Brian Phillips, communications director for Bruce Poliquin, emails over a response to the Jacobson campaign's statement:
"It's disappointing that Matt Jacobson has decided not to attend one of the largest Republican events in the area because he believes that he'll lose a straw poll. The voters deserve to hear from all the candidates and now that won't happen. Attacking the frontrunner is no way to get your message out.
"Contrary to his baseless conspiracy theory, we have no direct or indirect involvement with the organization of the event.
"We understand, as I'm sure Matt does, that it's difficult to do the tough work of raising money in this environment. I'm sure they are being careful with every campaign dollar, but I understand from those close to his campaign that he's having trouble raising money. So, I think that finances may play a factor in his decision not to attend. If Matt would consider changing his mind, we would be happy to pay for both Matt and his campaign manager to attend so the voters can get what they paid their hard-earned money to see."
Someone better page a doctor to the burn ward.
There's obviously no love lost between these campaigns. Both candidates are competing for the same ecological niche (along with several other contenders) - the businessman outsider who "knows how to create jobs."
Disappointing
It is disappointing. Since both Poliquin and Jacobsen occupy similar "ecological niches," as you note, I was looking forward to hearing both of them in this type of setting.
Now, it's just Poliquin, which isn't a bad thing.
All of these early acts are important and is one of the reasons why I enjoy following races early on.
Nice work, btw, keeping political junkies fueled with campaign fodder.
~Jim
Re: Poliquin Hits Back
Interesting to see the things that can occur when one is dependent for one’s success upon political parties. Political parties are an established (and entrenched) part of our political system, but they do have their downsides.
Jacobson is being a baby
Jacobson is just being a baby because he thought this was his race to win. But, a whole slew of other candidates have gotten in that can raise/spend more money and beat him.
Jacobson is maybe looking for a way out. Perhaps, he is looking to make a beef with Poliquin for a number of things, then bow out saying he couldn't get a fair shake at the race.
Interesting
I watched, with great interest, WVII's interview with Mr. Jacobson. I was encouraged to hear his ideas about unemployment and job creation. The man clearly knows how to promote business. Maine deserves thus type of knowledge at work.