Mainers Want Fresh New Faces to Repesent them in Washington, DC Such as Oyster Farmer and US Marine Vet Graham Platner, 41.

Graham Platner, candidate for US Senate in Maine, yesterday released his “Defend Democracy Agenda” at the site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution.  The policy proposal serves as both a renewal of American democratic traditions and a roadmap for finishing the “unfinished work” of the Constitution.

“Two hundred and fifty years ago, we had to fight for American democracy,” said Platner.  “Today we must fight again — this time against the corruption and corporate power that threatens our entire system of government.”

The “Defend Democrcy Agend” agenda includes:

Part 1:  Renewing our Traditions:  A restoration of the checks and balances intended by the Founders.  Key proposals include:  RESTORING CONGRESSIONAL POWER:  Returning the Senate to majority rule and reasserting authority over the executive branch and federal courts.  JUDICIAL DEMOCRACY:  Ending lifetime Supreme Court appointments in favor of staggered, time-limited terms and imposing strict ethical standards for justices.  THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE:  Protecting the First Amendment right of workers and community groups to organize together to demand change.

Part 11:  Finishing the Work of Democracy, To Meet the challenges of the 21st century, the Agenda proposes structural reforms, including: ENDING PARTISAN GERRYMANDERING:  Prohibiting politicans from drawing their own districts and requiring independent redistricting commissions. GETTING MONEY OUT OF POLITICS:  Overturning Citizens United and enacting a lifetime ban on lobbying for former members of Congress. AN ECONOMIC BILL OF RIGHTS:  Enshrining the right to a living wage, quality medical care, decent housing and a good education.

Graham lives in Sullivan with his wife, Amy, just three doors down from the house where he grew up.