Hannah’s Hypocrisy Press Conference

AUGUSTA, ME — Maine Republican Party Chairman Jim Deyermond today called out Democrat gubernatorial nominee Hannah Pingree for attacking billionaire political spending while benefiting from her family’s connections to the liberal billionaire donor class.

“Hannah Pingree is an Augusta insider, a political nepo-baby, and a member of the Pingree dynasty,” Deyermond said. “She attacks billionaires when it benefits her politically but stays silent when billionaire money benefits her family and party.”

Pingree recently said: “Major outside groups and billionaire donors are preparing to spend millions in Maine before Election Day. But Maine is not for sale.”

However, her family has deep ties to hedge-fund billionaire Donald Sussman, the former husband of her mother, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. Sussman has reportedly donated at least $100 million to Democratic candidates and causes.

“That is not grassroots support. That is billionaire influence on a massive scale,” Deyermond said.

Deyermond issued Pingree a direct challenge:

“Tell every Sussman-funded candidate and organization to return the money—or admit that you support billionaire money when it benefits you, your family, and your party.”

“Hannah Pingree is trying to ride the socialist wave while benefiting from the liberal elite billionaire class at the same time. That’s hypocrisy,” Deyermond said. “Mainers cannot trust someone who will say whatever it takes to get elected and continue her political career.”

Deyermond contrasted Pingree with Republican gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles, describing him as a principled, experienced, and hardworking leader who will stand up for Maine families.

“Maine needs a governor who means what he says and puts Maine people first,” Deyermond said. “Vote Bobby Charles this November.”

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Donald Sussman has served as a board member of the Democracy Alliance, a group that charges a $200,000 minimum annual fee to join.