AUGUSTA -- Ruth Gabey, of West Gardiner, says it's exciting to be a member of the Maine Green Independent Party.

Why?

"Because we're different," she said. "We're people-oriented."

Gabey and other Greens will gather in Yarmouth on May 18 for their party convention, an event that's expected to draw about 50 people.

As with the Democrats and Republicans, the Greens will vote on presidential delegates to send to the party national convention.

With more than 23,000 Greens in Maine, the state plays a critical role in determining who will represent the party on the ballot in November. Maine is behind only California in the number of delegates it gets to send to the national convention in July, said Jane Meisenbach, chairwoman of the Maine Green Independent Party board.

"We do have some influence over the vote," she said, noting that Maine can send 44 delegates to the national convention.

At least two of the four Green presidential candidates are expected to address the state convention. Jesse Johnson, of West Virginia, and Kat Swift, of Texas, have committed to coming.

Kent Mesplay, of California, will be unable to attend, and former U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney, D-Ga., also is unlikely to be there, Meisenbach said.

"This is an exciting presidential year," she said. "People feel very motivated this year."

Jon Olsen, of Jefferson, a founding member of the Hawaii Green Party in 1989, said Greens are particularly angry about the war in Iraq and the government's failed response in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

"We see that the present government that we've got, with Democrats and Republicans, has been a total disaster and getting worse, led by this present administration," he said.

Olsen said Green frustration with Democrats and Republicans is aimed at Washington politicians, and that Greens work well with Maine-based major parties.

And while some don't join the party because, as Olsen puts it, "we're small and we're poor," he believes they must continue to fight for their beliefs.

"Our view is, it's a wasted vote to continue to vote for corruption and mismanagement," he said.

The Greens were founded in Maine in 1984 and first achieved ballot status in 1998.

They espouse 10 core principles, which include ecological wisdom, nonviolence, feminism and gender equity, respect for diversity, and personal and global responsibility.

Over the years, Maine Greens have run for governor, vice president and legislative seats.

John Eder of Portland served two terms in the Maine House of Representatives, from 2002 to 2006, and at the time was the highest elected Green in the country.

The Greens also are working to make a strong showing in legislative races this year, putting forward three Senate candidates and 10 House candidates.

Gabey said Greens are having an effect on local politics across the country.

She said change is slow, but steady.

"History shows people work for change, some people die for change," she said. "You just have to keep running and respect those who worked so hard for change."

Susan Cover -- 623-1056

scover@centralmaine.com