Maine Street Solutions

Politics Magazine has just named Toby McGrath a Rising Star in Campaigns and Elections.

May 07, 2010

Politics Magazine has just named Toby McGrath a Rising Star in Campaigns and Elections. Former Campaigns and Elections "Rising Stars" include: David Axelrod, Senior Advisor to President Obama & Chief Strategist for Obama's 2009 campaign Donna Brazile, Campaign Manager for Vice President Al Gore Rahm Emanuel, President Obama's Chief of Staff George Stephanopoulos, Communications Director to President Bill Clinton.

McGrath has been working as Political Director of Maine Street Solutions (MSS) since running President Obama's campaign in Maine. In his role at MSS, McGrath ran the successful campaigns to defeat TABOR and the excise tax referenda and is currently serving as campaign manager to Gubernatorial candidate Steve Rowe. Outside of campaign consulting, McGrath also provides grassroots, grasstops and community relations services for MSS clients.

Maine Street Solutions' Managing Principal Michael Saxl praised McGrath's selection saying "It is rare for someone beyond the Washington, DC beltway to be chosen for such an honor. Toby made national news when he turned around the anti-TABOR campaign in Maine, and ended up defeating the measure by the largest margin in the country. Since that success, Toby has been sought after by a slew of national consultants to help refine a game plan to bring people together to defeat TABOR initiatives and similar referenda throughout the country."

Former Speaker of the House Glenn Cummings was also among those who recommended McGrath: "I have stated publicly that Toby was the master-mind behind our surge in gains in the Maine House from a one-seat lead to a 33 seat lead in a single election. Once in power, Toby pulled together an unmatchable group of staffers and quarter-backed an extremely productive session. Our policy success included sweeping anti-predatory lending legislation, the largest bond package in Maine history and the first bi-partisan budget in 6 years. On a personal note, Toby is one of the highest integrity, most loyal and hard working leaders I have worked with to date. He is competitive without being rude, driven without being self-serving and highly accomplished without being arrogant."

McGrath said of the honor: "I am humbled and honored to be in this company. The work people do during campaigns helps to mold the future. I am very fortunate to be part of that process."

McGrath will be honored in the June issue of the magazine and recognized at a reception in Washington, D.C. He resides in Brunswick with his wife and two children.