McCain visit

NOTE: PolitickerME will post video of McCain speaking later on.

Presidential nominee John McCain said Monday that he plans to be competitive in Maine.

McCain spent the day in the state. After attending three fundraisers in Kennebunkport, he made a public appearance at the Maine Military Museum.

After John McCain finished speaking Monday, PolitickerME asked U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, Congressional candidate Charlie Summers, and American Legion Post 66 Commander John Schlaack what they thought. See their responses on video below.

After being introduced by U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, McCain spoke for about 15 minutes about national security and his time both in the military and in a Vietnam prison camp.

My video is shaky but I will have what I can salvage up soon.

While McCain was speaking, there were several small groups protesting outside, including members from the Maine Campaign for Free Trade, Planned Parenthood and labor groups.

As the program was getting ready to start, I caught up with Tyler Washburn of Bowdoin, a 15-year-old high school student who supports McCain, and hopes to vote for him in four years. A video interview is below.

The crowd is in place, people have been told to silence their cell phones. Looks like things will get going shortly.

PolitickerME will be taking videos of all the speakers, and will post as fast as YouTube can go.

Now here’s a rarity in the world of major political events (at least, the bulk of the ones this reporter has been to).

It was just announced that John McCain will be a half hour early, so likely the schedule will be bumped up.

Video: The scene outside the Maine Military Museum.

Video: Scott Kauffman, vice chairman of the Maine Republican Party, comments on John McCain’s visit.

The gates have just opened at the Maine Military Museum in South Portland and people are starting to file in.

At 2 p.m. the pre-program will start, with Maine House Majority Leader Josh Tardy and Charlie Summers, Republican candidate for the First Congressional District.

John McCain is expected to arrive at 2:30, and U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will introduce him.

There are 14 picnic tables set up inside a fenced in area, and standing room along the outside.

Watch PolitickerME.com throughout the day for updates on the visit.