PORTLAND, Maine — A Republican congressional candidate was criticized by Democrats on Wednesday for graphic comments about sexual assault at a lobstering rally.
Ed Thelander, who is challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree in Maine’s 1st District, compared the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to rapists while leveling criticism at lobster regulations intended to protect the endangered right whale.
“NOAA wants to rape you and your family, and they are saying pick a child,” Thelander said. “You don’t negotiate with a rapist, and that’s what’s happening.”
The Maine Democratic Party called the comparison “disgusting and unproductive” and said the remarks showed Thelander was unfit for office.
The crowd was largely silent during Thelander’s remarks, which came at the conclusion of a brief speech at the end of the rally. It applauded him after he finished speaking.
Thelander, a retired Navy SEAL from Bristol, is the latest in a string of newcomers to take on the seventh-term congresswoman in a safe Democratic district. He has run a more active campaign than most, raising more money through June than any Pingree challenger since 2010.
Pingree and Thelander were set to meet for the first time at an 8 p.m. debate on Wednesday hosted by Maine Public and the Portland Press Herald.
