Reporters and contributors

BOBBY CHARLES A LEADER BUILT FOR MAINE’S FUTURE EARLY LIFE AND FOUNDATIONAL VALUES Robert “Bobby” Charles is a true Mainer, shaped by the unique spirit and work ethic that define the state. Growing up in the small town of Wayne, Bobby learned firsthand the values cherished by the Greatest Generation and embraced the renowned Maine work ethic. His mother, a dedicated schoolteacher, instilled in him a deep respect for quality education and strong moral character. After graduating from Maranacook High School, Bobby was accepted to Dartmouth College, where he studied government and religion. Like many Mainers, he worked his way through college with multiple jobs, eventually earning the opportunity to work in the Reagan White House. His academic journey continued after a two-year scholarship to Oxford University, where he obtained an MA degree in economics, followed by a law degree from Columbia Law. Driven by grit and determination, Bobby began his legal career as a clerk for a Reagan-appointed judge on the US Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, before working as a litigator to start paying off his considerable student loan debt. PUBLIC SERVICE AND COMMITMENT TO LAW AND ORDER Throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, Bobby’s passion for law, order, and justice guided his career. His expertise in anti-corruption, counterterrorism, and narcotics led to his recruitment by Speaker Gingrich’s team, where he served as Staff Director and Chief Counsel to the largest part of the US House Committee on Government Oversight. Bobby also joined the Navy as an Intelligence Officer (1998–2009), taught government oversight and cyberlaw at Harvard University, and authored the book “Narcotics and Terrorism” (2003). As Chief Counsel for five years, he led dozens of historically significant investigations, including the well-known Waco hearings, investigations into illegal immigration, fraud, and drug trafficking. In 2003, Bobby was nominated and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. In this role, he fought terrorism, dismantled global crime networks, and worked to eliminate corruption in Washington, D.C. He was in charge of setting up all police training for the United States in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia, Kosovo, and dozens of other countries, managing a $2 billion dollar operational budget in 70 countries, while downsizing the federal bureaucracy. Events on 9/11 changed his life, as the plane that struck the Pentagon claimed the lives of his entire Naval Intelligence team. Rising to the challenge, Bobby, who completed his career as a Lieutenant Commander (LCDR), volunteered for full active duty and in that role helped rebuild the Pentagon’s Naval Intelligence operations, part of CNO-IP. BUSINESS, ADVOCACY, AND CONTINUED SERVICE Beyond his military, educational, and legal achievements – a life dedicated to others in public service – Bobby has owned and operated a small business for 25 years, conducting studies, operationally deploying to support five Combatant Commands, and consistently advocating for law enforcement, veterans, and seniors. He played a pivotal role in building organizations like the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) and continues to serve as its national spokesman. Bobby is also a prolific writer, having published hundreds of articles, book chapters, law reviews, and two additional books: “Eagles and Evergreens” (2018) and “Cherish America” (2024). He appears regularly on national media (including FOX, Real America’s Voice, and other conservative outlets). In 2005, Bobby bought his home in Leeds, Maine, returning to Maine fulltime several years ago. Married in 1988, he has two grown children. A VISION FOR MAINE’S FUTURE Bobby Charles is uniquely qualified to address the significant challenges facing Maine today, including rising crime, the deadly impact of drugs, spiraling affordability, excessive taxes, regulations, bureaucracy, and energy costs. With his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to accountability, Bobby is ready to bring Maine off the sidelines and once again lead the nation. His life’s focus on ending public corruption, waste, fraud, and abuse is vitally needed today in Maine. On DAY ONE, he is prepared to fight for Maine families, protect our values, and ensure a safer, brighter future for all Mainers. Maine has never had a gubernatorial candidate so qualified, prepared, and ready to lead. This is Maine’s time, and Bobby is the candidate who will restore the Maine we all knew and need again, safe, prosperous, high integrity, no nonsense.

Chuck Ellis is a Maine-based writer, media producer, and civic leader focused on local government, education policy, and community issues across the state. He currently serves as Chair of the Cumberland County Republicans and is actively involved with the Common Sense for Maine PAC. A two-time candidate for the Maine State House, Ellis is the host of the Muddy Waters podcast, where he covers Maine politics, faith-informed civic engagement, and current events. He is also co-founder of Morellis Marketing Agency, a web design and digital strategy firm serving small businesses. Before entering politics and media full-time, Ellis spent nearly 15 years at KeyBank helping Mainers from every walk of life—from people with little to no money who were just getting started or trying to get by, to multimillionaires seeking the most effective ways to manage their assets. He also worked with businesses of all sizes, specializing in practical solutions for small businesses navigating the ever-changing banking environment. Ellis hails from Athens Maine. He lived in the Farmington area for 14 years and has spent nearly eight years in Westbrook. He frequently writes and speaks on school funding, taxpayer issues, parental rights, and the intersection of faith and public life.

Nathan Reardon is the founder and publisher of Maine News Now. An entrepreneur since 1999, he has built and operated businesses throughout Maine and is a prolific inventor, author, and professional problem solver. A proud father of five, Nathan brings a practical, independent perspective to the issues affecting Maine people and communities. A central focus of his work is exposing problems within the justice system, advancing meaningful reform, and finding practical solutions that make the system more fair, accountable, transparent, and accessible to everyone.