From Boston to Bangor, many felt special connection to Sen. Kennedy

(NECN: Marnie MacLean, Portland, Maine) - Senator Kennedy's last visit to Maine was shortly after he endorsed Barack Obama for president. He made two stops in the Pine Tree State, and spoke to two very different audiences. Even Senator Kennedy's beloved dogs were on the campaign trail in February of 2008 -- this was his last trip to Maine, to stump for then Sen. Obama. His first stop was 75 state street...an elderly housing development in Portland...an audience who knows the Kennedy name, and the family history. Janice Drinan: "I think older people who have gone through many turmoils in their own life identify well with that and know that you get up and keep going and I think that was something they connected with." Janice Drinan's mother was in the audience that day--she didn't know much about Barack Obama--but if Ted Kennedy likes him. Janice: "If Senator Kennedy says he's the one. I'm for him, it didn't make any difference whoever it was going to be, it's what the senator said" But what about the younger generation who knew of Camelot only through history books--the senator went to Bates College in Lewiston to talk with them, and got an even bigger crowd." John Baughman, a political professor at Bates, says the younger generation was drawn more to Kennedy's passion and principles, promoting service and giving back. They knew him as a powerful senator...and were anxious to hear why he endorsed Barack Obama. The message he delivered to Mae McMillan that day, Happy 100th Birthday no doubt Mae told him how she once worked for Maine Governor Percival Baxter-- That proud moment now graces her door -- and at almost 102 -- Mae remembers that day... And the man who took the time to share it with her.