House Green Independent caucus elects minority leader, gets staff

(Released by House Green Independent Minority Office, Jan. 5, 2018)
House Green Independent caucus elects minority leader, gets staff

AUGUSTA--On opening day of the second session of the 128th Legislature, State Rep. Ralph Chapman (G--Brooksville) was elected Green Independent minority leader for the party's caucus in the House of Representatives. The Green Independent caucus is a new development since the closure of the first session in 2017. Chapman enrolled in the party in September, with State Rep. Henry Bear (G--Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians) later joining in November. The 128th Legislature is the first to have a Green Independent caucus since State Rep. John Eder (G--Portland) left the House of Representatives in 2006. It is also the first time the caucus has had more than one member.

Chapman said the Green Independents will primarily caucus with Independent representatives. Combined, the Independent and Green Independent caucuses share the balance of power between Democrats and Republicans. However, Chapman said the Green Independent caucus may choose to voice its positions if and when he and Bear agree it is appropriate.

The Executive Council has provided the caucus with its own staff, legislative aide Benjamin Meiklejohn, who began work on opening day, Jan. 3. Meiklejohn also serves as secretary for the Green Independent Party state committee, and has served two elected terms on the Portland School Committee. Meiklejohn will share office space with the Independent caucus's staff.

For more information, contact the Green Independent Minority Office via Chapmanor at 1-800-423-2900 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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