Chris Potholm was a registered Maine guide for twenty years and professor of government at Bowdoin College for fifty. He is author of six books on Maine subjects.

Dennis Bailey has worked for leading Maine politicians in their campaigns and administrations. A native of Livermore Falls, he now lives in Portugal.

Dave Emery has had a lifetime involved in the Maine political scene, serving in the state legislature and US congress and more recently in providing polling services and data. He is a native of Rockland.

I took great pleasure in reading this remarkable book. Real Life Real Funny should be required reading for anyone who has followed - let alone taken part in - Maine politics over the past four generations. The book brings together humorous stories from a wide range of Maine politicians, political insiders, and observers, capturing a time when political discourse was marked by civility and good humor. In so many ways, it serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the chaos and divisiveness that characterizes today's political climate.

If you think political life is all glamor, Real Life, Real Funny sets the record straight with an entertaining and often self-deprecating behind-the-scenes look at Maine politics. The compilation of remembrances range from poignant to hilarious, capturing both the humor and the humanity of some of Maine's best known elected leaders and political operatives over the years.

"Real Maine, Real Funny" is special. This is an incredible collection of voices. Everyone thinks the politics in their state are different than anywhere else. But I've worked nationally and I can say for certain that politics in Maine are truly different and special. Why? Because door knocking, honest conversations, a sense of humor, and good people stepping up to lead are still the secret to Maine politics and this book is proof that Maine people are at the heart of it all. These stories let the reader into a special world only a select few of us have been lucky to experience and I'm so grateful they are captured here to inspire future leaders to focus on Maine, the way life should be.

The distinguished Mainers contributing to this book are pillars of a time when our politics were more respected and much more respectful. Reading the stories is like a trip down memory lane to a time when policy differences didn't make political enemies.
It's gratifying to think that Maine is unique in the way it governs its body politic - with humor and mutual understanding of the human condition we all share. This book should give you optimism that it might always be so. Kudos to Chris, Dave and Dennis for collecting stories that remind us all that Maine is a unique and special place.

Real Life, Real Funny is a must-have to complete any Mainers (or Maine lovers) bookshelf! It is a hysterical - and historical - glance over our collective shoulder at Maine life with a good dose of our politics and the people who lived these vignettes. I literally could not put it down, reading nearly the entire book in one sitting!!! As a humorist I have always known that the funniest tales are those that emanate from real life and the contributors and editors of this book have proven me to be correct. If laughter truly is the best medicine, keep this volume next to your medicine chest!

A big thumbs up. A very funny and great reminder of Maine's true political life and times as well as a wonderful look at our fascinating and unique Maine history. I found it both very humorous and very illuminating.

Real Life, Real Funny is collection that highlights the most prominent Mainers who have forged Maine's political leadership from Bill Cohen to Dana Connors and highlights a political axiom that you cannot take yourself too seriously in Maine politics. This is a must read for anyone who wants to be future political professional, and everyone who needs a good laugh.

Publisher: Down East Books

Pub date: 2026-05-05

Length: 256 pages