PRESS

April 25, 2008 - Scontras Announces the Support of 100 Small Business Leaders!

First Time Candidate "A Breath of Fresh Air" During Challenging Economic Times

PORTLAND - 1st District Republican Congressional Candidate Dean Scontras announced today that he has received the endorsements of 100 small business leaders (listed below) as a result of his unwavering support for lower taxes and reduced regulations both at the state and federal level. Scontras, who has over 15 years experience in the business of information technology, believes that the best thing that government can do to help Maine's struggling businesses is to get out of the way.

"Maine's small businesses are suffering under the second highest tax burden in America," said Scontras, "and when Maine's small businesses are hurting, the hardworking people who rely on these businesses for stable, reliable employment feel the hurt as well."

April 15, 2008 - Scontras Announces Continued Fundraising Success

First-time Candidate Raises Over $235,000 from 925 Individual Contributors, 37% Online

PORTLAND - Republican 1st District Congressional candidate Dean Scontras reported raising over $235,000 to date for his campaign from 925 contributors. In just the past three months, Scontras raised $76,897.89 from 403 contributors, 71% of them live in Maine. To date, 37% of Scontras' campaign contributions have come online, most through the next generation Republican fundraising program Slatecard.com. 

"I'm humbled by the support my candidacy continues to receive from Mainers who are tired of politics as usual in Washington," said Scontras. "The last thing we need is to send another career politician, someone looking to get a job and not to do a job, to Washington to become part of the problem. It will take bold new leadership to secure our borders, keep our federal tax burden low and defend the traditional conservative values that have kept America strong, and I am eager to serve as an agent of reform in a broken Washington," concluded Scontras.

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April 14, 2008 - Conservative Talk Show Host Ray Richardson Endorses Scontras for Congress!

Richardson Calls Scontras "Republicans' Best Hope to Win 1st District Seat"

PORTLAND, Maine - Ray Richardson, co-host of the Fox Morning News Show on WLOB and Fox 23, today made public his endorsement of Dean Scontras, Republican candidate for Maine's 1st Congressional District. A vocal proponent of traditional conservative values, Richardson has long used his daily program to tout the need for Republicans to return to those conservative roots that have been the trademark of the GOP.

"I have thought a lot about this campaign and what it means to Maine and our nation," said Richardson. "The issues that matter most to me, traditional conservative issues that Ronald Reagan espoused so well, I believe Dean Scontras embodies. Dean is strong on national security, fully understands the economic challenges facing Maine citizens and our nation and has consistently displayed a commitment to traditional conservative cultural issues."

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April 2, 2008 - Scontras Announces Support of Faith and Values Coalition

Congressional Candidate Continues to Grow Broad Base of Support

PORTLAND - First District Congressional candidate Dean Scontras announced the formation of the Scontras for Congress Faith and Values Coalition today (listed below). The coalition includes more than 25 prominent religious and community leaders from across Maine supporting Scontras' bid to win the Republican nomination based in part on his strong belief in traditional conservative cultural values.

"I'm proud to announce the endorsements of these respected conservative leaders and I believe that it is indicative of the broad base of support I am earning from voters across the 1st Congressional District," said Scontras.

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March 12, 2008 - Scontras Delivers Over 2,000 Petition Signatures at Maine Statehouse

Surprises Statehouse Officials by Delivering 1,000 Signatures to Qualify for Ballot, 1,000 Signatures from Citizens Seeking an End to Maine's Status as a Sanctuary State for Illegal Aliens

AUGUSTA, Maine - Republican Congressional Candidate Dean Scontras surprised Statehouse officials today by delivering over 2,000 petition signatures collected by his campaign supporters. Scontras turned in well over the required 1,000 signatures at the office of the Secretary of State to earn his spot on the ballot for the June 10th Republican Primary Election. Scontras also delivered nearly 1,000 petition signatures to Governor Baldacci's office gathered online at www.teamdean08.com from Maine citizens, calling upon Governor Baldacci to rescind Executive Order 13 FY 04/05, which opens the door for illegal aliens to obtain Maine driver's licenses.

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February 27, 2008 - Scontras Proposes debates with charlie summers

The following open letter was sent from Dean Scontras for Congress Campaign Manager Michael Pajak to the Summers for Congress campaign.

February 27th, 2008

To the Summers for Congress campaign:

Last night, Dean had the opportunity to contrast his views on the United States Constitution with four of the Democrat candidates running for Congress at a public forum in Portland. Dean articulated a number of his issue positions to the audience and contrasted his views with those of the other Congressional candidates, acting as the lone Republican voice in a crowded room.

It is important to our campaign that the Republican voters in the 1st Congressional District be given every opportunity to evaluate both of the Republican Congressional candidates based on their issue positions and their approach to tackling some of Maine's and America's toughest challenges.

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February 26, 2008 - Dean Scontras Opening Remarks "Plight of the Constitution Forum" February 26, 2007

Thank you for the invitation to participate tonight in the discussion of an issue of great importance - The Plight of the Constitution. I appreciate the opportunity to honor the Constitution and to share with you what I will do as your next congressman to serve and protect it.

First, we can all agree that war in general suggests a failure of great magnitude. It suggests a failure of all of our diplomatic, political, economic and intelligence options. War should never be taken lightly, and those of us applying for this job must display an understanding and reverence for the constitution, the balance of powers and the authority it places in our hands. I believe the liberties afforded by our Constitution are, in fact, in the balance. However, not by the political forces here, where we are free to debate and dissent, but by those forces who fear our fundamental values.

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February 25, 2008 - Scontras Applauds Positive National Developments in Illegal Immigration Crisis

PORTLAND, ME - Republican Congressional Candidate Dean Scontras commented today on several developments in the past week that give hope to those concerned about the current wave of illegal immigration into the United States. Despite these positive developments, Maine continues to undermine federal efforts to secure the border and penalize predatory companies by providing sanctuary to illegal aliens.

Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced approval of funding for a 28-mile "virtual fence" that will use radar and surveillance cameras to catch people entering the country illegally. The virtual fence system consists of numerous unmanned surveillance towers, sophisticated technology including radar, sensors and cameras capable of identifying people at a distance of about 10 miles.

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February 14, 2008 - Dean Scontras Testimony in Favor of LR 3488

Senator Damon, Representative Marley and members of the Committee. My name is Dean Scontras. I am a resident of Eliot, and I appreciate this opportunity to testify in favor of LR 3488 "An Act to Require that a Person be a Maine Resident in Order to be Issued a Maine Driver's License".

Almost five months ago, I was surprised to learn Maine did not require proof of residency in order for one to obtain a driver's license. In other words, practically anyone can walk into the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and walk out with a valid Maine driver's license. This misguided policy creates a number of challenges in the areas of national security, the Maine economy, and the letter and spirit of the law regarding persons who are in the United States illegally. To address these challenges, the legislature must undertake real reform and this resolution is a good start.

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February 7, 2008 - Dean Scontras Earns "A" Grade From Sportsman's Alliance of Maine

Strong Rating Shows Scontras is "A Good Choice for Sportsmen"

PORTLAND - The Sportsman's Alliance of Maine Political Action Committee (SAM PAC) awarded their highest grade of "A" to Dean Scontras, candidate in the Republican Primary in the 1st Congressional District. The Sportsman's Alliance of Maine is Maine's largest sportsmen's organization with a full-time headquarters and staff in Augusta.

"The fact that you were awarded our highest grade indicates to our members, and other sportsmen, that you are a good choice for sportsmen," said SAM Executive Director George Smith in a letter to the campaign.

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February 1, 2008 - former patriots head coach mcpherson endorses Scontras for Congress

UMaine Head Coach Cosgrove and Dolphins Coach Bonamego Call Scontras a Real Winner

PORTLAND, Maine - On the eve of Superbowl XLII, Republican Congressional Candidate Dean Scontras received a major endorsement from former New England Patriots Head Coach Dick MacPherson. Coach MacPherson was born and raised in Old Town, Maine, graduated from Maine Maritime Academy and served honorably in the United States Air Force.

"Dean comes from a strong family and was raised with strong principles," said Coach MacPherson. "He is a tenacious competitor, with tireless energy and a boundless spirit. He will make a worthy candidate and a Congressman that Maine can be proud of!"

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JANUARY 22, 2008 - Business Leaders Back Scontras for Congress

Growing Number Supporting Political Outsider’s Economic Message

PORTLAND – Candidate for Congress Dean Scontras today released a list of more than 50 prominent Maine and national business leaders who are supporting his bid to win the Republican nomination for the open 1st District seat. “President Reagan was once asked the difference between a big business and a small business,” said Scontras. “His response was that a big business is what a small business would become, if only the government would just get out of the way. I am proud to have such a diverse group of business leaders supporting my campaign message of the need for government to get out of the way of business.”

“Being pro-business is a core Republican principle, and it has been the foundation of this campaign,” continued Scontras. “This list of supporters consists of business leaders from across the state, both large and small businesses, from multiple vertical markets – tech, finance, hospitality, manufacturing – from Maine and across the country. While a typical politician might roll out a list of legislators who support them, or boast of union endorsements, these are people who are part of the economic engine, people I have personally met, people whose support I have earned the old-fashioned way.”

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DECEMBER 12, 2007 - Dean Calls for Challengers to Show Leadership on Illegal Immigration

The following letter was sent to Maine's 1st District Congressional Candidates via e-mail and traditional mail. Recipients include Senator Chellie Pingree, Senator Ethan Strimling, Senator Michael Brennan, District Attorney Mark Lawrence, Adam Cote and Senator Charles Summers.

Fellow 1st District Congressional Candidates:

Last week, I issued a press release calling upon Governor Baldacci to rescind Executive Order 13 FY 04/05, issued on April 9, 2004, entitled "An Order Concerning Access to State Services by All Entitled Maine Residents". The Governor's Executive Order allows illegal aliens to obtain Maine driver's licenses.

As I travel the campaign trail, illegal immigration is the issue at the forefront of most voters' minds. Mainers feel that the federal government has let them down on this issue by failing to secure our borders and pass comprehensive immigration reform during the last legislative session.

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DECEMBER 4, 2007 - Dean Scontras Calls for End To Maine’s
Status as a Sanctuary State for Illegal Aliens

1st District Congressional Candidate Urges Governor Baldacci to Rescind Executive Order 13 FY 04/05

PORTLAND, Maine - Congressional candidate Dean Scontras called today for Governor Baldacci to terminate Maine's status as a sanctuary state for illegal aliens. Scontras said an executive order issued in 2004 has turned Maine into the nation's only sanctuary state, where people in the country illegally are entitled to the full range of welfare benefits, driver's licenses, and other privileges intended for lawful state residents.

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NOVEMBER 30, 2007 - Dean Scontras Opens Campaign
Headquarters in Downtown Portland!

Office Located at the Intersection of Congress and State Street

Portland, Maine - The Dean Scontras for Congress Campaign opened their headquarters this week in the heart of Longfellow Square in downtown Portland.  Located at 192 State Street, the office sits at the corner of State and Congress Street.

"We couldn't ask for a more appropriate location," joked campaign manager Michael Pajak. "Dean is running to represent our state in the United States Congress; it makes perfect sense that our headquarters be located at the corner of State and Congress Street!"

Located at one of the busiest intersections in Portland, the office is easy to spot from a block away and volunteers have already begun dropping by to help with mailings, phone calls, and other important work. With more than 25,000 vehicles driving by the office on an average day, the location offers unparalleled visibility and accessibility.

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NOVEMBER 11, 2007 - Candidates for open House seat raising online money

By Jessica Alaimo, www.politickerme.com

Dean Scontras knows money means victory. This means seeking money from out of state, along with his opponents, for his bid for Congress.

Scontras, a Republican candidate for Maine's first congressional district, started fundraising on Slatecard.com. It's a new social networking and fundraising site for Republicans.

The seat Scontras is vying for is being vacated by U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, who is challenging Sen. Susan Collins in the 2008 Senate race.

Scontras, a businessman from Eliot, calls himself a "Reagan Republican." He said he wants to bring ideas to the table that unite social conservatives, fiscal conservatives and strong national security conservatives. He said he supports smaller government, fewer government regulations and stronger immigration laws.

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NOVEMBER 9, 2007 - Dean Scontras Launches Next-Generation Fundraising Innovation

Portland, ME - Candidate for Congress in Maine's 1st Congressional District Dean Scontras has adopted Slatecard as the primary online mechanism for his campaign's fundraising effort. Slatecard is an online utility designed to support and enhance Republican activism. Upon its launch, Slatecard was called a "Facebook for Republican campaign donors" by Wired.com. (Wired.com, "Finally, a Facebook for Republican campaign donors," Sarah Lai Stirland, October 8, 2007).

Scontras is the second candidate to use Slatecard to safely and securely process online donations. The first is Kevin O'Neill, candidate for Virginia's First Congressional District. On November 6, less than a month after its launch, Slatecard announced that it had already helped raise more than $51K for Republican candidates.

"It is no secret that Democrats are far ahead of Republicans in converting their online presence to offline support," said Scontras.

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OCTOBER 26, 2007 - The Year of the Political Outsider
What Maine Republicans Can Learn from Jim Ogonowski

By Michael Pajak - Campaign Manager, Dean Scontras for Congress

Last Tuesday, political junkies from across America watched with limited interest as the Special Congressional Election in Massachusetts’ 5th District came to a close. With no Republican having won a Congressional election in Massachusetts since 1994, the talk at the water cooler at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee no doubt consisted of speculation as to the size of Niki Tsongas’ inevitable victory and the location of her new office once she arrived for work in Washington.

Democrats had good reason to be confident. Massachusetts’ 5th Congressional district boasts a mere 14% Republican registration and has not elected a Republican to Congress since Paul Cronin in 1974. Compound that with the fact that Democrat nominee Niki Tsongas (the wife of the late Congressman Paul Tsongas who happened to have been the one to defeat Cronin in ’76) has a “household” last name.

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OCTOBER 22, 2007 - Dean Scontras Speaks Out Against Portland School Committee

Republican Congressional Candidate to Help Gather Signatures for Recall Effort

Eliot, Maine - Dean Scontras, candidate for Maine's 1st Congressional District, issued a statement today regarding the decision by the Portland School Committee to allow the birth control pill, RU-486 (the "Morning After Pill") to be distributed to students at King Middle School without parental consent.

“I am appalled by the vote by the Portland School Committee,” said Scontras.

“To have public school officials making these types decisions and cutting the parents and guardians out of the process makes this even more insidious. This is more than just an embarrassment for Maine and Portland. It appears to be part of the larger agenda by secular progressives to lower our cultural standards, and they are using our young people to do so.”

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OCTOBER 16, 2007 - Outsider Scontras Is Republican Fundraising Frontrunner

Raises More Than $100,000 in 3rd Quarter

Eliot, Maine - 1st District Congressional candidate Dean Scontras filed his report with the Federal Elections Commission yesterday, showing campaign contributions of $101,060. Scontras, in his first run for political office, has emphasized the need for government reform as the political outsider in the race. “The people who contribute to my candidacy, Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike, all agree that we need change in Washington,” said Scontras. “It's the reason I got into the race, and it's the reason that I have the financial support of so many individuals.”

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OCTOBER 5, 2007 - 1st District Congressional Candidate Dean Scontras Announces 3rd Quarter Fundraising Results

Eliot, Maine - Republican 1st District Congressional candidate Dean Scontras announced today that his campaign received approximately $92,000 in contributions from July 12th to September 30th of 2007. The Dean Scontras for Congress Committee received contributions from 267 individuals representing all six counties in Maine's 1st Congressional District.

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AUGUST 22ND, 2007 - Dean Scontras Comments on Congress’ Record Low Approval Rating

18% Approval Rating Signals a Need for Real Reform in Washington

Eliot, Maine -1st District Congressional Candidate Dean Scontras commented today on the historic low rate of approval that the United States Congress received from Americans in a recent Gallup Poll.  According to the poll conducted from August 13-16, just 18% of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing, the lowest Congressional approval rating recorded since Gallup began tracking the public’s opinion of Congress in 1974.

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July 12th, 2007 - Dean Scontras Announces Campaign for Congress

Eliot, Maine – Dean Scontras has filed his Statement of Candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission, making formal his decision to run for Maine’s 1st Congressional District.

“I have had a desire to serve Maine people for as long as I can remember,” said Scontras.

“I’ll go to Washington in the spirit of Ronald Reagan. Reagan entered politics because he felt the rank and file of the citizenry should hold public office. I share that belief. The problems facing our nation today are daunting, and the last thing Maine needs to do is send another career politician to Washington to compound the problem, rather than work toward government reform.

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