The name Dr. Democracy had a nice ring to it. So, in 1995, Phillip Maher changed his name.

Now, Edward J. Democracy is running to represent Maine House District 120 – the Munjoy Hill area of Portland.

“My original plan was to finish my BA then go on to get a PhD,” Democracy said in an e-mail Monday. “Then, as Dr. Democracy, I would go on Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher (no relation), get a book contract, a radio show, and I would be off and running with a platform from which to promote Democracy!”

Democracy – still Maher at the time – was in the Navy stationed in Washington State at the time. They make it easy there – plus he couldn’t find any record of anyone else with the name Democracy – so his plan was a go.

The name change was official in 1995. He was discharged from the Navy in 1996.

Four years ago his daughter, Sophia Democracy, was born. They live on Kellogg Street on Munjoy Hill in Portland.

The field for House District 120 has suddenly become crowded. Two Green Independents have already announced, and another Democrat is expected to announce soon. Incumbent Anne Rand recently announced that she is seeking a state Senate seat.

Throughout his life Democracy has 25 years of political and community organizing experience.

“The issues I have worked on as an organizer are the issues I would expect to prioritize as a legislator: affordable housing, universal healthcare, environmental protection, economic fairness, civil rights, and community development,” Democracy said in a press release Friday, noting that tax reform will also be a priority.

Democracy (the candidate) is also encouraging citizens to use the Internet as an organizing tool to help improve democracy (the concept.) He is urging them to sign the Democracy 2.0 Declaration, which promotes a citizen-centered government.

“I would like to encourage netizens in this district and everywhere to join together to build a civic infrastructure on the internet to make it easier for busy working folks to influence our common future,” he said.