Debra Plowman
Debra Plowman served as the acting commissioner of education in Maine from May 2016 to November 2016; however, the office was largely ceremonial, as most of the responsibilities held by the commissioner were split between Maine Governor Paul LePage (R) and Acting Deputy Commissioner of Education Bill Beardsley.[1]
Plowman is a former Republican member of the Maine State Senate, representing District 33 from 2004 to 2012 and serving as State Senate Assistant Majority Leader. Before her time as Senator, Plowman served in the Maine House of Representatives from 1992 to 2000. Plowman was a 2012 Republican candidate who sought election to the U.S. Senate from Maine. Plowman was defeated by Charles Summers in the Republican primary on June 12, 2012.[2]
Biography
Plowman attended the University of Southern Maine, graduating with a Political Science degree.
Political career
Acting commissioner of education (2016)
In April 2016, former acting commissioner Bill Beardsley was no longer eligible to hold the post because of a six-month time limit placed on temporary cabinet appointments. Governor LePage named Plowman acting commissioner in his place. Plowman, in turn, named Beardsley acting deputy commissioner. An order issued by LePage stipulated that most of the duties and responsibilities traditionally held by the commissioner were divided between the governor's office and Deputy Commissioner Beardsley.
A spokeswoman for Governor LePage's office explained:
| “ | This is a legal formality. After Dr. Bill Beardsley’s six months as acting commissioner expired, it was necessary for the governor to empower someone at the Department of Education with the authority to sign on behalf of the commissioner. [Plowman] has ratified Bill’s appointment as deputy commissioner for the department and has empowered him to act on behalf of the department. Dr. Beardsley will continue to lead the department and remains a member of the governor’s Cabinet.[3][4] | ” |
Plowman's tenure as acting commissioner expired in November 2016. Governor LePage appointed Dr. Robert Hasson as Plowman's successor.[5]
Maine State Senate (2004-2012)
From 2004 to 2012, Plowman was a member of the Maine State Senate. She represented district 33. She was elected to four, two-year terms, the maximum number allowed under Maine law.
- State Senate Assistant Majority Leader
Maine House of Representatives (1992-2000)
From 1992 to 2000, Plowman was a member of the Maine House of Representatives. She represented district 114. She was elected to four, two-year terms, the maximum number allowed under Maine law.
In addition to her position as senator, Plowman helps run PDQ Door, her family business.
Committee assignments
2011-2012
In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Plowman served on these committees:
2009-2010
In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Plowman served on these committees:
Elections
2012
Plowman did not run for re-election to the State Senate in 2012. Instead, she ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. Senate, representing Maine. Plowman was defeated by Charles Summers in the Republican primary.[2]
2010
- See also: Maine State Senate elections, 2010
Plowman won re-election to the 33rd District seat in 2010. She had no primary opposition. Sherman Leighton ran for the seat on the Democratic ticket. The general election took place on November 2, 2010.[6]
| Maine State Senate, District 33 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
 Debra Plowman (R)
|
11,360 | 66% | ||
| Sherman Leighton (D) | 5,116 | 30% | ||
| Blank | 777 | 5% | ||
2008
On November 4, 2008, Plowman ran for District 33 of the Maine State Senate, beating Wanda Beland.[7]
Plowman raised $16,645 for her campaign.[8]
| Maine State Senate, District 33 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | |||
| Debra Plowman (R)
|
13,795 | |||
| Wanda Beland (D) | 7,109 | |||
Campaign finance summary
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Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Debra Plowman Maine Education. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Debra is married to David Plowman. They have three children and reside in Hampden, Maine.
External links
- Senator Plowman's campaign website
- Official Maine State Senate website
- Maine Senate Republicans profile
- Biography from Project Vote Smart
- Debra Plowman on Facebook
- Debra Plowman on Twitter
- Campaign Contributions: 2008, 2006, 2004, 1998, 1996
- State Surge profile - legislative and voting track record
Footnotes
- ↑ Portland Press Herald, "LePage signs order that keeps embattled education chief in office," accessed August 1, 2016
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Associated Press, "Election Results" accessed June 12, 2012
- ↑ Portland Press Herald, "Titles shuffled at education department to keep LePage’s choice in charge," accessed August 1, 2016
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ WABI TV 5, "LePage Appoints New Acting Education Commissioner," November 22, 2016
- ↑ Maine Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions, "Official 2010 Election Results," accessed February 18, 2014
- ↑ Maine Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions, "Official 2008 State House Election Results," accessed February 18, 2014
- ↑ Follow the Money's report on Plowman's 2008 campaign contributions
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Bill Beardsley |
Acting Maine Commissioner of Education 2016 |
Succeeded by Robert Hasson |
| Preceded by - |
Maine Senate District 33 2004–2012 |
Succeeded by Andre Cushing (R) |
