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Mainer named Rising Star in politics

By Kelley Bouchard kbouchard@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

Politics Magazine, which covers international campaigns and elections, has named Maine Democratic campaign consultant Toby McGrath one of its Rising Stars of 2010, according to McGrath's firm.

Toby McGrath

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McGrath, who lives in Brunswick, is political director at Maine Street Solutions and campaign manager for gubernatorial candidate Steve Rowe.

McGrath ran President Barack Obama's campaign in Maine, as well as campaigns that helped to defeat recent conservative tax reform measures in the state.

McGrath is one of 15 Democrats, 15 Republicans and 11 independent, nonpartisan or international political players who will be featured in the magazine's June issue. They also will be honored at the magazine's 27th annual campaign-training seminar in Washington, D.C., in June.

This year’s winners include consultants, campaign managers, technological innovators, field organizers and fundraisers who were chosen from hundreds of nominees.

“The 2010 class of Rising Stars is a diverse group of political operatives and strategists with representatives from every discipline and from across the entire political spectrum,” said James Klatell, managing editor of Politics. “These 41 men and women are helping campaigns around the world to succeed in rapidly changing environments.”

Rising Stars are people under age 35 who have started to make their mark in political consulting or advocacy, according to the magazine's website.

Rising Stars are selected for their innovative work in polling, fundraising, media and direct-mail efforts, especially in long-shot campaigns. Elected officials aren't considered.

Former Rising Stars include David Axelrod, Obama's senior adviser and chief campaign strategist; Donna Brazile, campaign manager for former Vice President Al Gore; Rahm Emanuel, Obama's chief of staff; and George Stephanopoulos, ABC's chief political correspondent and former communications director for President Bill Clinton

McGrath was nominated for the honor by Mike Saxl, managing principal at Maine Street Solutions, and Glenn Cummings, former speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, who is now a deputy assistant secretary of education in the Obama administration.