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Bruce Poliquin

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Bruce Poliquin
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Maine's 2nd district
In office
January 3, 2015 – January 3, 2019
Preceded byMike Michaud
Succeeded byJared Golden
49th Treasurer of Maine
In office
January 5, 2011 – January 7, 2013
GovernorPaul LePage
Preceded byDavid Lemoine
Succeeded byNeria Douglass
Personal details
Born
Bruce Lee Poliquin

(1953-11-01) November 1, 1953 (age 71)
Waterville, Maine, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouses
Jane Carpenter
​
​
(m. 1989; died 1992)​
Judith Arbuckle
​
​
(m. 2004; div. 2009)​
Children1
EducationHarvard University (BA)

Bruce Lee Poliquin (/ˈpɒlɪˌkwɪn/; born November 1, 1953) is an American businessman and politician. A member of the Republican Party, he represented Maine's 2nd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019. Poliquin was first elected to Congress in the 2014 general election.[1] From 2010 to 2012, he was the 49th Maine State Treasurer.[2] He was a candidate for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in 2012, finishing second in the primary election. In January 2017, at the start of the 115th Congress, Poliquin was the sole Republican representing a U.S. House district in New England.

Poliquin was defeated by Democrat Jared Golden in his 2018 run for reelection; he became the first incumbent to lose his seat in Maine's second congressional district since 1916. Poliquin claimed the ranked-choice voting process used in the election was unconstitutional and declared himself the winner because he led after the initial tally. He sued to be declared the winner and have ranked-choice voting declared unconstitutional, but his lawsuit was rejected. He conceded to Golden on December 24, 2018. Poliquin lost his attempt to reclaim the seat in 2022.

Early life

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Poliquin was born and raised in Waterville, Maine. He grew up in a family of French-Canadian ancestry. His father was a school principal and his mother was a nurse.[3] He attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, where he was a running back on the varsity football team,[4] and graduated in 1972.[5] He graduated from Harvard University in 1976[6] with a bachelor's degree in economics.[7]

Career

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Investment management

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After college Poliquin worked in the investment management industry in Chicago and New York City.[8]

Gubernatorial campaign

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Main article: 2010 Maine gubernatorial election

In 2010 Poliquin sought the Maine Republican Party's nomination for governor of Maine. He spent $711,000 of his own money on the campaign and finished sixth of the seven candidates. Paul LePage won the nomination and Poliquin endorsed him.[9] Following LePage's election in November 2010, the Maine Legislature elected Poliqiun Maine State Treasurer.[9]

State Treasurer

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In 2011 Poliquin expressed concerns about the Maine State Housing Authority's plans to construct a low-income housing complex in Portland. Poliquin cited the proposed $314,000 per unit cost as an example of irresponsible government spending. Dale McCormick, the authority's director and an appointee of Democratic governor John Baldacci, approved the proposal following a reduction in the per unit price to $265,000.[10]

In 2012 Maine Democrats accused Poliquin of violating the state constitution by engaging in commerce while in office. The complaints against Poliquin centered around his involvement with the Popham Beach Club, a private club in Phippsburg, Maine, and Dirigo Holdings LLC, a real estate company. Maine Attorney General William Schneider advised Poliquin to disassociate himself from his business ventures but did not offer an opinion as to whether he had actually violated the Constitution. The Maine House voted unanimously to send the issue to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to settle the matter. The Court declined to offer a ruling, concluding that there were no circumstances in Poliquin's case requiring immediate attention.[11]

In February 2012 some Democrats criticized Poliquin for his use of the Maine Tree Growth Tax Program, a program meant to preserve forestland from development pressures for commercial timber harvesting, with 10 acres of his oceanfront property in Georgetown. The program reduced the value of his property from the originally assessed $1.8 million to $725,500, resulting in Poliquin paying $30 a year in property taxes. A 2009 Maine Forest Service report discussed Poliquin's property as an example of one that might not be fully complying with the law, stating that restrictions on timber harvesting in shoreland areas would limit any commercial use of the land. But the report acknowledged that as long as the property was 10 acres it could remain in the program.[12][13] Poliquin later transferred the property in question to the Open Space program, a less generous tax abatement program. He said the issue was a distraction for the town and was politically motivated by Democrats' dissatisfaction with his policies as treasurer.[12]

At the end of his term Poliquin wrote an op-ed in the Bangor Daily News with a list of his accomplishments as treasurer. These included reforms to the state workers' pension plan, efforts to reduce the cost of affordable housing, reduced wasteful spending, and retention of the state's Aa2 bond rating.[14]

Post-treasurer career

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In March 2012 Poliquin announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Olympia Snowe.[15] He lost the Republican primary to Charlie Summers, who lost the general election to Independent former governor Angus King.

On July 10, 2013, Poliquin said he was not interested in becoming the chairman of the Maine Republican Party, despite encouragement to do so from many Republicans, including Governor LePage.[16]

U.S. House of Representatives

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Elections

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2014

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Main article: 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Maine § District 2

In August 2013, Poliquin announced he would seek the Maine Republican Party's nomination for the Second Congressional District.[17][18]

Poliquin won the primary election against former Maine Senate President Kevin Raye and faced Democratic state senator Emily Cain and Independent retired Navy captain Blaine Richardson in the general election.[1] Poliquin won with 47% of the vote.[19][20]

2016

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Main article: 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Maine § District 2

Poliquin ran for reelection in 2016. He was a member of the National Republican Congressional Committee's Patriot Program, which was designed to help protect vulnerable Republican incumbents in the 2016 election. Poliquin ran unopposed in the primary election. He faced Democrat Emily Cain, whom he beat in 2014, in the November 8 general election.[21] Poliquin defeated Cain with 55% of the vote.[22]

2018

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Main article: 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Maine § District 2

Describing Poliquin on February 10, 2018, as "the last of an endangered species" as a House Republican from New England, the Boston Globe wrote that his "fight against extinction" was "looking more dire", with "Democrats' leaders looking to make New England a clean sweep in 2018".[23]

In the general election Poliquin faced Democratic nominee Jared Golden and independent candidates Tiffany Bond and Will Hoar. At an October debate Poliquin refused to commit to accepting the results of Maine's ranked-choice election if he lost.[24][25] After the election Poliquin sued to block the ranked-choice tabulation of results before it began.[26] The judge denied his request on November 15, and rejected Poliquin's lawsuit on December 13.[27][28]

On election night, Poliquin led Golden by 2,000 votes, but was short of a majority. Exit polls indicated that 90% of the independents' supporters ranked Golden as their second choice, which on paper was enough to give Golden the victory.[29] Bond's and Hoar's supporters overwhelmingly ranked Golden as their second choice, allowing Golden to defeat Poliquin by nearly 3,000 votes after all votes were tabulated.[27] It was the first time since 1916 that the district's incumbent had been unseated in an election.[30]

On November 10, 2018, a Poliquin campaign spokesperson raised concerns about the vote count in the race, alleging some voter boxes lacked proper locks and a Bangor polling clerk counted ballots unmonitored, which the Maine Journals interpreted as an accusation of voter fraud. Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap called the claims "a distraction" and cautioned the campaign to avoid "irresponsible" attempts to slow down the tabulation process and erode faith in the system.[31]

2022

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Main article: 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Maine § District 2

In a rematch of 2018, Poliquin ran in the 2022 election to represent Maine's 2nd District against Democrat Jared Golden.[32] In the Republican primary, he defeated Liz Caruso,[33] a wilderness guide and local government leader from the village of Caratunk, who raised $37,000 to Poliquin’s $2.2 million.[34] He won the Republican primary with 60% of the vote over Caruso.[35] Some political analysts thought Poliquin could win the general election, but he consistently trailed in the polls and lost to Golden, 53%–47%, after the ranked-choice tabulation.[36]

Tenure

[edit]
Poliquin in 2018

In January 2015, Poliquin voted for the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.[37]

On April 29, 2015, Poliquin introduced his first bill, the Child Support Assistance Act of 2015. Co-sponsored with Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), it was intended to help single parents secure child support payments by making it harder for the other parent to hide property or funds.[38] The bill was rolled into a transportation bill that passed Congress and was signed into law by President Obama on December 4, 2015.[39]

Poliquin voted against granting the president fast-track authority in negotiating trade agreements on June 12, 2015, saying Congress should be able to help shape such agreements.[40]

In September 2015 Poliquin was one of ten Republican U.S. House freshmen who signed a letter urging Republicans to avoid a government shutdown by passing a short-term spending bill a week before federal agencies were slated to run out of money.[41]

In April 2016 Poliquin and Chellie Pingree (ME-1) proposed legislation that would allow Cuban-bound flights to make technical stops at American airports for refueling and restocking. The bill's purpose was to prevent American airports from losing business to Canada.[42]

Poliquin and Niki Tsongas (MA-3) pushed legislative efforts begun during the tenure of his Democratic predecessor, Mike Michaud, to require the U.S. Department of Defense to purchase U.S.-made sneakers.[43]

Poliquin opposed the creation of a national park or national monument in the Maine North Woods. He called for congressional hearings in the region where the proposed park is now, and said federal officials and non-local supporters ignored the concerns of local residents who opposed it. He proposed a bill to limit the president's Antiquities Act power to declare national monuments.[44]

Poliquin was a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership[45] and the United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus.[46]

Committee assignments

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Political positions

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Taxation

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In November 2017 Poliquin said he would vote for the new Republican tax bill, whose framers had dismissed "a late suggestion by President Donald Trump to lower the top rate on high-wage earners." As paraphrased by The Washington Times, Poliquin said the proposal "would help Maine residents by doubling the standard deduction and increasing tax credits for children ... while keeping taxes low for small businesses and making large businesses more competitive by bringing the corporate rate into line with other industrialized countries." "We want to eliminate as many of these loopholes and special-interest carve-outs that only the wealthy and well-connected are able to take advantage of," he said, describing the work on the bill as "very methodical, very transparent and very thoughtful." Noting that he had voted earlier in November "to move the tax proposal forward in the House, trusting the Senate would continue to work on it and improve it," he expressed approval of the changes Senator Susan Collins and others made "that will benefit Maine families and small businesses, such as retaining the medical expense deduction and improving the provision dealing with historic tax credits."[48][49]

Tariffs

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In December 2017 the International Trade Commission ruled 4–0 to activate tariffs on Chinese hardwood plywood, thus leveling the playing field for U.S. wood products, a decision Poliquin had urged upon them at an October hearing. The Democratic Leader of the Maine State Senate, Troy Jackson (D-Allagash), praised Poliquin "for his successful efforts to fight against illegal and unfair foreign trade". Garry Gillespie of Columbia Forest Products said, "On behalf of the 161 Columbia Forest Products employees in Presque Isle, Maine, we are both thrilled and thankful with the results at the ITC."[50]

Healthcare

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On February 3, 2015, Poliquin was one of three House Republicans to vote against repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.[51] His spokesman said that while Poliquin supported repeal, the proposed bill did not offer a "free-market alternative" to immediately take its place, which he felt was needed.[52] Poliquin was subsequently criticized by conservative groups seeking immediate repeal of the law, including the Republican Liberty Caucus, which voted on February 5, 2015, to rescind their endorsement of him. Poliquin responded that House had voted numerous times to repeal the law without effect.[53]

In his 2016 reelection campaign Poliquin ran on repealing the Affordable Care Act.[54] On May 4, 2017, he voted to pass the American Health Care Act, which would have effectively repealed the ACA and included cuts to Medicaid.[55][56][57] He said it included the best parts of previous attempts to repeal the ACA.[58] He received criticism for taking money from insurance companies and avoiding discussions of his vote to repeal.[59][60][61][62] In his 2018 campaign the health care section of Poliquin's website no longer explicitly mentioned the Affordable Care Act.[54]

In 2018, Poliquin co-sponsored legislation that would have cut $7 billion of federal aid to children's health insurance.[63][64]

Veterans affairs

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In October 2017, Poliquin announced plans for the Veterans Access to Long Term Care and Health Services Act, which would "reduce red tape" for nursing homes treating veterans.[65]

In November 2017, Poliquin questioned officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at a Veterans Affairs Committee hearing. The hearing followed a report by the Government Accountability Office detailing the VA's "failure to report potentially dangerous medical practitioners to their national database, which is intended to prevent such bad actors from crossing state lines and putting patients at risk elsewhere." Poliquin later introduced legislation requiring VA medical professionals to report malpractice at the VA to state licensing boards.[66]

Immigration

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In March 2018, Poliquin criticized his Democratic challengers, writing, "illegal immigration is still illegal. We are a country of immigrants, but we are also a Nation of Laws. People entering America must do so legally."[67]

LGBT rights

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In May 2016, Poliquin voted against a measure intended to uphold an executive order that barred discrimination against LGBT employees by religious organizations that contract with the federal government. He was one of seven House Republicans to switch their votes at the last minute under pressure from Republican House Leadership. After criticism from Democrats, he issued a statement saying, "I am outraged that political opponents or members of the press would claim or insinuate that I cast a vote due to pressure or party politics. No one controls my vote", and that he abhorred discrimination in any form.[68]

Terrorism

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In 2016, Poliquin drafted a bill that would prohibit the federal government from giving food stamps to individuals convicted of terrorism-related crimes. He said the legislation would close a loophole that allows convicted terrorists to apply for aid.[69]

Iran

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In December 2017, the House passed Poliquin's Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act by a 289–135 vote. His fourth bill to pass the House that year, it required the public disclosure of the assets of Iran's regime. "Reports have indicated these funds are being used to support and sponsor terrorism around the region and to undermine our own national security interests. Iran, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, cannot be trusted and it's important for the security of the region and for the United States for these secret funds to be exposed publicly to the world."[70]

Personal life

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On February 11, 1992, Poliquin's wife, Jane, drowned in a swimming accident at the Palmas del Mar Beach Resort in Humacao, Puerto Rico.[71] Poliquin's father-in-law, James Carpenter, was also killed in the accident.[72] Jane's death made Poliquin a single parent to his 16-month-old son.[73]

In 2009 Poliquin divorced his second wife, Judith Arbuckle.[74]

While in Washington, Poliquin slept in his office, in a pull-down bed he installed in 2015.[75]

On January 31, 2018, Poliquin was one of several members of Congress who were traveling to a legislative retreat in West Virginia when their train collided with a truck just outside Charlottesville, Virginia, killing one person. Poliquin sustained minor injuries.[76]

On September 20, 2019, President Donald Trump nominated Poliquin as chair of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation.[77]

Poliquin is Roman Catholic.[78]

References

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  1. ^ a b "GOP's Bruce Poliquin wins 2nd Congressional District primary". Bangor Daily News. 2014-06-10. Retrieved 2014-06-11.
  2. ^ "Bruce Poliquin's Biography". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  3. ^ Shepherd, Michael (October 6, 2014). "Poliquin's energy pushes his 2nd Congressional District run". Kennebec Journal. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
  4. ^ Christopher Cousins, Poliquin recalls when famed New England Patriots coach Belichick was better at lacrosse, Bangor Daily News (January 17, 2014).
  5. ^ With Honors: USS Thomas Hudner christened, Phillips Academy (March 31, 2017).
  6. ^ Crimson on Capitol Hill: 114th, Harvard Magazine (January/February 2015).
  7. ^ Profile: A business-friendly environment tops Poliquin's agenda, Press Herald (May 25, 2010).
  8. ^ Pathe, Simone (May 20, 2015). "At the Races — Roll Call's Politics Blog Why This Vulnerable Freshman Is Surprising People". Roll Call. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
  9. ^ a b Miller, Kevin (November 21, 2010). "As legislators pick state officers, LePage endorsement for treasurer irks some". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  10. ^ Miller, Kevin (December 11, 2011). "Controversial Elm Terrace development gets OK at $265K per uni". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  11. ^ Russell, Eric (March 29, 2012). "Maine Supreme Court says it won't rule in Poliquin complaint". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  12. ^ a b Mistler, Steve (June 27, 2012). "Poliquin to transfer land to different tax-break program". Kennebec Journal. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  13. ^ Cover, Susan (February 2, 2012). "Poliquin property tax relief questioned". Kennebec Journal. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  14. ^ Poliquin, Bruce (January 5, 2013). "Thanks from Maine Treasurer". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  15. ^ Russell, Eric (March 2, 2012). "Five Republicans join Senate race; Michaud, Raye stick to House race". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  16. ^ Cousins, Christopher (July 10, 2013). "Bruce Poliquin rebuffs efforts to recruit him as Maine Republican Party chairman". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved July 11, 2013.
  17. ^ "Poliquin to enter race for Congress on Monday". Bangor Daily News. 2013-08-25. Retrieved 2013-08-25.
  18. ^ Cousins, Christopher (2013-12-03). "Thibodeau considering run for 2nd Congressional District seat". Bangordailynews.com. Retrieved 2013-12-03.
  19. ^ "Maine Election Results". New York Times. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  20. ^ Shepherd, Michael (November 4, 2014). "Poliquin, winner of 2nd District race, says he'll 'work with anybody'". Kennebec Journal. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  21. ^ "Democrat Baldacci drops out of 2nd District race". Kennebec Journal. February 5, 2016. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  22. ^ Shepherd, Michael (November 9, 2016). "Poliquin wins re-election over Cain in Maine's 2nd District". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  23. ^ "Democrats target New England's GOP House holdout - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  24. ^ "Poliquin indicates he might challenge ranked-choice results if he doesn't win". 22 October 2018. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
  25. ^ "Poliquin might challenge results if ranked-choice voting leads to his defeat - Lewiston Sun Journal". 22 October 2018. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
  26. ^ Mistler, Steve (13 November 2018). "In Tight Race, Maine Republican Sues To Block State's Ranked-Choice Voting Law". NPR. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
  27. ^ a b "Jared Golden declared winner of first ranked-choice congressional election, but challenge looms". 15 November 2018. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
  28. ^ "Federal court rules against Bruce Poliquin's challenge of ranked-choice voting". Lewiston Sun-Journal. 13 December 2018. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
  29. ^ Bill Nemitz (November 11, 2018). "Poliquin faces uphill battle for House seat". Portland Press Herald.
  30. ^ Kate Taylor; Liam Stack (November 15, 2018). "Maine's Bruce Poliquin, Lone Republican in House From New England, Loses Re-election". The New York Times.
  31. ^ "Republicans want worker removed from Poliquin-Golden ballot count". Portland Press Herald. 19 November 2018. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
  32. ^ Yechivi, Hannah (November 3, 2021). "Former Rep. Bruce Poliquin kicks off campaign for Maine's 2nd Congressional District". newscentermaine.com. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  33. ^ "Liz Caruso for Congress". Liz Caruso for Congress. 2022. Retrieved 2022-06-15.
  34. ^ Weisman, Jonathan; Ulloa, Jazmine (2022-06-14). "Nevada Elevates Election Deniers; South Carolina Voters Split on Trump". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-06-15.
  35. ^ "Maine Second Congressional District Primary Election Results". The New York Times. 2022-06-14. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
  36. ^ Shepherd, Michael (2022-11-16). "Jared Golden beats Bruce Poliquin for 3rd term in Maine's 2nd District". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
  37. ^ "Poliquin's vote for anti-abortion measure prompts disagreement over Maine values". Bangor Daily News. 2015-01-22. Retrieved 2015-01-29.
  38. ^ "Poliquin introduces child support bill, his first in Congress". Kennebec Journal. 2015-04-30. Retrieved 2015-05-06.
  39. ^ "Poliquin's child support bill approved". Bangor Daily News. December 9, 2015. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  40. ^ "Pingree, Poliquin block Obama's desired fast-track on trade deal". Bangor Daily News. 2015-06-12. Retrieved 2015-06-12.
  41. ^ Bresnahan, John; Bade, Rachael (September 23, 2015). "GOP freshmen urge party to avoid shutdown". Politico. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  42. ^ "Pingree, Poliquin want new rules for Cuban-bound flights". Washington Times. Associated Press. April 28, 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  43. ^ "Republican Rep. Bruce Poliquin of Maine and Democratic Rep. Niki Tsongas of Massachusetts are making progress in their effort to make the Defense Department buy U.S.-made sneakers". Daily Journal. Associated Press. April 28, 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2016.[permanent dead link]
  44. ^ "Poliquin seeks hearing in Maine on North Woods monument". Bangor Daily News. 13 May 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2016.
  45. ^ "Members". Republican Mains Street Partnership. Archived from the original on 26 August 2018. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  46. ^ "Our Members". U.S. House of Representatives International Conservation Caucus. Archived from the original on 1 August 2018. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  47. ^ "Member List". Republican Study Committee. Archived from the original on 22 December 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
  48. ^ "Rep. Bruce Poliquin says he'll vote yes on GOP tax overhaul". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  49. ^ "Rep. Bruce Poliquin says he'll vote yes on GOP tax overhaul". AP News. 2017-11-14. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  50. ^ Cassella, Megan (2017-10-26). "ITC to hear final arguments in China plywood case today". POLITICO. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  51. ^ "House GOP Approve Full Repeal of Obamacare (Again)". NBC News. 2015-02-03. Retrieved 2015-02-03.
  52. ^ "Poliquin to vote against repeal of Obamacare". Bangor Daily News. 2015-02-03. Retrieved 2015-02-03.
  53. ^ "U.S. GOP Congressman Brushes off Criticism for Health Care Vote". ABC News. 2015-02-05. Archived from the original on February 7, 2015. Retrieved 2015-02-06.
  54. ^ a b Resnick, Gideon (2018-09-21). "Suddenly, Vulnerable House Republicans No Longer Bash Obamacare on Their Websites". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 2018-09-21.
  55. ^ "How the House voted to pass the GOP health-care bill". Washington Post. Retrieved 2017-05-04.
  56. ^ "Health care vote puts pressure on dozens of vulnerable GOP reps". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2017-05-04.
  57. ^ "Rep. Poliquin supports health bill, says only 7% of Mainers affected. Facts show otherwise". Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel. 2017-05-04. Retrieved 2018-09-10.
  58. ^ "Poliquin under fire in video, audio over health care bill". Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel. 2017-07-12. Retrieved 2018-09-10.
  59. ^ "Here's what Bruce Poliquin doesn't seem to get". From Below and to the Left. 2018-08-14. Retrieved 2018-09-10.
  60. ^ "Poliquin's health care vote will come back to haunt him". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 2018-09-10.
  61. ^ "These vulnerable Republicans really don't want voters to remember they tried to repeal Obamacare". Retrieved 2018-09-10.
  62. ^ "Maine health care advocates demand to know: Where's Bruce? - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2018-09-10.
  63. ^ "Poliquin says $5B cut to kids' health program is unspent money - Lewiston Sun Journal". Lewiston Sun Journal. 2018-05-15. Retrieved 2018-09-10.
  64. ^ "Rep. Poliquin co-sponsors bill to cut $7 billion from federal Child Health Insurance Program". Press Herald. 2018-05-15. Retrieved 2018-09-10.
  65. ^ Collins, Steven Bruce Poliquin focuses on helping veterans get services; Sun Journal; October 19, 201; http://www.sunjournal.com/bruce-poliquin-focuses-on-veterans/
  66. ^ "Lawmakers rip VA on failure to report potentially dangerous medical providers". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  67. ^ Collins, Steven; Bruce Poliquin spars with Democrats over immigration; Sun Journal; March 23, 2018; http://www.sunjournal.com/bruce-poliquin-spars-with-democrats-over-immigration/
  68. ^ "Poliquin among 7 House Republicans to switch votes, defeating gay rights protection". 19 May 2016. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  69. ^ Blake, Andrew (February 1, 2016). "Bruce Poliquin proposes 'No Welfare for Terrorists Act,' looks to close food stamps loophole". Washington Times. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  70. ^ "House votes to expose wealth of Iranian leaders". Washington Examiner. 2016-09-21. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  71. ^ "Colby honors art professor, daughter, drowning victims". Bangor Daily News. February 13, 1992. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  72. ^ Lambert, Bruce (February 15, 1992). "James Carpenter, 77, Ex-Leader Of Colby College Art Department". New York Times. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  73. ^ Mistler, Steve (May 4, 2012). "In wake of tragedies, an imprint emerges on Poliquin's politics". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
  74. ^ "Hotly contested 2nd District race may decide control of the U.S. House - Lewiston Sun Journal". 2 November 2018. Retrieved 16 November 2018.
  75. ^ Collins, Steve; Democrats claim Bruce Poliquin's office bed is an abuse of taxpayer funds; Sun Journal; March 7, 2018; http://www.sunjournal.com/poliquins-choice-to-sleep-in-his-d-c-office-targeted-in-ethics-complaint/
  76. ^ WSET/WGME (2018-01-31). "Maine Congressman Bruce Poliquin on board Amtrak train involved in Virginia crash". WGME. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  77. ^ Shepherd, Michael (September 20, 2019). "Trump nominates former Maine congressman to chair a federal investment protection organization". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 20 September 2019.
  78. ^ Religious affiliation of members of 115th Congress (PDF) (Report). Pew Research Center. 2017-01-03. Retrieved 2023-04-18.
[edit]
Political offices
Preceded by Treasurer of Maine
2011–2013 		Succeeded by
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Maine's 2nd congressional district
2015–2019 		Succeeded by
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded byas Former US Representative Order of precedence of the United States
as Former US Representative 		Succeeded byas Former US Representative
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