More than 700 people turned out Sunday for the first annual “Tailgate for Common Sense,” the event held at Aquaboggan Water Park and Drive-In that combined football, food, and a live auction as supporters looked ahead to the 2026 election cycle.
The event featured the New England Patriots vs the Cincinnati Bengals game broadcast on multiple large screen televisions, drawing attendees into tents and seating areas as organizers described a high-energy, family-friendly atmosphere. Football fans, concerned citizens and candidates mingled throughout the afternoon.
Several Republican candidates for governor, David Jones (R), Ben Midgley(R) and Jim Libby (R) attended the tailgate, alongside Ron Russell (R), who is running for Maine’s First Congressional District, and former Gov. Paul LePage (R), candidate for the Second Congressional District.
“We have to get ready and activated for 2026,” volunteer Jim Booth said.
WLOB morning radio host Ray Richardson praised the event, calling it “great food, a great event, a great way to move Maine forward.”
Midgley praised the Common Sense for Maine committee for organizing the event and “creating great energy and raising awareness of the issues and the candidates.”
Food played a central role in the gathering, with dozens of Maine restaurants, bakeries, and food businesses contributing to what organizers described as one of the largest culinary spreads at any political event in recent memory.
Vendors included DiMillo’s, On the Vine, Bayley’s Seafood, Piggy’s, Naked Pig Barbeque, Biddeford-Saco Country Club, Asian House, Sea Salt/Peppers Landing, It’ll Be Pizza, The Golden Rooster, Garsides, Len Libby, Sunset Bar & Grill, Shawn’s Famous Whoopies, Rachel Boylestad, and others. Dunegrass supplied additional items, while Shipyard Brewing and Barreled Souls provided beverages.
A silent auction ran throughout the afternoon, featuring donated items from local businesses, supporters, and sponsors. Organizers said the auction was designed to raise funds to support future Common Sense for Maine outreach and community events.
Attendees said the turnout reflected concern about the state’s direction. “I didn’t know what to think, but this is great,” said Monique Briggs of Scarborough. “Things are getting really bad in Maine. If Janet Mills gets in, we are done.”
Some speakers emphasized the political message behind the gathering. “Common sense should prevail, we need to get Maine back to where we need it to be,” said Russell.
Organizer Gary Prolman said the crowd represented a broader movement of frustrated voters. “There are a lot of people here for the common goal, to ensure a better Maine,” he said. “This is the silent majority. We are sending a huge message, we are not going to tolerate this anymore. We don’t want Nazis running for office in Maine.”
Jones said the event demonstrated the type of civic engagement he hopes to see in 2026. “This is the way Maine is supposed to be,” he said. “People discussing how we can make Maine great again.”
