Chellie Pingree actually said...

"As the Speaker of the House, I am engaged in recruiting candidates to run for the legislature."

"Whether it was a senior citizen or a hardworking lobsterman, they could participate in my campaign."

"More importantly, after I qualified for clean elections, I could spend the majority of my time talking to my constituents."

"But again, you have to be--become a qualifying candidate. So you still have to find people to write you a $5 check."