John Baldacci

Baldacci in his time as Congressman 2001/02

John Elias Baldacci (born January 30, 1955 in Bangor , Maine ) is an American politician ( Democratic Party ). He is a former governor of the state of Maine.

Early years and political advancement

Baldacci while serving as Congressman (1995)

John Baldacci attended Bangor High School until 1973 . Then he studied history at the University of Maine . Alongside his studies, he also worked in his family's restaurant in Bangor. Between 1978 and 1981, Baldacci was on Bangor City Council. He served in the Maine Senate from 1982 to 1994 before being elected to the US House of Representatives in Washington . In 2002 he was elected as a Democratic candidate for the new governor of Maine.

Governor of Maine

Baldacci was governor of Maine from January 2003 to January 2011. In 2006, he was confirmed in this office by a large majority by the electorate of his state: He received 73% of the vote, his Republican opponent Richard Campbell 27%. Baldacci fought against national debt by cutting spending and increasing certain fees. He planned an immediate school reform and tried to improve the health system. In May 2009, he signed the Maine Law Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage ; he was the first governor of a state to do so without a prior court order. Baldacci could not run again in 2010 and handed over his office on January 5, 2011 to the Republican Paul LePage . He is married to Karen M. Baldacci and the couple have one son.

2008 presidential campaign

In the Democratic presidential primary election, Baldacci stood behind Hillary Clinton , although Maine supported Barack Obama by a majority . After Clinton's resignation in June 2008, he supported Obama as super delegate .

Web links

Commons : John Baldacci  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• John Baldacci in the National Governors Association (English)
• John Baldacci in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)