maine -- Former Maine Governor Angus King spoke at the Lewiston Multi-Purpose Center on Wednesday evening, primarily regarding alternative energy. He emphasized his support for presidential candidate Barack Obama and repeatedly voiced skepticism about recent government moves for a bailout of the banking industry. The former governor made opening remarks for a half hour, then took questions during the next forty-five minutes.

King spoke of Maine's dependence upon fossil fuels, pointing out that the portion of Maine family budgets spent on energy had risen from about four to twenty percent in the past ten years. He warned that Maine could become "almost uninhabitable" if some fuel cost projections were to be realized.

The former governor repeatedly referred to Senator Obama's intention to provide more funding for alternative energy development. He also praised Obama's plan to initiate a "windfall profits" tax upon oil companies and use the proceeds to help people afford heating fuel. He contrasted this with Senator McCain's plan to decrease oil company taxes, and called offshore drilling "in no way a solution."

King explained that he had considered supporting either of the major presidential candidates and was involved in the "Unity '08" project. However, he decided to support Obama because of the Senator's energy plan, good judgment, and pragmatism. King highly praised Obama's book, appreciating his sharp intelligence and careful thought process.

Former governor King expressed the belief that oil prices would not decrease in the long term, explaining that foreigners continue to use more and more energy. To emphasize this, he pointed to significant increases in recent Chinese and Indian auto sales. King suggested that some Mainers will have to choose between heat and food this winter.

As part of the solution to these problems, the former governor advocated expanded installation of wind turbines. King stressed the potential benefits of mounting turbines on offshore platforms off the coast of Maine, saying that their manufacture and installation could create more employment.