HOULTON, Maine — State Rep. Henry John Bear of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians announced Tuesday that he has joined the Green Independent Party.
Bear is the second member of the Legislature to enroll in the party this year, joining state Rep. Ralph Chapman of Brooksville, who became a Green in September.
On Wednesday, Bear followed up that announcement by stating in a press release that he is kicking off a campaign to run for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. In the release, Bear stated he would work toward a “safer and more inclusive world community.”
U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin, a Republican, already has nine other challengers. Lucas St. Clair and Jared Golden are his most likely Democratic challengers, but a libertarian and two unaffiliated candidates also are running longshot bids.
“I have found that our issues are very similar,” said Bear on why he joined the Green Independent Party, “especially on the issues of the environment and civil rights and sustainable economic development and income equity. I believe in health care for everyone who can’t afford it and I believe in ensuring that one person’s hard day’s work results in a living wage, enough for a house and a car payment, and food for her family.”
Chapman praised Bear, with whom he has served in the Maine House of Representatives for about six years.
“His approach toward legislative matters and other legislators is thoughtful, well-informed, and very respectful,” Chapman said in the prepared statement. “His wisdom and gentle leadership on issues, especially of civil rights and our environment, will contribute greatly to Maine’s Green Independent Party which he has joined. I am thrilled to be able to work further with Henry as a fellow Green Independent Party member and legislator.”
Party Co-Chairs Jon Olsen and Riva O’Rourke welcomed Bear to the party.
“We Greens have long understood that our values of ecological wisdom, stewardship, and social justice are congruent with those of the traditions of First Peoples in this land,” said Olsen in a press release. “We are delighted that a man from that tradition of the caliber of Henry John Bear has chosen to align with us in the Maine Green Independent Party.”
O’Rourke added, “It thrills me to know that our party has achieved the endorsement of such an amazing and dedicated man.”
The party officials also noted that the Maine Green Independent Party now hosts the two highest-ranking Green elected office holders in the nation.
