The rumor is Severin Beliveau was around when Maine became a State, and has been a force ever since.  Mr. Beliveau was even kind enough to loan Governor Baldacci one of his attorney’s (Mike Mahoney) to serve as the Governor's Counsel. Harold Pachios, another long term democrat insider, served in the Johnson Administration and served as chairman of the Maine Democratic Party and was the Democratic nominee in Maine's First Congressional District in 1980.  Also from Preti, is Tony Buxton, who is a force of his own with the ability to raise serious campaign cash and great political connections in democratic circles, both here in Maine and nationally.  Dan Walker, a recent member of the Preti team served as legal counsel to the Baldacci campaign and is often called on to defend democrats in front of the Ethics Commission. Although they tend more towards the democrat side of the aisles, Attorney Ann Robinson is a key player in Republican circles and has served as legal counsel to the party and is one of the more trusted lobbyists on the Republican side.

Another one of the big Portland firms, there was a time when they were largely viewed as a republican firm (Howard Dana is a long-time supporter of former Governor McKernan), however, their state House presence definitely leans to the Democratic side.  Jim Cohen is a constant presence under the statehouse dome, and is the past Mayor of Portland. He has the ear of key folks in the Governor’s office and is well respected by both republicans and democrats. Mike Saxl, who heads up the government affairs shop (Maine Street Solutions) is the former Democratic Speaker of the House and is very involved in recruitment campaigns and fundraising for the Democrats. Saxl also has two younger associates who are very effective, including Jay Nutting, the son of Senator John Nutting. 

Is the biggest firm in Bangor and has been growing its Statehouse presence (Eaton Peabody Consulting Group). Senator Doug Smith, is a former attorney with Eaton Peabody, attorney Tim Woodcock is a former Cohen Staffer, and 2002 candidate for Congress in the Second District.  (His wife works for Senator Collins.)  Bill Ferdinand handles much of their day to day activity in the Statehouse and has solid relationships on both sides.

They are the workers comp firm as well as many other plaintiffs causes.  There was a time when they ruled the halls of Augusta in the late 1980’s, but  once the workers compensation spigot was turned back, the money and influence also waned, slightly.  Jim Case continues to be a force in the statehouse.  He served as chief legislative counsel and administrative assistant to Senator Edmund S. Muskie and Senator George J. Mitchell.  In addition, he currently serves as counsel to the Maine-AFL-CIO.