We Made Pingree Listen — Because of You!
By Liam Kent and Gerry Dubé
Founders, Blue Anchor Project
When Rep. Chellie Pingree refused to hold in-person events, we didn’t wait around.
We organized a counter-event to a staged gathering hosted by the Lincoln County Democrats — not to perform, but to listen. And not just that day. Across the district, online and in person, voters told us they felt ignored, dismissed, and ready for change.
We helped bring those stories to light — and thanks to strong press coverage, public frustration was put front and center. The pressure grew. And shortly after, Pingree announced her first in-person town hall since 2017.
Other groups, like Indivisible, also called for public accountability — but it was the direct pressure we organized, grounded in voter frustration and public testimony, that pushed this over the edge.
But when she finally showed up, the event backfired. Her answers fell flat. Constituents left disappointed and angry. So we told the truth — and we amplified what people in that room actually said.
Voters spoke up about housing, healthcare, and the lack of action in Washington. In return, they got vague answers and deflection from a politician out of step with their urgency. We made sure those concerns didn’t get ignored.
And we became the first to say what others were only whispering: after 18 years in Congress, if it took this much pressure just to get Pingree to act — maybe it’s time for new leadership. Not just younger, but bolder, more connected, and ready to lead with urgency.
We still believe that. But we also welcome progress — and we’re glad Pingree is finally responding to the people she once ignored. She’s now using our language. She’s echoing our calls for urgency. That’s a win — and a direct result of public pressure.
But words aren’t enough. Action matters. And while we’ll always give credit where it’s due, we’ll never stop doing what we do best: organizing, listening, and holding power to account.
Chip in now to power the next Listening Tour stop → https://blueanchorproject.org/pingree1
Because when people speak up, we turn up the volume — until power has no choice but to listen.