Hannah Pingree is a two-term representative who serves the residents of ten coastal and island towns in her native state of Maine. She ran for the legislature in 2002 at the age of 25 while also working for her mother, Chellie Pingree, in her race for the U.S. Senate.Now serving as Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, Pingree highlights victories on issues like property taxes, contraceptive equality, and the minimum wage. And when it comes to connecting with Maine's rural voters, she says that a real progressive agenda is one that speaks to the concerns of her constituents.
Pingree, who serves on the board of Progressive States, agreed to answer a few questions for us:
Before entering the legislature, you had a fair amount of experience in professional politics. How did that background help you? Did it ever hinder you?
Before running for the legislature I had worked on several of my mom's campaigns for State Senate, then as a political/internet producer, then I worked on my mom's race for US Senate in 2002, while I ran for office. I was also a political science major in college.
I tell prospective candidates constantly that past political experience is not necessary to be a good candidate or politician, but I do believe it helped me significantly to understand our political system, know the players, and the dynamics - especially in Maine. I felt like I had a head start when I started in the State House because of these experiences but as a very young looking 25 year old woman entering the State politics, it gave me some added confidence to be more assertive and ultimately more effective in my job. Years of campaigning with my mom and having a sense of what to do, and what not to do - especially her district in the Senate is similar to my House seat, also helped.
The only times I feel hindered by my political background is that because of my past political fundraising experience, I get asked to be part of political and non-profit fundraising efforts constantly. And fundraising can get exhausting...
You represent the same small town where you grew up and also carry progressive legislation. How does small town Maine react to a progressive agenda?
I don't campaign on a "progressive agenda." I campaign honestly on the issues I know will improve my constituent's lives and those things I passionately believe in. Having grown up in one of the 10 coastal and island towns I represent, I feel I have a good sense of people's lives and struggles. More importantly, I listen to my constituents and try to keep them informed on the political process - the good and the bad.
The majority of my constituents are "not enrolled" in either the Democratic or Republican parties, also known as Independents. Many make their living lobstering, boatbuilding, tourism, and the trades. When explained in a straightforward way, progressive issues make sense to the average person. They understand that a reasonable safety net is needed for their grandparents and children. They believe they are getting screwed over by the pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies and want affordable health insurance. They support common-sense environmental legislation as it protects the natural resources from which many of my constituents make a living from. In addition, focus on empowering small businesses, the infrastructure for rural economies, and focusing on creating communities their young people will want to return to make sense.
Good politics is about crafting agendas that will actually improve people's lives and luckily many progressive issues do that.
You entered the legislature at a young age, which is rare, especially for women. What advice would you have for other young women looking at running for elective office?
Be serious, assertive, work hard, be nice, and have more self-confidence than the men around you and you can win elections and be effective in governing. And please consider running! That is really the number one problem. So few women even think they would be capable of running and serving and that is because they are rarely considered or asked. But I think young women make great candidates and when they run they often win.
I have found, especially speaking to high school or college students, that young women interested in politics usually express an interest in working "behind the scenes" rather than running, while the 18 year guy is already plotting his run for President. I think that women interested in really making a difference have to consider running for office and should start early getting involved in the kinds of organizations that will prepare them - whether it be campaign trainings, local party organizations, or big community issues.
You prominently feature a major property tax reform bill on your website. Property tax reform isn't regarded publicly as the most interesting of issues. What drew you to this issue?
If you lived in my district you would get it. Year-round residents are having a harder and harder time remaining in the communities I represent because of rising property values and thus their property taxes. Increasing numbers of summer residents and wealthy retirees are buying land and building large homes and it is changing the face of many coastal Maine communities. So of course I would put a bill that helps low to middle income Mainers get a rebate on their property taxes on my website. It is a big issue!
Progressives need to speak to the issues their constituents worry about on a regular basis. Any politician who misses the big issues of their district deserve to be booted out of office. A strong progressive agenda is one that the average person can identify with and that speaks to their concerns.
Finally, what's been your proudest moment in the Maine House?
As Chair of the Health and Human Services, I find myself in more and more floor flights. They are exciting, exhausting, and often competitive. I find myself proudest in those times where I know my hard work and voice has made the difference - whether it means passing a bill I really care about by one vote or defeating a really bad bill.
I feel proudest on those days that we pass bills that I know will directly impact the quality of life of my constituents or those people most struggling to get by in Maine. I was really proud last week as we increased our state minimum wage to $7.00. Being part of a floor fight last year involving over the counter contraception was also amazing. I realized had I not been there to stand up there would be no perspective from a young single woman.
There are usually 3 or 4 bills a year that really feel important - whether they involve affordable housing or health insurance or the environment - that makes all the hard work and hassle of being an elected official worth it. I can't yet pick out my proudest moment but I think that if I feel good about what I am doing on a regular basis, it is worthwhile.
