Four of the eight Republican candidates for governor marked Veterans Day with a spirited debate Monday night, trading views on jobs, energy policy, immigration enforcement and the state’s drug crisis at an event hosted by Common Sense for Maine at Dunegrass Country Club in Old Orchard Beach.
The forum opened with ceremony fitting for the day of commemoration. Dr. Rev. Gary Nguyen, a retired captain in the 82nd Airborne, led the National Anthem. The Rev. David Porter of Oak Ridge Bible Church in Milford delivered an invocation that called on candidates and voters to “turn to the Almighty and ask for His help,” adding, “we need God’s help in all of this.”
Army National Guard Sgt. James Dupree led the Pledge of Allegiance and retired Army Col. Ron Russell, a Republican candidate for Maine’s First Congressional District, reflected on service and sacrifice, telling the crowd, “Today we are exercising democracy by holding a debate among candidates for Maine’s Chief Executive Officer… it’s a day to acknowledge, to remember, and to honor those who have sworn that solemn oath.”
Radio personality Ray Richardson from 100.5 WLOB moderated the debate, which featured state Sen. Jim Libby, businessman David Jones, entrepreneur Owen McCarthy and former Paris selectman Robert Wessels.
Dov Sachs, chair of the PAC Common Sense for Maine which has been sponsoring this series of candidate gatherings, framed the group’s mission at the outset. “Common Sense for Maine is single-mindedly committed to turning Maine red in 2026,” Sachs said, arguing Democrats had “made Maine wildly unaffordable.”
The candidates themselves opened with tributes to veterans before turning to the economy. Citing a report that projects “virtually no job growth between now and 2029,” Richardson asked how each would spur hiring.
Libby said Maine must “add competition to our schools,” promising a school choice bill “similar to the Arizona plan where people can follow the money.” He also warned that policy fights around hydropower could threaten manufacturing jobs, pointing to Sappi’s operations and saying, “We cannot afford to take down these hydro dams… Can you imagine 8,000 jobs lost in Central Maine?”
Jones argued Maine must become “a business-friendly state,” emphasizing deregulation, lower taxes and cheaper energy. “Without jobs, they’re going to leave,” he said. “We’ve got to deregulate… We’ve got to understand, businesses have to be respected.”
McCarthy pressed for “blocking and tackling” on costs while targeting sectors where Maine can compete: “maritime innovation,” “advanced forest products” and “life science.” He said cutting red tape and recruiting companies directly are essential. “As chief executive, I also will be chief business officer,” he said. “I’m not afraid to call the CEO of any company and make a pitch.”
Wessels, describing himself as a “small government guy,” said he would cut spending and “focus much more on deregulation rather than creating yet another law.” He tied high electricity prices to business flight, arguing Maine must become “energy independent” with hydro and “small modular reactors,” and said “four of those across the state will be sufficient.”
Education and retaining young Mainers was discussed throughout the debate. Libby touted a “First Year of Promise” plan modeled on “last dollar” aid to cover year-one costs, saying success early in college predicts completion. Jones said “college is not for everybody,” calling for stronger pathways to trades. McCarthy said students want proof they can “afford to buy a home and live in a home here,” adding, “we need to build more homes” and train residents to use AI tools. Wessels cited public-private training models and urged “an atmosphere… that allows” entrepreneurship without forcing every graduate to pursue a degree.
On drugs, audience questions pressed the candidates on outcomes. Wessels criticized a focus on harm reduction alone and urged support for recovery programs “that are being successful,” saying, “They’re actually recovering people from drugs.” Jones called for letting “law enforcement do their job,” saying recidivism is “through the roof.” Libby said the state has “normalized” drug use and faulted leniency in charging and bail. He also pointed to rural “flophouses” tied to public assistance. McCarthy linked overwhelmed prosecutors, public defenders and police to weak accountability and said the state must “cut down on the supply coming in.”
Immigration policy also drew contrasts. Richardson presented a question about a bill that critics say could move Maine toward a “sanctuary state” posture and complicate employer compliance. Jones pledged to “enforce every law of the United States Constitution and the Maine Constitution without exception.” Wessels warned sanctuary policies would “destroy our state” through housing and health-care costs and said Maine should “work with ICE.” McCarthy opposed funding that would mirror Massachusetts’ spending on housing for newcomers, saying the state should “take care of the citizens that are here.” Libby said he had voted against the bill as a senator and would use the governor’s leverage to block end-runs around budget rules.
Veterans’ services returned to the fore as the evening closed. Wessels backed wider access to local hospitals for care and stronger mental-health supports. McCarthy said he had announced “VetConnect,” including a 24/7 service officer, connected case information and Starlink for veterans with poor internet. Jones proposed a dedicated “Fund Our Veterans Program,” saying veterans’ homes “are kicked around like a football.” Libby called for better access in rural districts, improved transportation and more disciplined state contracting, arguing veterans “are not getting the services that they need.”
In a yes or no session of questioning , the candidates said they would support the party’s nominee and, with one exception, Jones, consider serving in another Republican’s cabinet.
Closing the night, Wessels urged voters to make Maine “family friendly” and safe. Libby promised “a $1 billion tax cut over four years” and said he would not take lobbying dollars from large interests. Jones cast himself as a “fighter” who would “slice and dice” waste in an $11-plus billion state budget. McCarthy said Maine needs “new ideas” to keep the state from becoming “more than just vacation land for the wealthy,” adding, “I can talk to you about sawmills or software and I can lead us into that future.”
“Thank you to the four candidates on the stage,” Richardson said as he sent the audience home. “You guys gave us some great insight.”
