Richard Cebra

Richard M. Cebra
Richard M. Cebra
Chairman of the Maine Republican Party
In office December 1, 2012 – July 3, 2013
Preceded by	Charlie Webster
Succeeded by	Richard A. Bennett
Member of the Maine House of Representatives for the 101st District
In office December 2004 – December 2012
Preceded by	Phillip Cressey
Succeeded by	Christine Powers
Personal details
Born	(1964-05-18) May 18, 1964 Passaic, New Jersey
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Philippa Cebra
Residence	Naples, Maine

Richard M. Cebra (born May 18, 1964) is an American politician from Maine. Cebra, a Republican, represented Maine House of Representatives District 101, which included Casco, Naples and part of Poland from 2004-2012.^[1] Following his departure from the legislature, Cebra served as Chairman of the Maine Republican Party, before stepping down in 2013. Cebra is known as a social and fiscal conservative, as well as a close ally of Gov. Paul LePage.^[2]

Early Life and Education

Cebra graduated from the Eastern Christian High School in North Haledon, New Jersey in 1982. He then went on to study Christian Leadership and Management at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Business Experience

Cebra began as a self-employed project manager and systems technician in the professional video and trade show field.^[3]

In 1995, Cebra became the Operations Manager, MSI Communications, Inc., an ESOP computer networking company.^[4]

In 2001, Cebra became the owner of Steamboat Landing, a mini-golf course in Naples.^[2]

Maine House of Representatives

In November 2004, Cebra was elected to represent the 101st House District in the Maine State Legislature. He was then re-elected in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

During his time in the legislature, Cebra was known for having submitted a number of conservative of bills, including ones which would allow states to nullify federal laws, require voters to prove citizenship and ban Maine's constitutional officers from endorsing legislative candidates.^[5]

Chairman of the Maine Republican Party

Following the resignation of the previous Chairman of the Maine Republican Party, Charlie Webster, Cebra submitted his name for election as the new Chairman. Following a meeting of the party leadership in Augusta, Maine in December 2012, Cebra was elected to serve as party Chairman.

Immediately following his election, Cebra stated that his goal was to "unify the party." This followed a series of well publicized inter-party squabbles, which highlighted a growing division among Maine Republicans, between the establishment, the Tea Party, moderates, conservatives and libertarians. Said Cebra upon taking office, “We took a beating this last election season and it’s time to get all the factions into one faction – called the Republican Party – and get them all moving in the right direction and restore the party to the prominence that we need in this state. We want to rebuild the party so we can continue making Maine open for business and securing the liberties for ourselves and our children.” ^[2]

During his time as Chairman, Cebra focused his attention on attempting to bridge the gap between the various wings of the party, though he had little success in this endeavor.

Resignation

Cebra resigned as Chair of the Maine State Republican Party on July 3, 2013, citing "personal reasons."

Cebra's resignation came in the wake of renewed divisions within the party, and conflicts with the libertarian wing driven by a handful of committee members and activists.^[6]

According to Maine Republican Party bylaws, a new election was held on July 20, for the selection of a new Chairman.^[7] Former Senate President Richard A. Bennett, was elected to replace Cebra.^[8]

Personal life

Cebra has been married to his wife Philippa for more than 25 years. He has two adult children, Ian and Rachel.^[3]

In his spare time, Cebra is a member of the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, and is a Charter Member of the Naples Lions Club. He is also an associate director of Maine Taxpayers United, and has previously served on the Naples Budget Committee for five years. He is a member of Naples Main Street, the Naples Causeway Bridge Restoration Committee, the Naples Republican Committee as well as a founder of the Lakes Region Republican Club, a member of the Sebago Lake Angler Association and the Western Maine Fish and Game Club. He is also a 2 time Past Master of Samaritan Lodge #98 F&AM, NJ.^[3]

An avid outdoorsman, Cebra is also a member of Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, as well as a Life Member of National Rifle Association, and is deeply involved in the Masons.^[3]

References