Rep. Rines said that he believes that the experience and expertise he has gained during his four terms in the House will be valuable in addressing issues facing the State Senate, such as economic development, funding education, providing accessible and affordable health care, as well as finding ways to address rising energy costs. Over the past eight years, Representative Rines has served on the Joint Standing Committee of Utilities and Energy, as well as serving as Chair of Bills in the Second Reading.

During his service as a representative, Rines successfully added an amendment to the legislation concerning the 911 surcharge that significantly lowered the rate charged to the public for usage of the emergency 911 system.  He passed a bill requiring that all cigarettes in Maine be fire safe.  Committed to preservation of the environment, Rines sponsored legislation banning MTBE in gasoline, and believing in governmental accountability, he restored funds for the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability (OPEGA.)

In announcing his candidacy, Rep. Rines said, “serving as State Representative has been an honor.  I want to go back to Augusta to continue to work on those issues important to the people in Senate District 20.”  Senate District 20 represents the people of Alna, Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Bremen, Bristol, Damariscotta, Edgecomb, Hibberts Gore, Jefferson, Monhegan Island Plantation, Newcastle, Nobleboro, Somerville, Southport, Waldoboro, Westport Island, Whitefield, and Wiscasset.

Rines won his third and final term in 2006.  State law prevents him from running again as a representative.