Rep. Phil Hare and Rep. Michael H. Michaud

Michael H. Michaud was sworn in as a United States Congressman in January 2003 to represent the Second Congressional District of Maine in Congress. He is the first recognized Franco-American from Maine to be elected to federal office.

The second of six children, Mike was raised in Medway and attended Schenck High School in East Millinocket. After graduation, Mike followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather at the Great Northern Paper Company. He is a 30 year employee of GNP and is a member of USW Local #4-00037 (formerly PACE Local #1-40037).

Citing a desire to help clean up the badly polluted Penobscot River near his home, Mike was first elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 1980, where he went on to serve seven consecutive terms. In 1994, he won election to the Maine Senate, and in 2000 he was unanimously elected Maine Senate President. He went on to win a six-way primary in 2002 and then prevailed in the general election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

In the House, Mike serves on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and is the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. In addition, Mike serves on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Small Business.

In Congress, Mike has led the fight in Congress for fairer trade policies for American businesses and workers through co-founding the Trade Working Group in the House. Mike has used his position on the Veterans' Affairs Committee to pass significant legislation into law to expand benefits for veterans and ensure proper care for those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. He has made economic development a top priority, passing legislation in the House to create a Northern Border Economic Development Commission that would invest up to $60 million per year in the most distressed areas of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York for economic development and job creation.

Mike continues to reside in East Millinocket, Maine.

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Congressman Phil Hare was born on February 21, 1949 in Galesburg, Illinois. He has lived his whole life in the 17th Congressional District. He graduated from Alleman High School and attended Blackhawk College in Moline. He learned the value of work ethic and dedication from his parents. Phil's mother worked for $1.00 an hour at the New York Store to help make ends meet after the family lost their house. She was active in local politics and volunteered on John Kennedy's campaign for President. His father was a machinist and a proud member of his local union. Together, they raised 4 kids.

In 1969, Phil took his first job at the Seaford Clothing Factory in Rock Island. During the 13 years he cut lining for men's suits there, Phil served as a union leader and as the President of UNITE HERE Local 617. He also served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves. These experiences gave him the determination to always fight for working families and veterans.

Phil left his union position to work for Congressman Lane Evans in 1982. For nearly 24 years, Phil worked on behalf of his neighbors in the 17th District by serving as District Director. Whether it was helping constituents solve their problems, mediating labor disputes, or furthering Democratic principles, Phil has always sought to help the people of his district. In his spare time, Phil volunteered at a local hospice and coached youth basketball and football.

When his boss and good friend Lane Evans decided to retire in 2006, Phil was devastated. After discussing it with his wife (Beckie) and two children (Lou, Amy), he decided to run in Lane's stead. Phil knew that his candidacy was the best way to carry on the fight for working families and veterans.

Phil Hare was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on November 7, 2006 with 57 percent of the vote. He serves on the Education and Labor and Veterans' Affairs Committees. He is also an assistant whip under Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC). Assistant whips are responsible for mobilizing party members from their respective regions on important votes.