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Maine News

Friday, November 2, 2007

Maine News for Friday, November 2, 2007

PRESS HERALD:

Navy terminates warship contract Overruns on the first Littoral Combat Ship designed by BIW leads to cancellation of a second LCS ship.

Charge leads top warden to resign Col. Tom Santaguida is accused of possessing nine short lobsters in a catch that he was selling.

School birth control backed Poll: 67% favor access for students, but the number falls for those under 16 or without parental consent.

As oil prices rise, more warming to coal Coal is less convenient than burning oil, but it's much cheaper and less 'dirty' than years ago.

BILL NEMITZ: Dad to honor fallen soldier, politics aside Sgt. Chris Gelineau's father won't let the unveiling of a plaque for him become "a photo op for politicians."

Civic leader Bennett Katz dies at 89 The former state senator is remembered as Maine's father of higher education and a devout Red Sox fan.

Funding approved to help mill workersOlympia Snowe and Susan Collins in announcing the funding. “The National Emergency Grant funding will provide these hardworking Mainers with the vital ...

Emissions change is 'worst fear' for automakers Maine is among 12 states urging tougher standards, but the industry fears a patchwork of regulations.

EDITORIAL: Signing petitions 'to get on the ballot' not a good idea Referendums cost money and could distract from issues that casual signers value more.

State needs clarity on young teens sex law Attorney General Steven Rowe, however, should not be the one making the call.

M.D. Harmon:Term-limits law isn't broken, so let's not 'fix' it John Martin may be our poster boy, but many states adopted limits for other good reasons, too.

Phil Harriman:Paper misses mark on slots There's nothing fair about making a second huge mistake after we're already made one.

LTE: Vote to preserve our natural heritage

LTE: Readers at odds about casino's impact on Mainers

BANGOR DAILY:

Maine's chief warden resignsThe head of the Maine Warden Service abruptly resigned Thursday after a commercial fishing boat that he owns and operates apparently was caught with undersize lobster on board.

Baldacci visits Japan's baseball museumTOKYO - On the afternoon of Japan’s final World Series game, a small group of Maine officials toured the country’s Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in honor of Maine native Horace Wilson, who brought baseball to Japan in 1872.

Foes face off on racino questionBANGOR, Maine - Representatives on both sides of the fence regarding referendum Question 1 - the Passamaquoddy Tribe's proposed racino in Washington County - threw verbal punches at one another during forums Thursday in Bangor and Machias.

Sen. Collins seeks funds for local bomb squadsWASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Maine law enforcement officials braved an acorn storm Thursday morning to discuss legislation that would help local police around the country better understand bombs and improvised explosive devices, also called IEDs.

Maine seeks to attract international studentsFriday, November 02, 2007TOKYO - Maine schools have several advantages when it comes to attracting students from South Korea and Japan, and recruiting efforts are under way, according to several state education representatives who have visited both countries on a gubernatorial trade mission this week.

EDITORIAL: Saving Home Health Care A bipartisan group of lawmakers has joined ranks to oppose an ill-advised and shortsighted Bush administration plan to slash federal funding for home health care.

John R. Hanson: Racino Down East: a key opportunityTelevision ads are airing, lawn signs have popped up, bumper stickers are on trucks and cars and prophecies and forecasts of rampant crime, widespread corruption and an accelerated decline in the fabric of our society are inundating the airways again as Maine people prepare for Question 1 on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Friday's Letters to the Editor … Medicaid and slots … Racino and tourism … Extend term limits

KENNEBEC JOURNAL:

Regulatory staff backs Washington County wind farm BANGOR -- The proposed 38-turbine Stetson Mountain wind-power project in eastern Maine has won the endorsement of the staff of a state development regulatory agency, setting the stage for a vote next week on what would become New England's largest project of its kind.

Katz 'was a guiding force' Bennett Katz -- former majority leader of the Maine Senate, prominent Augusta business owner and the man credited by many with bringing higher education to central Maine with creation of the University of Maine at Augusta -- died Thursday at the age of 89.

Upgrades coming for turnpike radio AUGUSTA -- By the end of this month, drivers who use the Maine Turnpike on a regular basis will notice a difference in the agency's radio broadcasts.

JOSEPH R. REISERT : QUESTION 1Costs to Maine of 2nd 'racino' hard to measure, but real Question 1 on next Tuesday's ballot asks voters to authorize the creation of another "racino" in Maine, this time in Washington County. We should not do so: the Bangor racino was a mistake we should correct, not compound.

LTE: Thank you veterans for our freedom in America The guns and cannons fell silent. Many men fell during a war to end all wars. Today on the battlefields of France they lay in honored glory.

LTE: Our safety net is showing the strain Today's (Oct. 18) Morning Sentinel newspaper states "Social Security adjustment low."

MORNING SENTINEL:

UMF to host voting project FARMINGTON -- Project Vote Smart, an independent, nonprofit voter education group that offers election information on candidates and political office holders, makes the first stop on its New England tour at the University of Maine at Farmington on Election Day.

Chamber opposes bond issues WATERVILLE -- The Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce on Thursday came out against proposed public borrowing for the state's higher education system, economic development and job creation and public investment in land conservation and wildlife habitat.

LTE: Are we sleepwalking toward disaster? I hate to even think about it, but I fear that President Bush and Dick Cheney are gearing up for more wars.

LTE: Not fooled by anti-consolidation rhetoric The obstructionists to Gov. John Baldacci's effort to control educational costs by using available synergies and consolidating schools, have taken a ploy from the anti-casino crew. That is, don't waste your time on facts, just scare everyone with nonsense. Your headline claiming "Teacher pay a big cost for mergers" makes little sense, except to the unknowing.

LTE: Portland school board decision 'blatantly stupid' The people of the state of Maine should be thoroughly ashamed of the school board in Portland! But I don't suppose we should expect anything any different from San Francisco East.

SUN JOURNAL:

Bush: Democrats hurt America's war on terror WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush compared Congress' Democratic leaders Thursday to people who ignored the rise of Lenin and Hitler early in the last century, saying "the world paid a terrible price" then and risks similar consequences for inaction today.

Chief steps down LEWISTON - The state's chief game warden, who oversees enforcement of Maine's hunting and fishing regulations, resigned Thursday after he was cited by another state agency for keeping undersized lobsters.

Edwards calls for 'guts' in television ad in Iowa DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards calls on his party to "have a little guts" and be a voice for working people in a television ad set to begin airing in Iowa on Thursday.

Majority support racino, poll findsAUGUSTA (AP) - A new survey shows more than half of the Mainers polled support passage of the Indian racino question on next Tuesday's ballot, but a large majority is against the proposal to extend legislative term limits.

Term-limits proposal praised, pannedPORTLAND (AP) - A ballot measure that would extend Maine's legislative term limits from four to six consecutive terms picked up support from civic activist groups Thursday, a day after opponents released a study which says the present term limits law is working fine.

Eastern Maine wind farm gets OKBANGOR (AP) - The staff of a state development regulatory agency is recommending approval of the Stetson Mountain wind-power project in Eastern Maine.

Lisbon gets question on polling locationsLISBON - Voters here are being given an opportunity to weigh in on how they feel about consolidating the two polling locations - the town office and the MTM Center - into a single location at the Lisbon Community School on Mill Street in Lisbon Center.

EDITORIAL: Talk, talk talk, talk, talk, talkMaine has a pessimistic business climate.

LTE: For the peopleI am writing to support Katherine Harvey, who is running to represent House District 93.LTE: An Augusta assetI have had the opportunity of knowing Katherine Harvey for the last seven years. We have worked together with our Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness (Gear Up) grant in SAD 21.

LTE: Will work for usI am writing to offer my wholehearted support to Sheryl Briggs in her race for the House of Representatives in District 93. I have know her for 37 years and she has always been a person with the utmost honesty and intgerity and has an unending supply of positive energy.

LTE: Beggar's banquetYou can always tell when it's time to vote - beggars come out of the woodwork and offer bond issues. It's free money to them and higher taxes to us.LTE: Experience countsI think that Sheryl Briggs will be a strong representative for House District 93. Her experience in local and county government as executive secretary to the Mexico town manager and part-time clerk for the Oxford County Registry of Deeds and associated duties makes her very comfortable handling legislative matters. She is also executive secretary to department heads and the planning board in Mexico. She is the assistant general assistance director, assistant town clerk, assistant tax collector, and assistant treasurer. She also serves as a ballot clerk.LTE: Gets the job doneI was extremely pleased to learn that Katherine Harvey was running for state representative in House District 93. She is a wonderful, warm, caring person who has done a lot for her community. She was very successful in starting many programs for the school as well. She sets out to do something and she gets the job done.

TIMES RECORD:

Question 5 aimed at altering term limits...(full story)

Governor's council ponders program to save BNAS jobs...(full story)

LTE: Way to a better life...(full story)

LTE: Pass clean energy bill...(full story)

PORTSMOUTH HERALD:

Voters mixed on extending terms
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A ballot measure that would extend Maine's legislative term limits from four to six consecutive terms picked up support from civic activist groups Thursday, a day after opponents released a study which says the present...

MPBN:

New Questions Raised About Proposed Gasification Plant

CAMDEN HERALD:

Chief game warden quits after being busted for having short lobsters
AUGUSTA — With deer hunting season well under way, the chief of the state agency charged with enforcing hunting laws has been charged with having nine short lobsters. He has quit his job as a result.

ELLSWORTH AMERICAN:

EDITORIAL: Repeal Effort Begins
The effort to repeal Maine’s recently enacted school consolidation law now is officially under way. The Maine Coalition to Save Schools launched its citizen initiative petition drive on Saturday in Bangor with a goal of collecting 100,000 signatures, nearly twice the 55,087 required, by December. To get the petition before the Legislature for its upcoming session, the required number of signatures must be filed with the Office of the Secretary of State no later than Jan. 28, just three months away. Then if lawmakers did not enact the petition, it would go to a public referendum vote in the November 2008 general election.

LTE: The Armenian Genocide Happened

LTE: Gendron Adds Fuel to the Fire

LTE; President Bush Must Not Have Unlimited Power

LTE: “The Geneva Convention Does Not Apply”

LTE: Not Thinking in Augusta

BOWDOIN ORIENT:

Democrats flock to campus for statewide conventionAllen is running against Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Congressman Michaud will follow Allen, who Gascoigne anticipates will speak about "his work in ...

WCSH:

Navy Terminates General Dynanmics' Second Littoral Combat ShipThe Navy remains committed the program. Senator Susan Collins says Navy Secretary Donald Winter told her he wants to build 50 of the ships -- eventually.

EARTHTIMES:

Coalition of Caregivers Warns Congress of Danger to Oldest US ...Congressman Tom Allen (D-ME), a Co-Chair of the House Long Term Care Caucus, said, "I will also soon introduce a bill with Representative Earl Pomeroy ...

BLOGS:

Sen. Collins seeks funds for local bomb squads - Bangor Daily News
Susan Collins and Maine law enforcement officials braved an acorn storm Thursday morning to discuss legislation that would help local police around the … Bill targets bomb attack prevention MaineToday.com ...

Help With my Political Ad?
A: "Susan Collins voted with Bush-Cheney Republicans seventy-six percent of the time. Tom Allen voted with them five percent of the time." Or, B: "So-called moderate Susan Collins voted with Bush-Cheney Republicans seventy-six percent ...

Whose out-of-state Interrests will hurt more?
Several months ago, Democrats made a big deal over a picture of Susan Collins standing behind President Bush as he signed her Homeland Security bill into law. Beyond wildly mis-portraying what happened at the event, it opens Allen up to ...

No more LCS-4
Susan Collins, R-Maine, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee. "Given that we are already underfunding shipbuilding, I'm concerned that that means we'll be further away from reaching the [Navy's] goal of a 313-ship fleet." ...

Preaching Policy
For this election cycle, CNN employees have contributed a total of $1750 to Barrack Obama, Ron Paul, and Susan Collins. Now, to figure this out, it isn’t exactly rocket science. All you need is the internet and a keyboard. ...

Democrats Hold Our Veterans and Troops Hostage
Democrats need to stop "claiming" to support our troops and start actually supporting them, instead of holding their funds hostage to the Democratic agenda for social spending, which has nothing to do with our veterans funding.

Senate Watch: Rankings
Maine (Collins-R) [7]: A recent poll showing Republican Senator Susan Collins holds a sizable lead over Democratic Congressman Tom Allen (56%-33%) has some Democrats worried and rightly so. Allen earned support from just 54% of Maine ...

Keyword News: [Susan Collins]
Coming Thursday: • It's the Day of the Dead. • President Bush speaks about the fight against terrorism, and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, hold a news conference to discuss a bill ...

Step It Up rally planned
Congressman Tom Allen is expected to attend to share his views on how the federal government can address the climate change.

States Step In to Close Broadband Gap

I Always Assumed Rumsfeld Was a Pompous Toolbag, But This is Impressive…

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Maine News for Thursday, November 1, 2007

PRESS HERALD:

Democrat targets Greens running in city election Election 2007: Anthony Buxton is placing signs around Portland blaming Greens for city government's problems.

Audit: Cultural agencies misspent funds Directors of the four state agencies dispute the audit's assertion that an outside lobbyist was hired.

Are term limits in Maine to stay? Election 2007: Even if voters extend the limit to six terms, a repeal effort may not surface.

If Early Voting is a hit, it could spread through Maine Early voting experiment under way The program allows voters to cast ballots just as they would on Election Day.

EDITORIAL: Interrogation methods worthy of discussion The nominee for U.S. attorney general should be open to debating 'waterboarding.'

ANOTHER VIEW: Pro-casino people need a reality check on Question 1 The hard-earned money of low-income folks would fund this dubious enterprise

Sen. Joseph BranniganHomelessness profile: Successes and needs A study of how housing has helped the homeless in many ways will soon be expanded.

LTE: Portland power players running smear campaign

BANGOR DAILY:

LURC staff endorses wind farmStaff at the Land Use Regulation Commission have recommended approval of a 38-turbine wind farm in northern Washington County that, if built today, would be New England's largest wind-energy facility.

Study: Upper-level state jobs on the riseAUGUSTA, Maine - A preliminary study by the Legislature's Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability indicates that upper-level state jobs, those in top management and policymaking positions, increased by nearly 45 percent in the last decade.

Mission officials urge Koreans to visit Maine TOKYO - After a two-day whirlwind trade mission to South Korea, state officials said upon their arrival Wednesday in Tokyo that they hope to persuade a number of South Korean government representatives and businesses to visit Maine and see firsthand the tourism, business and educational opportunities that await foreign investment.

EDITORIAL: Mukasey must answer Michael B. Mukasey has a well-earned reputation for straight talking, but his nomination for United States attorney general is in trouble unless he flatly acknowledges that waterboarding is torture and rejects it.

Editorial: Running on emptyVoters approved the $131 million transportation bond in June, but Maine's road and bridge system remains woefully under-funded.

Thursday's Letters to the Editor … Yes on Question 1 … Social cost of a racino …. Politicians and diapers … Medicaid and slots

KENNEBEC JOURNAL:

AUGUSTAState worker ponders reward to nab attackers AUGUSTA -- Two months after being beaten at her workplace, Tammy Whittemore still wants answers.

Library access a problem for some AUGUSTA -- Getting into Lithgow Public Library in a wheelchair, while not impossible for everyone, can be a challenge, according to a library member who uses a wheelchair.

China hits U.S., state on truck traffic CHINA -- All four members of Maine's congressional delegation want the 80,000-pound truck weight limit on Interstate 95 in Maine raised so more truckers can stay off state and local roads.

Readfield joins state in test of early voting State efforts to make it easier for Mainers to vote have reached a new stage.This week, in advance of statewide voting on Nov. 6, polls are already open in Bangor, Readfield and Portland.

War concerns college Dems

JIM BRUNELLE : Censorship of political ads a bad idea -- even if they're not true Here's something to mull over as we approach this year's statewide referendum election on Tuesday: Political ads on television don't always tell the whole truth.

LTE: No Margaret Chase Smithwith term limits I am writing in response to a column in the Oct. 25 Kennebec Journal by Chris Cinquemani.

LTE: Jones' experience a good fit for District 83 I hope the residents of the towns of Manchester, Mount Vernon, Fayette, Vienna and Belgrade realize what a gem we have in Pat Jones, who is working hard to be elected to serve us in our state House of Representatives. It has been an unfortunate set of circumstances that has led to her candidacy, but how fortunate we are that she is so well qualified to fill this position and so committed to working on the issues that are of major concern to the voters in these towns.

LTE: Dyar knows research and development concept well On Oct. 24, Will Brinton (letter to the editor) of Woods End Laboratories praised Pat Jones for grasping the connection between business and technology and its relationship to local enterprise viability. Voters interested in this connection may actually want to take a closer look at Clyde Dyar, who long ago grasped this idea and has been doing something about it.

MORNING SENTINEL:

LTE: Maine's job market needs improvement The state of Maine is at it again. They want us to approve bond issues to improve the quality of education, thus producing smarter adults and bringing more business and jobs to the state.

SUN JOURNAL:

Waterboarding answer erodes nominee's support WASHINGTON - Democratic support for attorney general nominee Michael Mukasey dwindled further Wednesday over his refusal to comment on the legality of a harsh CIA interrogation technique, setting the stage for an unexpectedly close vote next week by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

EDITORIAL: FCC: Listen to rural states on wirelessThere's nothing appealing about cell towers. Plain superstructures of steel and metal, they are like antiseptic Eiffel Towers, but without aesthetic qualities. When placed in bucolic country settings, these towers just cannot blend.

LTE: Feel-good medicineCal Thomas is right on in his column of Oct. 23, except it is not a game Nancy Pelosi is playing. She is trying to give leadership to a political party that has been trying to commit suicide for the past 30 years.

LTE: Inventing another warAnother election year, another war? Is that how the Republicans try to stay in power? If that's not the case, then why is the Bush administration asking Washington's right-wing think tanks to come up with reasons for attacking Iran? Have they again decided to invade another country and are now looking for reasons to justify it?

TIMES RECORD:

Motion to endorse LD 910 fails...(full story)

Petition drive against school mergers gathers steam...(full story)

Question 4 protects open space, economy...(full story)

EDITORIAL: 'Yes' on 2 and 3...(full story)

EDITORIAL: Preservation pays...(full story)

LTE: Stark truths...(full story)

LTE: Defining torture...(full story)

PORTSMOUTH HERALD:

Locals divided over school consolidation
SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Local residents had strong opinions about the pitfalls and merits of school consolidation at the forum on Tuesday evening at Marshwood High School.

Step It Up rally plannedCongressman Tom Allen is expected to attend to share his views on how the federal government can address the climate change. "We need some serious action on ...

YORK COUNTY COAST STAR:

Racino, bond issues top state ballot
Maine voters face five statewide ballot questions on Nov. 6. Questions include a proposed racino in Washington County, three bond issues totaling $134 million, and a proposal to extend term limits from four terms to six.

YORK WEEKLY:

York community development director addresses Nov. ballot issues at forum
YORK, Maine — Two dozen voters gathered at St. George's Church on Sunday to learn more about important local issues voters will decide on Election Day, Nov. 6.

York area legislators support extending term limits Nov. 6
YORK — When voters in southern Maine turn their thoughts to Question 5, a referendum about extending legislative term limits, local lawmakers hope they will consider experience.

PORTLAND PHOENIX:

Cutting off your taxes to spite Uncle Sam: W-4 PeaceTake Larry Dansinger, who lives in Monroe, and who has withheld some or all of his owed taxes for years in opposition to US military action and policy.

LTE: Letters to the Portland editor: November 2, 2007: Let the Gov go, but not the PrezShould the governor’s trip take place? Yes.

Extreme behavior: Politics and other mistakesIf you wanted to make the Maine Legislature look good, you’d compare it to the Portland School Committee.

Gambling on voters: Downeast Mainers pin their hopes on the turn of the ballotsDo you want to expand gambling in Maine by letting the Passamaquoddy Tribe build and operate a slot-machine parlor, high-stakes beano games, and a harness-racing track in Washington County?

BAR HARBOR TIMES:

Term limit extension sought
Last on the statewide ballot going to voters on Nov. 6 — but perhaps the issue that will divide opinion most sharply for many voters — is Question 5, which if approved would extend term limits for state lawmakers from four to six terms.

Racino tops state ballot

Bond package broad in scope, but costly

COURIER-GAZETTE:

LTE: Nuke these ideas

REPUBLICAN JOURNAL:

EDITORIAL: No on racino
At the top of the ballot at Tuesday’s general elections is a question that, if approved, will allow the Passamaquoddy Tribe to operate a racino in Washington County. It is a question that should be soundly defeated by voters.

ELLSOWORTH AMERICAN:

Maine Voters Face 5 Ballot Questions

AUGUSTA — Voters next Tuesday will go to the polls to decide five statewide ballot questions.

Democrats Shun Consolidation Law Bills

Promise All-encompassing Approach LaterAUGUSTA — Democratic leaders last week voted not to allow consideration of the 63 individual bills proposed by legislators to amend the school consolidation law.

EDITORIAL: Repeal Effort Begins

The effort to repeal Maine’s recently enacted school consolidation law now is officially under way. The Maine Coalition to Save Schools launched its citizen initiative petition drive on Saturday in Bangor with a goal of collecting 100,000 signatures, nearly twice the 55,087 required, by December. To get the petition before the Legislature for its upcoming session, the required number of signatures must be filed with the Office of the Secretary of State no later than Jan. 28, just three months away. Then if lawmakers did not enact the petition, it would go to a public referendum vote in the November 2008 general election.

WCSH:

Maine Law Enforcers To Promote Legislation To Prepare For Bomb AttacksThe bipartisan legislation, co-authored by Senator Susan Collins, is designed to enhance the nation's ability to deter, prevent, protect against and respond ...

BISMARCK TRIBUNE:

Proposal for advisers gains momentumSusan Collins, R-Maine, has introduced a bill to beef up homeland security by requiring the federal government to provide a security adviser for Maine and ...

USA TODAY:

Looking aheadSusan Collins, R-Maine, hold a news conference to discuss a bill addressing the threat of IEDs and terrorist bombs.

PROJECT ON GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT:

Contagious Crossingsand Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-Maine) are not about to let up on the Homeland Security Department. Last week during a hearing on terrorist watch lists ...

GOV EXEC:

Nuclear power rule for future Navy ships divides Hill negotiatorsSusan Collins, R-Maine, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee. "Given that we are already underfunding shipbuilding, I'm concerned that that means ...

ATLANTIC TRIBUNE:

What Compassionate Conservatism Did... you need to look to the generically "moderate" (ie, vulnerable) Republicans representing culturally liberal coastal areas — Susan Collins, Gordon Smith, ...

BLOGS:

Coming Soon To Your Neighborhood - IEDs
Susan Collins (R-Maine), who has proposed adding $25 million per year to its budget, said the office currently cannot afford to finish comparing the capabilities of all local and state bomb squads, or to connect enough first responders ...

EVENT: NEWS CONFERENCE - SEN. SUSAN COLLINS, R-MAINE; AND HOMELAND ...
Susan Collins, R-Maine; and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff hold a news conference to introduce the "National Bombing Prevention Act of 2007," which aims to better prepare for Improvised Explosive Device attacks in the US.

Ad Wars: Halloween Politics
... six potentially vulnerable Republican senators. The ad asks supporters which Republican senator facing re-election in 2008 is the scariest--Mitch McConnell, Norm Coleman, Jame Inhofe, John Sununu, Susan Collins, or Gordon Smith? ...

“Susan Collins is at it again,
accusing her 2008 challenger of hiring someone to videotape her at a public parade. (Gasp! Shocking!)Read her ridiculous charges. Take it from someone who knows! Hot off BrightBerry Press, order your copies today. ...

Answers sought on TB flier
... allowed to cross the US border 76 times and whether government officials were told not to discuss the case outside their departments. Sens. Joe Lieberman, Connecticut independent, and Susan Collins, Maine Republican, both members of. .

Mark Lawrence Campaigns for the Constitution in ME-01
He's running for the open seat in ME-01 that is being vacated by Tom Allen (D), who is running for Senate against Susan Collins. Lawrence is the elected District Attorney for Maine Prosecutorial District One which covers York County, ...

L0c0 - heres a good one Bush is in Pennsylvania today campaigning ...
... amendment requiring congressional attendance under strict penalty. but Corzine leads in terms of overall percentage this session Harry Reid, Susan Collins, and Charles Grassley…havent missed a single vote some have more at stake, ...

Iraq, Up Close and Personal, in Maine House Race - CQPolitics.com
Tom Allen , who left the seat open to challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins in next year’s Senate race. On the Republican side is Charlie Summers, a longtime GOP activist who is serving as a Navy Reserve lieutenant commander in ...

Mark Lawrence Campaigns for the Constitution in ME-01
He's running for the open seat in ME-01 that is being vacated by Tom Allen (D), who is running for Senate against Susan Collins. Lawrence is the elected District Attorney for Maine Prosecutorial District One which covers York County, ...

Fmr. Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright Stumps for Rep. Tom ...
Fmr. Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, is no stranger to the Pine Tree State. Especially to U/Maine’s walls of academe. The same is true of Bob Woodward. MPBN radio’s Maine Watch; “A Conversation with journalist Bob Woodward and ...

Falmouth and Cumberland Democrats to host first public forum ...
FALMOUTH, ME -- The first major forum of the Democratic candidates vying to succeed Congressman Tom Allen is scheduled for Falmouth High School, Monday, November 5th."The public is hungry for continued leadership in Congress," said ...

Maine College Democrats To Host Annual Convention Saturday ...
The highlights of the Convention will include a keynote address by Congressman Tom Allen at 5:30 PM followed by Congressman Mike Michaud. A debate between candidates vying to replace Congressman Allen will take place at 4 PM in ...

MERCURY: Export ban clears House energy panel
The House Energy and Commerce Committee yesterday voted to block the federal government from selling, transferring or exporting elemental mercury. Rep. Tom Allen's (D-Maine) "Mercury Export Ban Act of 2007,"…

Trish Riley on Health Care: US Spends Much, Gets Little

The Bush Regime’s lesbian basketball coach is leaving her job…

Lawrence on Blackwater
I urge you to check out our website and look at Mark's comments about the Blackwater scandal.
For those who might be unfamiliar with the issue, Blackwater U.S.A. is a private contractor hired by the State Department to protect dignitaries. In September, they were involved in a shooting incident where many Iraqi civilians were killed.

Please join us if you can for YES on 5 press conference
Thursday: Good government groups, Firefighters, others to urge voters to vote YES on 5

How will Maine's Senators vote on the Mukasy nomination?
Because Alberto Gonazles resinged in disgrace as Attorney General, the Bush administration has had to appoint a new person to be the top law enforecement officer in the land. The importance of this nomination cannot be understated, since Mr. Gonzales had given legal advice to the White House that seems to conflict with our Constitution, which he swore to defend.

Maine College Democrats To Host Annual Convention Saturday, November 3rd
Maine College Democrats To Host Annual Convention Saturday, November 3rd
Democratic Congressional Candidates will Debate Issues from the War in Iraq to National Healthcare at Bowdoin College

Mukasey Watch
Attorney General nominee Michael Mukasey isn't sure whether the interrogation practice of near-asphyxiation--triggering the gag reflex via simulated drowning--is intended to cause suffering or prolonged mental harm.
What does Sen. Collins think about waterboarding? About Mukasey? Why hasn't anyone in the Maine press corps asked her?

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Maine News for Wednesday, October 31, 2007

PRESS HERALD:

For 407 bills, a no-go in 2008 State House: Lawmakers decide to consider about 150 pieces of legislation in next year's short session.

School merger foes circulate repeal petitions The Maine Coalition to Save Schools must gather 55,087 signatures to put the issue before lawmakers.

EDITORIAL: Study should quell anti-Portland bias An examination of Portland's impact on the state shows the city is vital to all Mainers.

Rep. Thom Watson: Longer term limits would benefit state Question 5 on Tuesday's ballot would give lawmakers four more years to be effective.

LTE: Right time to extend term limits

BANGOR DAILY:

Group looks to revive conservation panelsA newly re-formed statewide organization is attempting to bring back municipal conservation commissions, which at one time helped guide land use and protection decisions in communities throughout Maine.

Maine troops in S. Korea get visit from governor SEOUL, South Korea - Maine troops stationed in South Korea caught a glimpse of home Tuesday with a visit from Gov. John Baldacci and other state officials.

Unemployment insurance taxes dropAUGUSTA, Maine - Instead of an expected tax increase to fund the state unemployment insurance system, employers will see a decrease in 2008, even with a new training fund and other changes adopted by the Legislature earlier this year.

For schools, cheaper not always betterAUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Heritage Policy Center has released a report claiming that bigger school systems may be cheaper to operate, but that the state's smallest schools regularly outperform them.

DHHS enlists private partnerMainers with chronic illnesses who are enrolled in MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program, are beginning to see a change in the way their health care is managed.

EDITORIAL: FairPoint questionsThe Maine Public Utilities Commission is required to ensure that transactions it approves do not adversely affect ratepayers and the companies' shareholders.

Editorial: A dollar value on IraqThe ultimate cost of war is, of course, the untimely death of young men and women serving their country, and of civilians who are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Wednesday's Letters to the Editor … Calais supports racino … Problems on Question 1 … Faircloth clarifies … Historical inaccuracies … Bring GIs home

KENNEBEC JOURNAL:

ELECTION DAY SIGNATURE DRIVESPetitions: Repeal school mergers AUGUSTA -- Alan Morse of Phillips said it's easy to get people to sign a petition to repeal Maine's school district consolidation law.

On Maine Politics: House 99: Will it be close?

AUGUSTATIF subsidy would make housing 'affordable' AUGUSTA -- Homes in the proposed Cony Village housing development are expected to be sold for a full market price of around $175,000.

EDITORIAL: No expansion of gambling in Maine In 2003, Maine voters approved a Bangor racino. That vote was promoted as a way to help the state's struggling harness racing industry. While it led to a resurgence in that industry, it also led to construction of a $131 million racino complex in Bangor and explosive growth in the amount of legal gambling in the state.

Columns:
GEORGE SMITH : Montana's got answers to recreational land conflicts The snow-capped Rocky Mountains were off in the distance as I gazed out of my Wingate hotel room in Bozeman, Montana. I could just make out the mountains over the top of a shopping mall anchored by huge Target and Costco stores.

LTE: Maine should have signed Jessica's Law I am responding to the letter that was written by Michael Johnson of Windham (Oct. 23).

LTE: Constituent grateful for help from Sen. Collins I am writing to express my appreciation and gratitude to Sen. Susan Collins and her Augusta staff for all they have done for me. I have been struggling with the Social Security Administration and it has been very difficult.

LTE: Question 1 is about more than slot machines In his "A Maine Notebook" column of Oct. 25, my old friend Jim Brunelle waxes on about his reasons for not supporting Question 1 on the ballot this November. I respect Brunelle's reasoning, but in this case he is wrong.

LTE: Fiscal responsibility lacking at MSEA The Maine State Employees Association has once again proposed to increase membership dues. -- A dues increas which is not necessary or justified at this time.

MORNING SENTINEL:

SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION LAWMerger opponents eye Election Day petitions AUGUSTA -- Alan Morse of Phillips said it's easy to get people to sign a petition to repeal Maine's school district consolidation law.

LTE: Brunelle's thinking about racino hits the mark Thank you to columnist Jim Brunelle for articulating in a single sentence (Sentinel, Oct. 25) the thinking a lot of us have about the proposed racino in Calais: "I'll vote against (it) . . . because it will lead to a cheapening of the quality of this state and because it masquerades as an economic development program that is nothing of the kind."

SUN JOURNAL:

Collins' pitch for state security advisers gains backersPORTLAND (AP) - U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has introduced a measure to beef up homeland security by requiring the federal government to provide a security adviser for Maine and nine other states that don't have one.

Consolidation foes tout state networkAUGUSTA (AP) - The chief organizer of a drive to repeal Maine's new school system consolidation initiative says petition circulators will be out in force at state polling places next week.

Study: More veterans are uninsuredWASHINGTON (AP) - About one of every eight veterans under the age of 65 is uninsured, a finding that contradicts the assumption many have that all vets qualify for free health care through the Veterans Affairs Department, says a new study.

LTE: Knows the jobOn Nov. 6, voters in House District 93 have the chance to elect a candidate who will put their interests first in the Maine state Legislature. Sheryl Briggs deserves their support at the polls.

TIMES RECORD:

Conservation of Maquoit Bay properties celebrated...(full story)
Bond questions 2 and 3 target economic growth...(full story)

OP/ED: 'Yes' on 5 would correct term limits' unintended consequences...(full story)

EDITORIAL: A moral dilemma...(full story)

LTE: 'Yes' on Question 1...(full story)

LTE: Brothel would be better...(full story)

MPBN:
School Consolidation Opponents Challenge Governor's Plan

Analysis Reveals Portland's Strong Impact on the Maine Economy

YORK WEEKLY:

York community development director addresses Nov. ballot issues at forum
YORK, Maine — Two dozen voters gathered at St. George's Church on Sunday to learn more about important local issues voters will decide on Election Day, Nov. 6.

Maine and national health care outlook grim, official says
WELLS — A representative of Gov. John Baldacci had a grim message about the state of Maine and national health care for listeners gathered at a health forum at the Village By the Sea hotel on Oct. 24.

York area legislators support extending term limits Nov. 6
YORK — When voters in southern Maine turn their thoughts to Question 5, a referendum about extending legislative term limits, local lawmakers hope they will consider experience.

York voter turnout expected to be low Nov. 6
YORK — November's general referendum warrant will ask voters to decide 11 comprehensive plan and ordinance amendments and five state ballot items.

Groups debate value of racinos before Nov. 6 vote in Maine
YORK — With questions of economic development, crime and business in Washington County, will the racino get a yes or a no?

STATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE:

Election briefsMerger repeal effort winning fans
Lawmakers mull single bill for school merger amendments
Voters to settle racino, bond, term-limit questions

MAINE BIZ:

Senate considers econ. development billSenators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins recently introduced the Northern Border Economic Development Commission Act, ...

NEW YORK TIMES:

A Union With Clout Stakes Its Claim on PoliticsIt is gearing up to help Democrats running for the Senate including Tom Allen in Maine, Jeanne Shaheen in New Hampshire and candidates in Colorado, ...

CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY:

Iraq, Up Close and Personal, in Maine House Race
While Iraq War veterans have offered themselves as candidates through multiple congressional election cycles, the 2008 House contest in Maine’s 1st District stands out with two candidates with Iraq War experience — one in each major party — who bring different perspectives on the conflict to the election campaign.

HELENA INDEPENDENT RECORD:

State would get security adviser under proposalSusan Collins requires the federal government to provide a security adviser for states that don’t currently have one. The bill authorizes $40 million for ...

HOUSTON CHRONICLE:

Mexican businessman's TB case frustrates senatorsJoe Lieberman and Maine Republican Susan Collins, wrote Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Tuesday seeking answers.

WASHINGTON TIMES:

Answers sought on TB flierJoe Lieberman, Connecticut independent, and Susan Collins, Maine Republican, both members of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, ...

CLOVIS NEWS JOURNAL:

Calling out ‘wrongdoers’ backfiresSusan Collins, R-Maine, has a perfect voting record in the Senate, which I find pretty admirable regardless of how she voted.

AMERICAN MUSLIM:

SENATE COMMITTEE STRESSES NEED FOR GREATER PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN LAW ...... Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) called for enhanced engagement by local law enforcement agencies and Muslim American communities.

BLOGS:

Conservation of Maquoit Bay properties celebrated
Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, both R-Maine, and US Rep. Tom Allen, D-Maine, strongly supported the Maquoit Bay project and were instrumental in securing ...

ROMNEY "NOT CHRISTIAN"; NEO-NAZIS FOR RON PAUL; ARG POLLS; WARNER …
Susan Collins (R) holding a lead over Congressman Tom Allen (D). The numbers: Collins - 56%, Allen - 33%. Considering the poll was conducted for the liberal DailyKos.com website, the Collins-Allen fight thus far is not living up to the ...

Senate measure aims to beef up homeland security in Idaho and ...
Maine Senator Susan Collins has introduced a measure aimed at beefing up homeland security by requiring the federal government to provide a security adviser for Maine and nine other states that don’t have one, including Idaho.

A Union With Clout Stakes Its Claim on Politics
It is gearing up to help Democrats running for the Senate including Tom Allen in Maine, Jeanne Shaheen in New Hampshire and candidates in Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon and Virginia.

Conservation of Maquoit Bay properties celebrated
Tom Allen, D-Maine, strongly supported the Maquoit Bay project and were instrumental in securing those funds. Additional funding was provided by the Land ...

MERCURY: Export ban clears House energy panel
The House Energy and Commerce Committee today voted to block the federal government from selling, transferring or exporting elemental mercury. Rep. Tom Allen's (D-Maine) "Mercury Export Ban Act of 2007,"…

Maine AFL-CIO Endorses Rep. Allen for Senate
Tom Allen (D) in his campaign for a seat in the US Senate. With the union movement in Maine committed to fighting hard in the 2008 elections, the Maine AFL-CIO's endorsement is the beginning of a large-scale mobilization of the state's ...

Tuesday Briefs
Maine: Tom Allen will have labor kicking butt for him with the MSEA-SEIU behind him and now with the Maine AFL-CIO having voted unanimously to back him. New Mexico: Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez' own polling has him in a statistical ...

Keyword News: [Susan Collins]
The Maine AFL-CIO is throwing its support behind Democrat Tom Allen in his bid to unseat incumbent Republican Susan Collins in ...

RECALL!!! Update (Portland School Committee)

O'Reilly on WGME
Bill O'Reilly, America's favorite blowhard, appeared on WGME-13 last night during the 5pm broadcast to weigh in on the birth control issue. It comes as no suprise to me that a station owned by Sinclair Broadcasting, who's VP Mark Hyman was the former *star* of the right-wing "The Point" editorial, would bring on such a jackass to weigh in. I imagine the mute button came into very good use last night for a lot of people. For those of you with a strong stomach, you can catch Falafel Bill over at WGME's horribly designed and layed out website.

Governor Baldacci Says Economy and Environment are Tied Together - Maine.gov

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Maine News for Tuesday, October 30, 2007

PRESS HERALD:

Portland area fuels Maine's economy A major portion of the state's economic base has shifted from rural to urban, an analysis finds.

Teachers' confidentiality law may be revised, Baldacci says A national study of sexual misconduct by teachers has no data from Maine, because of its law.

Ron BancroftOn Nov. 6, 'yes' is right for all but one ballot question Bonds and term limits merit approval, but adding a casino wouldn't be good for Maine.

LTE: MoveOn's Petraeus ad hurt Democratic Party

LTE: Governor's task force can have impact on dental care

BANGOR DAILY:

Racino plan finances spur questionsCALAIS, Maine - A week before voters decide if Washington County can become home to a proposed racino and high-stakes bingo facility run by the Passamaquoddy Tribe, questions remain about the finances associated with the plan.

Report: Cultural agencies misused fundsTuesday, October 30, 2007AUGUSTA, Maine - The state's cultural agencies allegedly misused $4,000 in state and federal funds, possibly to secure the services of an independent lobbyist, according to a draft audit report released Monday.

Meetings captivate Mainers in SeoulSEOUL, South Korea - The 30 Maine business and government representatives on the 2007 Gubernatorial Trade Mission scattered throughout Seoul on Monday for more than 40 meetings with potential commerce partners.

AFL-CIO endorses Allen in Senate raceBy AP BANGOR, Maine (AP) — The Maine AFL-CIO is throwing its support behind Democrat Tom Allen in his bid to unseat incumbent Republican Susan Collins in ...

EDITORIAL: SCHIP's realityInstead of chiding Congress for "wasting time" by passing a pared down version of a children's health care bill, President Bush should consult with members of his own party to understand why this measure is needed.

John Buell: The immigration blame gameA column of mine on immigration earlier this year provoked both an op-ed response and numerous e-mails to me, charging I "don't get it" that illegal immigrants are the cause of working class woes.

Robert Klose: 'Shock and awe' in Iraq no mistake Even those who have set themselves foursquare against the American invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq are guilty of an error: referring to George Bush's unprovoked war as a "mistake" or a "costly mistake."

Tuesday's Letters to the Editor … R&D investment … Don’t cut notices … Collins, accountability … Reconsider nuclear

KENNEBEC JOURNAL:

Cultural agencies are hit in audit AUGUSTA -- An audit concludes state cultural agencies used funds in an "inappropriate manner" to restart a nonprofit arts group, but stops short of saying the agencies illegally used state money for lobbying.

AUGUSTAHousing TIF wins backer AUGUSTA -- A proposed tax break developers of the Cony Village housing development say is needed to help make some homes affordable for working families seems to have won over one of its more wary skeptics.

Hallowell waterfront gets aid from UMA students HALLOWELL -- Architecture students from the University of Maine at Augusta began a project Monday to come up with ideas for development of the city's waterfront park.

Hathaway plan OK'd WATERVILLE -- The Planning Board on Monday night voted 6-0 to approve a final plan for 66 residential units to be built in the old Hathaway shirt building.

EDITORIAL: Curbing legislative appetites Legislative leaders demonstrated an admirable ability to say no last week when they turned down 75 percent of the bills submitted for consideration in the second year of the Legislature.

LTE: Fair is fair -- Vote yes on Question 1 A few years ago, voters were asked to approve a casino for native Indian tribes in Maine. At that time, I felt if a casino were approved, it should be for anybody in Maine, so I voted against the casino.

LTE: Voting to expand gambling wrong for Maine Election day is fast coming upon us and I wish to encourage all voters to get out and vote on Nov. 6.

LTE: Protect your wallet and vote no on bond issues Hold on to your wallet. Or tuck it away in a drawer where you can't find it. Better yet, put it in a safety box and throw away the key.

LTE: Pat Jones has lifetime of hard work, achievement I've known Pat Jones, who is running for the District 83 legislative seat, since 1973 when I moved into her neighborhood. At that time she was a wife, a mother of two small children and a certified dental hygienist. Wanting to expand her knowledge and skills, Jones put herself through the University of Maine, earning a bachelor's and master's degree while working full time and caring for her family.

LTE: Pat Jones is the right choice Pat Jones demonstrates remarkable courage by her willingness to serve the people of her district in the towns of Belgrade, Fayette, Manchester, Mount Vernon, Readfield and Vienna to fill the vacancy left by her husband, Deane, after his tragic illness and sudden death.

LTE: Clyde Dyar will work hard for District 83 voters The upcoming election in House District 83 affords the voters the opportunity to elect someone with close ties to that district. Clyde Dyar has spent many years working in the arena of economic development and knows well that jobs are a result of quality employers with a vested interest in this region. Maine needs elected officials who understand the importance of economic growth.

LTE: League of Conservation Voters supports Jones The voters of House District 83 comprising the towns of Belgrade, Fayette, Manchester, Mount Vernon and Vienna should be aware that the Maine League of Conservation Voters has endorsed the candidacy of Pat Jones of Mount Vernon for the House of Representatives.

MORNING SENTINEL:

A strong influenceStudy says the Portland area generates $2 out of every $5 the Maine economy produces More than $2 out of every $5 produced by the Maine economy was generated in the Portland region.

LTE: Thoughts from voting at the kitchen table As far as harness racing is concerned, it will either live or die on its own. I don't think the slots will make any difference. The powers that have influence have just used harness racing as an excuse to get the slots in Bangor. So why not allow our early Americans the opportunity to do the same in the poorest county in the U.S.?

LTE: Republican spin is sending the U.S. down the drain During his October 11 talk radio broadcast, Republican propagandist Mike Gallagher "explored" the tension in American politics, wondering how "partisanship" got so vicious.

LTE: Eliminate Clean Election fund and save money In the Oct. 19 edition of this paper, another article regarding the state budget shortfall was published. In this article mention was made of legislators in Augusta trying to nickel-dime the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife department so as to find savings of $50,000, all in the quest of a $10 million shortage in the state budget. Nickel-diming is an exercise in futility as the article points out "... providing an example of how relatively small financial items have engaged lawmakers in tight detail."

LTE: Racino is a 'win-win situation' for Maine Maine is advertised as a tourist destination! Vote "yes" on Question 1 for the racino in Washington County.

LTE: Printed legal notices vital for informing public Maine politicians seem intent on spending the public's money while working to keep us from knowing what they're up to. The Legislature is trying to pass "emergency" Legislation (LD 1878) that would end the requirement for government to print legal notices in newspapers.

LTE: Bonds, a private choice, should not be on the ballot While bond proposal, Question 2, will stimulate some technological development, there is a price to pay. Other investments and consumer spending will be reduced in order to finance the bond. This follows from basic economic principles powerfully articulated by Henry Hazlitt.

SUN JOURNAL:

Baldacci weighs change AUGUSTA - Gov. John Baldacci is considering asking lawmakers to revise a 94-year-old state law that keeps secret the reasons why teachers have lost their certification, barring them from the classroom.

AFL-CIO endorses Allen for SenateBANGOR (AP) - The Maine AFL-CIO is throwing its support behind Democrat Tom Allen in his bid to unseat incumbent Republican Susan Collins in next year's race Senate race.

State audit criticizes cultural agenciesAUGUSTA (AP) - A state controller's audit, focusing in part on an effort to revive a once dormant Maine Community Cultural Alliance, has found flaws in the financial management of several state cultural agencies and suggests that several thousand dollars of state money has been misused.

LTE: Dollars, but no senseWhere is the money? I am angry, and the public should be, too.

TIMES RECORD:

Racino question elicits fierce debate...(full story)

OP/ED: LD 910 will strip control from Union 47 parents...(full story)

MPBN:

Former Gambling Control Board Member Critical Of Casino Plan

Economist Says Stringent Security Measures Slowing Border Business

CAPITAL WEEKLY:

Operation Homefront-Maine seeks help for military families in immediate need
AUGUSTA — Operation Homefront-Maine is asking residents and businesses throughout the state for their assistance to help five families with urgent repairs before snow flies.

Augusta Democrats elect new leaders

HOMELAND SECURITY TODAY:

The California Fires: Was State, Federal Govn’t Prepared?... the top-ranking members on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Democrat Joseph Lieberman and Republican Susan Collins, ...

WASHINGTON TIMES:

A FRESH and better farm billJoined by Republican co-sponsors Orrin Hatch of Utah and Susan Collins of Maine and Democrats Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Ben Cardin of Maryland, ...

THE HILL:

McNulty confirms that he will retireand Tom Allen (D-Maine) are both vacating their House seats, but they are pursuing Senate seats. About a dozen Republicans have announced plans to retire, ...

CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY:

New York Democrat McNulty to Retire from the House... and the first who is retiring from politics; the other two, Colorado’s Mark Udall and Maine’s Tom Allen are running next year for the Senate.

EARTHTIMES:

Democrat McNulty confirms retirement plansReps. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) and Tom Allen (D-Maine) are also both leaving the House of Representatives, but are both pursuing seats on the Senate.

INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE:

A union with clout stakes its claim on politicsIt is gearing up to help Democrats running for the Senate including Tom Allen in Maine, Jeanne Shaheen in New Hampshire and candidates in Colorado, ...

BLOGS:

A few facts for Army recruits
Morning Sentinel and other media, the school administration as well as our representatives and Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, to get us the facts.

Open Thread and Diary Rescue
A bit of local low-down on Senator Susan Collins: Bush’s Sherpa 2.0 from one of her constituents up in Maine, Spud1. (claude). sfzendog examines how The System Itself Prevents the Changes We Need to Make. (srkp23) ...

ALF-CIO endorses Allen for Senate
Tom Allen in the US Senate race with incumbent Susan Collins. ?Congressman Allen has consistently championed the interest of Maine?s working families,? said ...

Chertoff Explains His Framework
Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Subcommittee Chair Mary Landrieu (D-La.), expressed unhappiness that changes they thought they had wrought in the structure and duties of FEMA following its Katrina debacle had been ignored by ...

Maine AFL-CIO Endorses Tom Allen
Tom Allen, Democrat, in the US Senate race with incumbent Susan Collins. “Congressman Allen has consistently championed the interest of Maine’s working families,” said AFL-CIO President Eddie Gorham. “On trade, jobs, health care and ...

Wow, I'm Slow
And, Collins can always change step and rewrite the ad: Brian Ledbetter, blogging at www.snapped shot.com, has suggested "Help Susan Collins tell MoveOn to Move On--to Canada. The nation will be a better place. ...

Robostrike
Susan Collins (Maine), Norm Coleman (Minn.) and Gordon Smith (Ore.), each of whom would likely win re-election comfortably in a neutral political environment. In addition, the uncertainty about Nebraska, where Sen. ...

They Get Endorsements
Tom Allen, Democrat, in the US Senate race with incumbent Susan Collins. "Congressman Allen has consistently championed the interest of Maine’s working families," said AFL-CIO President Eddie Gorham. "On trade, jobs, health care and ...

District 99 Race Will Be Close - Help Needed Now!

Maine R&D spending changes direction with $55 m bond

National Journal BELTWAY BLOGROLL
Excerpts:"The target in this case: GOP new media consultant David All. The personal attackers: Erick Erickson of RedState; another GOP e-politics expert, Michael Turk of Kung Fu Quip; and blogger-turned-campaign-aide Lance Dutson, who is working to re-elect Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine."