Pat LaMarche: A Voice for the Voiceless
Exploring the multifaceted career of a prominent American activist, politician, and author dedicated to social justice and environmental stewardship.
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Introduction
A Green Party Luminary
Patricia Helen LaMarche, born November 26, 1960, is a distinguished American political figure and activist, primarily associated with the Green Party of the United States. Her career is marked by a steadfast commitment to progressive ideals and social justice, culminating in her role as the party's vice-presidential candidate in the 2004 United States presidential election, running alongside presidential candidate David Cobb.[1]
Political Aspirations in Maine
Beyond her national endeavors, LaMarche has been a significant force in Maine politics, twice contending for the governorship. Her campaigns in 1998 and 2006 for Governor of Maine underscored her dedication to local governance and her ability to mobilize support for the Green Independent Party within the state.[6]
Advocate and Author
LaMarche's influence extends beyond the political arena into profound social advocacy and prolific authorship. Her work consistently highlights issues of poverty and homelessness, drawing public attention to marginalized communities. She has authored several books and columns, using her platform to educate and inspire action on critical societal challenges.[4]
Early Life & Career
Roots in Providence and Maine
Pat LaMarche's formative years began in Providence, Rhode Island, where she was born as the fourth of five children. Her early experiences included growing up in a public housing project, which profoundly shaped her understanding of socio-economic disparities. Her maternal grandparents were Irish immigrants. The family later relocated to Bangor, Maine, in the 1970s, where LaMarche excelled academically, graduating near the top of her class from John Bapst Memorial High School.[2][3]
Academic Pursuits
Her academic journey continued with four years at Boston College, followed by studies at the University of Amsterdam. This robust educational background provided a strong foundation for her diverse career path. In 1982, LaMarche returned to Maine, and the following year, she married Michael Russell, with whom she had two children, Rebecca (born 1985) and John (born 1987). The couple later divorced in 1990.
Entry into Broadcasting
The late 1980s marked LaMarche's entry into the broadcasting field, where she gained experience at various television and radio stations in the Bangor area. This media exposure would later become a significant aspect of her public life. She also contributed to academia, teaching Public Relations at Husson College's School of Communications, and engaged in philanthropic efforts by heading the Bangor chapter of the Children's Miracle Network. In 1996, she moved to Portland, Maine, to join talk radio station WGAN.[2]
Political Journey
Vice-Presidential Candidacy (2004)
Pat LaMarche achieved national prominence as the Green Party's vice-presidential candidate in the 2004 United States presidential election, running on a ticket with David Cobb. Her involvement at this level solidified her standing as a key figure within the Green Party, leading to her election as one of seven co-chairs of the party's national committee on July 24, 2005.[1]
Maine Gubernatorial Elections
LaMarche's commitment to public service was also demonstrated through her two campaigns for Governor of Maine. In 1998, running as the Maine Green Independent Party nominee, she garnered 7% of the vote despite a modest campaign budget of $20,000. This achievement was historic, as it secured ballot access for a political party, making her the first woman in Maine's history to do so.[6]
Advocacy & Activism
The "Left-Out Tour"
In a powerful demonstration of her commitment to social justice, LaMarche embarked on her "Left-Out Tour" on September 5, 2004. During this tour, she visited and stayed overnight in homeless and domestic violence shelters across the United States. The initiative aimed to spotlight the plight of individuals "living on the edge of society." Her experiences and observations from this tour were later chronicled in her impactful book, Left Out in America, published on October 5, 2006, by Upsala Press.[4][5]
The #MemorialBlanket Project
LaMarche's dedication to raising awareness about homelessness found a unique artistic expression in the #MemorialBlanket project. Inspired by a conversation with an economically disadvantaged individual who dreamed of crocheting daily, LaMarche conceived of an art installation to commemorate those lost to homelessness. The project debuted on December 21, 2021, Homeless Memorial Night, with 219 handmade blankets displayed overnight, supported by Matthew Best, Max Donnelly, and Marsha Roscoe, and hundreds of artisans and volunteers.
Continuous Engagement
Beyond these specific projects, LaMarche has consistently engaged in direct advocacy. She served as Vice President of Safe Harbour, a homeless shelter in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, for several years. Upon returning to Maine, she partnered with Stephen King to raise funds for winter heating for Mainers in need, famously spending a week living in a "Hobbit Hole" outdoors in bracing conditions in both 2011 and 2012 to draw attention and contributions. She also collaborates with fellow homeless advocate Diane Nilan as the "Babes of Wrath," speaking at agencies and universities about the escalating despair among America's poorest residents, drawing parallels to John Steinbeck's seminal work, The Grapes of Wrath.
Literary & Media Contributions
Prolific Author
Pat LaMarche is a prolific author, using her writing to explore themes of social justice, poverty, and human connection. Her bibliography includes both non-fiction and fiction works, each reflecting her deep engagement with societal issues.
Syndicated Columnist & Contributor
From 2007 to 2011, LaMarche authored a weekly syndicated column for the Bangor Daily News, providing commentary on current events and social issues. She also contributed to prominent online news and commentary platforms such as New Clear Vision and the Huffington Post, further amplifying her voice and perspectives to a broader audience.
Radio & Podcast Host
LaMarche has a significant history in broadcast media. After returning to Maine in 2011, she co-hosted "The Pulse" on WZON five mornings a week with Don Cookson, a talk show that Stephen King reportedly helped institute to offer a "left-leaning" perspective. Her last broadcast on the show was November 16, 2012. Subsequently, she collaborated with Rick Smith on the "Rick Smith Show" from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. As of November 2024, LaMarche is also the co-host of the "Sacred Legions Podcast," created by Max Goller, which explores the lives of "decent people living in indecent times," inspired by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s concept of Secular Saints.
Media & Recognition
Digital Archiving & Awards
LaMarche's impact extends into the digital realm, with her 2006 "LaMarche for Governor" website being permanently archived by the Library of Congress's official 2006 Election archive.[9] This website also garnered significant recognition, including The Golden Dot Award as Best Local Campaign Website at the 2007 Politics Online conference and a Pollie Award from the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) in the gubernatorial websites category. She also received an Honorable Mention from AAPC for her innovative use of mobile technology during her campaign.[10][11][12]
Public Appearances
Her public profile has been further enhanced through appearances on C-SPAN, providing a platform for her to discuss her political views, advocacy work, and literary endeavors with a national audience. These appearances underscore her role as a public intellectual and a consistent voice for progressive causes.
Contemporary Journalism
As of January 2023, LaMarche continues her journalistic contributions as a stringer for the Bucks County Beacon, a local paper covering the Philadelphia area. In this role, she reports on the Harrisburg beat and issues surrounding poverty, maintaining her commitment to investigative journalism and public awareness. Her first article for the publication ran on January 25, 2023.
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Important Notice
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