Candidates like idea of bringing JFK to Maine - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Candidates like idea of bringing JFK to Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine — The idea of bringing the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy to Portland Harbor is generating support from Maine politicians.

The Maine House on Tuesday passed a resolution in support of the idea. Supporters say it'll generate tourism and jobs but won't cost taxpayers anything.

Also, 18 out of 22 candidates for Maine governor surveyed by Portland Magazine gave either qualified or enthusiastic support to the idea of making the JFK into a floating museum. The nonprofit USS John F. Kennedy Museum passed the first hurdle with the Navy, and is in competition with another community, which has not been publicly disclosed.

Critics question whether private funds will cover the cost of transporting the carrier to Portland and maintain it.