PORTLAND -- Sen. Barack Obama's campaign launched a new effort today aimed at getting Maine Republicans to vote for the Democratic presidential candidate this November.

The effort, "Maine Republicans for Obama," will be co-chaired by Robert A.G. Monks and Sherry Huber. Monks is the former chairman of the Maine Republican Party and has advocated improving corporate governance in the United States. Huber served in the Maine House of Representatives from 1976-1982 and has worked on conservation issues in the state.

Speaking at a press conference in front of Portland City Hall, Monks said he was impressed by Obama's positions on energy policy, conservation and retirement funding.

"Obama is good for Maine businesses," said Monks, while Republican presumptive nominee Sen. John McCain "is good for Wall Street."

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