Click Logo to Hear QNN Interview We are on the Ballot... " Over the past few months I have campaigned all over the state. I have had the opportunity to meet several thousand people and hear many different opinions about why Maine finds itself in the position it does today with the highest tax burden in the country, businesses leaving our state, taking the good paying jobs with them and our children leaving our state to find the kind of pay they deserve but can not get here in Maine. I also have heard these same people express their sentiments about how little they feel their vote means and their lack of  respect, trust or interest in the choices they have for their future Governor. Speaking as a fellow citizen and taxpayer here in Maine this is the same way I have felt. These are my major motivations for running for Governor. It is obvious that the people here in Maine are ready to make an Independent their next Governor if they feel that person is the right person for the job. I hope that in the coming months I will earn your trust, respect and your vote. It is time that the people in Maine were able to look at their politicians with trust and respect. Everyone must know that the people they elect will do what the people want done, not what some special interest group or political party wants done. As Governor I commit to being the voice for the people. I will be a politician that says what he will do and actually do it when elected. In doing so, I hope that I can restore the trust and integrity other politicians have foolishly wasted. Maine voters must elect someone with a fresh point of view and ideas that will promote sustainable growth and economic prosperity. It is my belief that the longer someone is in political office the less effective they become. History has shown us here in Maine that each time we had the advantage of someone who is elected as Governor that was an Independent we had fresh innovative ideas that were in the best interest of the people of Maine. This is a beautiful state with great people who want to be a part of a success story. Together we can be the ones that take advantage of the opportunities that are available to us today and not let them pass us by because of lack of leadership or vision. Remember, Independent thinking is what made America great...Together we can make Maine great again." Sincerely, David Jones Ballot Certification Certification Date May 31, 2006 "On May 31, 2006 I was certified on the ballot. This was made possible by everyone who volunteered to collect these signatures. Everyone collected a total of almost 6000 signatures. We submitted approximately 4180 certified signatures and ended up with 4132 signatures being certified and accepted by the Secretary of State. We did not qualify for the Maine Clean Election Fund. We were approximately 250 $5 contributions short. We had collected almost 2300 $5 contributions. It was a great effort but unfortunately we did not meet the date requirement. All of the effort made to collect the $5 contributions was done by individuals who committed their time as much as possible in between their regular work schedules. We did not have any full time paid staff, only volunteers. This was a true grass roots effort. I am very proud of all the time, work and commitment everyone put into reaching this goal. Your commitment to the early stages of my campaign will always be remembered and appreciated. Several people have asked whether I will continue as a privately funded candidate? After listening to Governor Baldacci speak about why the State of Maine is in the current position it is, blaming everyone else instead of dealing with the issues and listening to each of the Republican Candidates I do not see anyone truly committed to lead Maine to a path of prosperity and growth. You have to know that Maine has some very tough decisions to make. These decisions have to be made now, not four years from now. If these decisions are not made now you as a taxpayer will bear the cost." David Jones June 5, 2006