The Portland Press Herald of Maine has this op-ed, pointing out that, last year, former U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine became a member of the Board of Directors of the Commission on Presidential Debates. The Commission Board only has 17 members. The op-ed pleads with Snowe to advocate that the Commission on Presidential Debates expand entry into the general election presidential debates, which it controls. If even one of the Directors of CPD takes this action, the policy might change.
The op-ed points out that other respected Maine political figures, including William S. Cohen, Eliot R. Cutler, and Angus King, have recommended that the CPD reform the rule that requires a 15% poll showing before non-major party candidates can participate. The op-ed is authored by Cara Brown McCormick, who is associated with the group “Change the Rule”.
Also on May 10, the Boston Herald has an editorial calling on the CPD to expand the debates. Even though it is featured as an editorial, it is signed by one particular individual, political scientist David King. The King editorial suggests that three particular members of the CPD Board might be amendable to expanding the debate. He lists Snowe, Newton Minow, and Mitch Daniels.
