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Blind Guide Horse user announces candidacy for Congressional Seat

February 26, 2004

Dan Shaw is widely regarded as a pioneer for the blind with his willingness to become the world's first Guide Horse user.  Now Dan continues to break new-ground by formally announcing his bid for a State Congressional seat.

Shaw, a long-time resident of Ellsworth Maine filed paperwork yesterday formalizing his bid for election as Congressman for the 38th Congressional District of Maine.  Shaw is a registered member of the Democratic Party

Despite his blindness, Shaw is confident that he is the ideal candidate.  "I may be blind, but I have vision", jokes Shaw.  "I can make a difference for my district.  I'm a good listener and I intend to work hard to address the important issues of school funding, tourism and agriculture".  If elected, Shaw hopes to serve on the Maine Agriculture Committee and continue his charitable endeavors.

Despite his blindness, Shaw always finds time to help others, donating his time to shovel snow for elderly residents of Ellsworth.  Shaw is also active in charities, raising money for the Make a Wish Foundation for Children with Cancer and the Guide Horse Foundation. 

Because of his pioneering spirit in becoming the first Guide Horse user in Maine, Shaw is well-known within his congressional district. 

Like the fictional Governor in Patricia Cornwell's best-selling novel Isle of Dogs, Shaw does not intend to allow his use of a Guide Horse to impede his usefulness to his district.  "The Blind Governor who used Trip (his Guide Horse) continued to serve his constituents", says Shaw, "and so do I".

Shaw does not want his blindness to become a campaign novelty.  "Blind people are as capable as anyone else, and we are almost always better listeners than sighted people", says Shaw.  "I'm not going to let my use of a Guide Horse become a campaign issue".  If elected, Shaw and Cuddles will be provided with a driver and a mini-van, Shaw will provide a stall in his office for Cuddles and Cuddles will become a fixture on the floor of the House of Representatives in Bangor. 

While Shaw rejects using his blindness as a campaign issue, he has no problem touting his choice of Cuddles as a reflection of his good judgment.  "Cuddles has exceed all my expectations" says Shaw and he plans a campaign centered around his "horse sense" for choosing a horse as his guide animal.

The Democratic primary election will be held in June, with the general election scheduled for November 7, 2004.