News - Governor Mills Decides Not to Participate in Important Wabanaki Forum

Governor Janet Mills of Maine will not be attending the primary candidate forum arranged by the Wabanaki Alliance at the Penobscot Nation reservation on April 16 due to a conflict in her schedule. While Mills has suggested either sending a surrogate or providing a video message to compensate for her absence, the board of directors of the alliance has not yet decided their stance on these alternatives. Democratic challengers Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and Iraq War veteran, and David Costello, a lesser-known candidate from Brunswick, have confirmed their attendance, capitalizing on the opportunity to engage with tribal members. The forum, notable for the exclusion of Republican Sen. Susan Collins, sends a strong signal in the political landscape of Maine. The absence of Mills at such a significant platform has sparked discourse about her ongoing, albeit rocky, relationship with the Wabanaki Nations. Despite having periods of contention, particularly on matters relating to tribal sovereignty where Mills has resisted sweeping legislative changes, the governor has also worked towards progress in areas of mutual economic interests. In a recent noteworthy move, Mills allowed a groundbreaking bill that favors the tribal operation of internet gaming—an initiative that earned her high praise from the tribal leaders. Maulian Bryant, the executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance, emphasized the symbolic importance of such gatherings. Echoing this sentiment, Donna Loring, the vice president of the alliance board, remarked on the missed opportunity for genuine dialogue, reflecting the community's expectation for candidates to engage with and listen to tribal perspectives. As the primaries approach, the relationship dynamics with the Wabanaki Nations could play a pivotal role in shaping Mills' senatorial aspirations, especially with Graham Platner currently leading in polls with his strong advocacy for tribal sovereignty. As discussions continue about the alliance's potential endorsements before the June primaries, Governor Mills' future interactions with the tribes and their leaders could significantly influence her political journey. Amid this political milieu, Independent candidate Tim Rich remains unresponsive to the alliance's invitation, adding another layer of uncertainty to the developing scenario.