“You Don’t Have to Take Politics as It’s Currently Served Up” — Rick Bennett’s Call for Reform

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In Part Two, Maine State Senator and Independent Gubernatorial Candidate Rick Bennett continues the conversation, turning to some of Maine’s most urgent challenges:

⚡ Energy Reform — Bennett warns that Maine’s solar subsidy program has left “$240 million of stranded costs onto ratepayers,” with most benefits going to out-of-state Wall Street firms. He argues these policies drive up rates, hurt small businesses, and stall electrification.

💊 Drug Trafficking — Bennett says cartel-level trafficking is “killing people literally” and pledges stronger enforcement while supporting prevention and recovery. He stresses the need to confront organized crime bringing kilo-level fentanyl, meth, and cocaine into Maine.

🚨 Public Safety — Beyond drugs, Bennett highlights broader law enforcement priorities and the importance of appointing leaders in public safety who will treat enforcement as a top issue.

🏛️ Political Reform — Bennett pushes for opening up closed-door caucuses, stricter lobbying disclosure, and greater transparency in Augusta. As an independent, he says, “You don’t have to take politics as it’s currently served up… it’s completely within our power.”

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Disclosure: This episode of Q-Point Podcast is prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

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1. “You Don’t Have to Take Politics as It’s Currently Served Up” — Rick Bennett’s Call for Reform (00:00:00)

2. ICE Cooperation, Sanctuary State Debate (00:00:32)

3. Confronting Cartel Trafficking in Maine (00:02:04)

4. Raising Money Without Party Backing (00:04:02)

5. "Dark Money" and Disclosure in Maine Politics (00:04:38)

6. Lobbying Reform Proposals and Pushback (00:08:10)

7. From House Parties to Main Streets (00:10:39)

8. A Call to Action for Maine Voters (00:12:52)

9. Excerpt from Interview with Police Chief Christopher Martin (00:16:11)