Maine News for Thursday, February 14, 2008

Portland Press Herald:
Many communities can't afford any more storms
Maine cities and towns and the state Department of Transportation are paying the price for this snowy winter.

Driver's license residency rule debated
State House 2008: Critics say the proposal is either unfair or too weak, but it still has plenty of support.

Cianchette named top diplomat to Costa Rica
President Bush nominates the prominent Maine Republican to be a U.S. ambassador; Senate confirmation is still needed.
,
Delegation divided over electronic surveillance
Reps. Michael Michaud and Tom Allen vote in opposition to immunity for phone companies.

Editorial: It's too soon to kill telecom privacy suits
A Senate-approved measure would leave little guidance for companies' future actions.

Editorial: Wider highways should be part of transportation plans
Alternatives are important, but policy can't ingore the importance of roadway expansion.

Laurie Dobson: Major source of revenue goes untaxed
People wouldn't face cutbacks in state aid if a 1 percent securities transfer tax were in place.


Bangor Daily News:
Portland jetport grew fastest in N.E. in '07
PORTLAND, Maine — The Portland International Jetport had the fastest rate of growth last year among airports in New England, jetport officials said.

Outbreaks sign of ugly flu season
This year's flu season is picking up momentum in Maine, with an increase from 12 laboratory-confirmed cases reported during the week ending Feb. 2 to 41 confirmed cases reported last week.

How will rebates help Maine?
AUGUSTA, Maine — An estimated 500,000 Mainers will share about $445 million in economic stimulus payments under the package President Bush signed into law Wednesday, but how much of a stimulus that cash will provide in Maine is a matter of debate.

In crises, synergy is key, says Collins
WASHINGTON — A lack of coordination between National Guard units under state command and regular military units could pose a threat to national response in the case of a domestic crisis, Sen. Susan Collins, R- Maine, said Wednesday.

Laurie Dobson: A race for best ideas, not most money
I hope that many of the thousands of people I met over this last weekend in the Bangor area will have a chance to learn more about our campaign for U.S. Senate. I'm running as an independent for Maine.

Editorial: Border synergy
Maine and New Brunswick have been working in recent years to strengthen their obvious but undervalued historical, economic, transportation, natural resource, recreational and cultural ties. On Tuesday, some of those ties were in focus in Bangor and Augusta, as Gov. John Baldacci hosted New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham.

Editorial: Building a better budget
The president's budget is often viewed as a blueprint for Congress as it crafts a federal spending plan for the coming year. Given the dissatisfaction expressed by Maine's congressional delegation at President Bush's document, released last week, it is a blueprint for what not to build.

LTEs: Hugo, Joe and Exxon; Back off, government; A tax rationale

Morning Sentinel:
Hearing set on license proposal
AUGUSTA -- A plan that would prevent Maine from issuing driver's licenses to non-residents is winning praise from some lawmakers and Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, but critics say the proposal either goes too far or not far enough.

Selectmen approve Sappi's plan to seek new emissions license
SKOWHEGAN -- Selectmen this week endorsed Sappi Fine Paper Co.'s application to state environmental officials to change the company's air emissions license.

Column: Parents have right, responsibility to know what drugs given to child
It could be your daughter, maybe your granddaughter. She is just 11 years old, in fourth- or fifth-grade. She walks into your school's health clinic and asks for birth control.

Editorial: 'I'm sorry' simple words not often heard
This week, the new Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, did an increasingly rare thing: He apologized, without caveat or qualification.

LTE: Baldacci is 'ultimate' parent of foster children
Almost 3,000 children adopted by Maine families have contracts for adoption assistance payments (AAP). Additionally, 139 children in pre-adoptive homes receive AAP, with the state retaining legal custody until adoption.

LTE: Primary system unfair to both voters, candidates
I really must protest. Our system of presidential elections is a joke. A campaign of over a year in length is certainly ridiculous, and ridiculously expensive.


MPBN:
State Budget Woes Aren't Diminishing
Maine's budget woes continue to to grow. State lawmakers are becoming increasingly anxious about an upcoming meeting of the State Revenue Forecasting Committee which appears poised to recommend another downward re-projection of tax revenues. This comes as state finances continue to struggle in the midst of national economic downturn. Talk of new taxes and withdrawals from the state's Rainy Day Fund is heard more frequently these days at the State House as legislators try to balance continued demands for services against dwindling state revenues. A.J. Higgins reports.

Barriers to Opiate Addiction Treatment Still Exist
It's been five years since the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of buprenorphine for the treatment of opiate addiction. It proved so popular among patients and physicians that in 2006 Maine Senator Susan Collins was instrumental in getting a 30-patient cap lifted so that specially-trained doctors could treat more patients in their practices, which were clogged with waiting lists. But as states like Maine come to grips with an opiate epidemic fueled by the availability and misuse of prescription drugs, barriers to treatment remain. And as Susan Sharon reports, they often begin with insurance companies.


Sun Journal:
Plants clogged up by disposable wipes
WINTERPORT (AP) - Sewage treatment plants in Maine are reporting growing problems with disposable wipes that people throw down the toilet.

Editorial: A bustling downtown - of eight committees
Last June, it was suggested the Lewiston Planning Board devise an "entertainment district" in downtown, stemming from the board's review of Park Street and its nightlife.

Column: Troop presence necessary in battle against al-Qaida
HAMADAH, Iraq - This small, rural village in the Diyala Province north of Baghdad experienced a revolution a month ago. It had been controlled by al-Qaida and its band of teenage killers who terrorized the place. The mayor of the nearby city of Muqdadiya lived here - until al-Qaida blew up his house and he fled. The village became a ghost town.

LTE: Complex interests
If Sen. John McCain is the Republican nominee, people would do well to recall former President Eisenhower's warning about the dangers of the military-industrial complex, because no one represents those interests more than Sen. McCain.

LTE: Voice of the middle?
Years ago, I'd chuckle to hear people say that the Democrats are for the poor and the Republicans are for the rich. It was a simplistic way of describing the two parties.


Times Record:
School merger changes OK'd
AUGUSTA — The Senate on Tuesday evening approved major changes to the school consolidation law, allowing local school committees to retain control over their schools in a union form of governance. The amendment passed in an 18-17 vote after a majority of Democrats decided to go against the administration.


Portsmouth Herald:
Clinton pays rent; money goes to Obama
PORTSMOUTH — Rochester physician Terry Bennett said he believes the only reason Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign paid for renting a building he owns in Portsmouth is because he became the "squeaky wheel."


Maine Coast Now:
Will Obama tide raise all Dems?
Interest in politics may be at one of the highest levels in generations.

Big Brother Federalism
Maine, like all states, is under the thumb of federalism, a plethora of government forms that use a variety of political, legal and organizational techniques to share government authority. And a growing percentage of federalism over subordinate local jurisdiction creates a money marble cake each vying for a piece of the frosting.

Gardiner's waterfront receives federal boost of $147,000
GARDINER — The city of Gardiner has recently received federal funding that will go a long way toward completing the city's waterfront restoration project.


Lincoln County News:
Obama Wins Lincoln County Delegates
Democrats all over the state caucused Sunday, Feb. 10 and after the final count, Presidential candidate Barak Obama was the clear winner beating out Sen. Hilary Clinton almost two-to-one. In Lincoln County, Obama grabbed 65 delegates and Clinton 31.

Single Stream Recyclers Claim to Cut Waste
Single stream recycling could well become the most convenient way to handle waste for homeowners and at the same time save communities a lot of money for tipping fees if it takes hold in the Midcoast.

Jail Consolidation Update
On Feb. 11 the Criminal Justice Committee held its third work session on the state/county jail consolidation effort. This work session was the Committee's first foray in the financing element of the proposed plan.

Governor Counters Referendum Mandate, Proposes Stalling School Budgets
Gov. John Baldacci's administration is proposing flat-funding local schools next year as a way to help balance the state budget as the revenue forecast gets gloomier  a move some will see as a broken promise.

Elderly Service Cuts Present Quandary To Legislators
The elderly and their caregivers packed a hearing room in Augusta last week to tell the Appropriations Committee that without state money to pay for help with basic needs like cooking a meal or getting a shower many would no longer be able to stay at home and out of institutional care.

Burgeoning Budget Woes Plague Augusta
With sales and income tax revenues dropping and the federal government threatening to cut Medicaid reimbursement, the state could be looking at an additional $99 million budget shortage on top of the $95 million already recognized, prompting the governor to say he will consider tax and fee increases as a last resort.

Letter to the Editor -- Taxpayers Bilked?

Letter to the Editor -- Health Care To Improve With Bipartisanship


Ellsworth American:
Consolidation Law Amended to Allow For Local Control
AUGUSTA — The Senate Tuesday evening approved major changes to the school consolidation law.

Maine's Woes Worsen
AUGUSTA — With sales and income tax revenues dropping and the federal government threatening to cut Medicaid reimbursement, the state could be looking at an additional $99 million budget shortage on top of the $95 million hole already recognized, prompting the Governor to say he will consider tax and fee increases as a last resort.

Baldacci Proposes Flat-funding in 2009 For Maine Schools
AUGUSTA — Gov. John Baldacci's administration is proposing flat-funding local schools next year as a way to help balance the state budget as the revenue forecast gets gloomier — a move some will see as a broken promise.

Editorial: A Lot of Government
Governor John Baldacci and the Maine Legislature are anxiously awaiting the next state revenue report of the state's Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission, due at the end of the month. Expectations are that the current $95 million budget shortfall may double, and the Governor and legislative leaders already are beginning to seek additional ways to reduce state spending.

Editorial: Behind Closed Doors
It has been no secret that selectmen in Trenton are unhappy with Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials for the way they have approached locating an Explorer bus terminal and new visitor center for Acadia National Park on Route 3. The town is upset that state officials have pointed out they are not required to submit plans for local planning or zoning review.

LTE: Too Little, Too Late from Allen (By: Laurie Dobson)
It doesn't make any sense to me that Tom Allen is coming in now with a "too little, too-late" excuse for the poly line issue. It's pretty lame to say he'll try to fix it after it's been made into law.


Fosters Daily Democrat:
Ledue enters Democratic race for U.S. Senate seat
SPRINGVALE — Senate candidate Thomas Ledue says the difference between him and Sen. Susan Collins and Rep. Tom Allen is one of managerial leadership versus visionary leadership.


Blogs:
Maine Owl: Collins attack transmitted on public radio
National Public Radio and its Maine affiliate have a long and on occasion deserved reputation for excellent, fact-based reporting with a human touch. They certainly have the ability to cover a story in depth and with scrupulous fairness. That is, until pro-war messages Republican officials wish to transmit without excessive scrutiny are involved.

Turn Maine Blue: How not to write a news story
There was a time when journalists actually did some research when writing a story, but those days seem long gone - perhaps they never were. Today, what stands in place for reporting is asking each side of an issue what they have to say, and then calling it a day.

Collins Watch: All Quiet
Gerald critiques an NPR story about the Collins camp's recent Allen smear.

WhiteHouse51: Tom Allen speaks about Iraq

Maine News for February 12, 2008

Portland Press Herald:
Cities prepare for bio attack
Finding the fastest way to distribute medicine is the focus of a national effort to ready at least one city in each state.

Maine superdelegates on fence
Most of the Democratic superdelegates will wait to decide on a nominee.

Caucuses reveal voters' urban-rural divide
Clinton won core party members; Obama won the youth and professionals.

Cost-cutting ideas include closing Long Creek center
The head of the state Department of Corrections has proposed closing Maine's largest youth detention center as a cost-saving measure.

Editorial; By any name, an economic storm is still a storm
The economy may not technically be in a recession, but there's a blizzard of bad news.

Editorial: Biggest caucus ever still left too many out
A race this important deserved a process in which everybody could have a voice.

LTE: Keeping illegal immigrants out is top campaign issue
"Crossing the line?" was the blazing headline (Jan. 27). This is really interesting, as it outlines the steps being taken by the federal government to control, I guess, entry of illegals into the United States from Canada.

LTE: Prescribe Medicare model for every U.S. citizen
I read with interest the opinion of Thomas N. Morrison (Voice of the People, Jan. 21). He suggests that private health insurance, if properly managed, can contribute to low-cost care for every U.S. citizen.


Bangor Daily News:
Senate race puts focus on economy
This year's federal elections could end up being called "It's the economy, stupid — Part 2," according to political observers.

Mainers show independent streak
AUGUSTA, Maine - Gov. John Baldacci said Monday he called Barack Obama to congratulate him after his Maine caucus victory, and pledged party unity after the race against Hillary Rodham Clinton for the party's presidential nomination works its way to a conclusion.

Judge ousts Allagash lawsuit
A federal judge has dismissed a federal lawsuit filed by critics of Maine's management of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

State backs Indians in rights case
MACHIAS, Maine - The state attorney general has filed a complaint against five Baileyville men for allegedly violating the civil rights of five Indian Township youth.

Editorial: Obama's Dirigo appeal
Not surprisingly, Sen. Barack Obama handily won the Democratic presidential caucuses in Maine on Sunday. Not surprisingly, because Maine historically has been a safe harbor to candidates perceived as poised to rattle the walls of the party palace.

Editorial: Gamble on vote
The reliable and steady profits promised by slot machine gambling are like a plate of brownies fresh from the oven — really not good for you, but oh so hard to resist.

Bob St. Peter: It's time to legalize marijuana
While reading the Bangor Daily News' Jan. 23 front page story "Smuggler given life sentence," I tried to think of all the people I have met who have used marijuana. I couldn't; there are too many.

Erik Steele: Cutting payments an exercise in foot-shooting
Conflict of interest alert: I am a physician and work for a health system with seven hospitals in it. Everything below is therefore self-serving, but not entirely so.

LTEs: Red Shield's example; Lead, Mr. President;


Morning Sentinel:
State looks at new high school requirements
AUGUSTA -- Educators offered cautious praise Monday for the goals behind proposed changes to the state's graduation requirements for high school students while questioning how those changes, if approved, would be implemented.

Editorial: Obama kindles hope in jaded electorate
This is not an endorsement. But we are obligated to write about the commotion in our midst.

Column: Maine needs to reopen St. Croix to alewives
In 1995, the Maine Legislature passed a law that prevents eastern Maine's largest native alewife population from reaching its ancestral spawning grounds beyond two dams on the St. Croix River by closing fish passageways.


Kennebec Journal:
Maine soldiers help supply Iraqi schools
Before 1st Lt. Richard Blackwell and his team go out on a mission in Iraq, they have one stop to make first.

Susan Cover: Nearly 45,000 take part in Dem caucuses
Maine Democratic Party officials are riding high today after shattering the previous caucus turnout record of 18,000 by drawing what party executive director Arden Manning described as "close to 45,000" to town halls and schools across the state.


MPBN:
Academic Program Cutbacks On the Table at USM
The University of Southern Maine is considering suspending enrollment in 26 academic programs. The move is the result of a four-year string of deficits that have put the campus's budget more than 8 million dollars in the red. USM's interim president Joseph Wood says the school has already looked for savings in non-academic areas, but it's now necessary to go beyond that...Barbara Cariddi reports.

Congressmen Request Better Treatment for PTSD Victims
Maine Congressmen Tom Allen and Mike Michaud say they've teamed up to lend a helping hand to veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The two Maine Democrats say the so-called "Full Faith in Veterans Act" sponsored by Allen and Co-sponsored by Michaud, will be submitted to Congress this week. During a news conference this morning that followed a tour of the VA Hospital in Togus, the two told reporters the bill is aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment of PSTD. Keith McKeen reports...

Superdelegates May Not Feel Obligation to Follow Rank and File
The dust is clearing from the stampede of Maine Democrats who turned out in unprecedented numbers for Sunday's statewide caucuses. And although Sen. Barack Obama picked up 15 of Maine's 24 delegates to the Democrtatic National Convention, there is still an opportunity for Hillary Clinton to improve on her nine-delegate total. That's because Maine has 10 superdelegates who are free to cast their votes for whomever they choose. As A.J. Higgins reports, some may be surprised to learn that, for the moment, prominent superdelegates like Gov. John Baldacci do not feel obligated to honor the popular choice of Maine's rank-and-file Democrats.


Times Record:
Coal plant bill gains support in Augusta
AUGUSTA — Rep. Bruce MacDonald's bill to limit carbon dioxide emissions from coal power plants in Maine has been given top priority status for the 2008 session by 25 leading environmental organizations, announced the Environmental Priorities Coalition. LD 2126, sponsored by MacDonald, D-Boothbay, was among six issues the coalition will seek legislative and citizen support of.


Portsmouth Herald:
Kittery caucus 'confusion' explained
KITTERY, Maine — Town residents spent a lot of "unnecessary time waiting in lines and experiencing confusion" at Sunday's Democratic caucus, said Maryann Place, Kittery's town clerk and election registrar.


WCSH-6:
Democrats Hope Caucus Turnout Will Translate To Senate Race
PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER) -- More than 44,000 people attended Sunday's democratic caucuses around Maine. The huge turnout caught everyone by surprise, including the democratic party.


WMTW-8
Allen, Michaud To Offer Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Bill
AUGUSTA, Maine -- Maine's two Democratic congressmen said they are co-sponsoring a bill that aims to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Democrats, Republicans, Ignore Leaders' Endorsements
AUGUSTA, Maine -- Gov. John Baldacci said he called Barack Obama to congratulate him after Sunday's Maine caucus victory.


Blogs:
Maine Owl: Tom Allen for U.S. Senate
Maine voters are rarely inclined to remove incumbent senators. U.S. Representative Tom Allen (D-1st District Maine), who is running to unseat Senator Susan Collins, offers the best chance we're going to have to get rid of this mendacious Republican.

Daily-Kos: ME-Sen: Collins Smears Tom Allen in new ad
Lost in the caucus hooplah of this past weekend, was this diary by jm about the latest ad from the Susan Collins campaign. One really has to see it to believe it:

Maine Web Report: MaineVotes.org
Maine Heritage Policy Center launched a new website called MaineVotes.org. This is a great project, here's the press release:

Turn Maine Blue: Do NOT watch these or read this if you do not want to know about PTSD & TBI or are faint of heart.
TBI, Traumatic Brain Injury. The "signature" injury of the Iraq war.

Turn Maine Blue: Rep. Allen introduces Vet legislation; Michaud a co-sponsor
This morning Tom Allen announced that he is introducing a bill, The Full Faith in Veterans Act, that changes the standard of proof required for veterans with post traumatic-stress disorder (PTSD). From Allen's press release:

Turn Maine Blue: Why WGME Sucks
I hate WGME. Really, I hate WGME. Ever since this "Fugitive file" came out, all they focus on now is shock news. For starters, the Fugitive Files sometimes feature people who have done minor crimes and failed to show up for court.

Senate Guru: Monday Rundown
Maine: A bad omen for Susan Collins: the turnout at the Maine Democratic caucuses shattered the previous record, 46,000 yesterday compared with just 17,000 in 2004. Maine Democrats are energized! By comparison, reports had Republican caucus turnout at a mere 5,000.

Collins Watch: The Passion Primary
Sen. Collins' decision to cozy up to the GOP's passionate, if paranoid, fringe makes more sense in the context of the "massive" turnout for the Maine Democratic caucus on Sunday: Her team must feel enormous pressure to do something to close the enthusiasm gap.

Maine News for Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Portland Press Herald:
Allen's MoveOn funding criticized
Election 2008: Donations raised by the site led Allen to alter a vote on a disputed ad, Susan Collins says.

Bill to tax trusts' land sales panned
State House: Some say imposing the corporate income tax would dampen investors' interest in Maine.

Security, funding woes dog courts
Maine's chief justice sees a need to tighten safety measures and pay the tab for court-appointed attorneys.

Nemitz: Who holds hospitals to error policy?
You can't beat deals like this. The Maine Hospital Association, representing all 39 of the state's hospitals, just announced 28 "adverse health events" that henceforth will cost you, dear patient, not a single dime.

Editorial: There's little to like in Bush's budget blueprint
The president's plan has painful cuts but no meaningful progress toward fiscal responsibility.

Maine Voices: Elderly will be hurt by budget cuts
Gov. Baldacci says the state of Maine must deal with some "hard truths," among them a $95 million revenue shortfall.

LTE: Stimulus package won't build strong economy
The Democrats would do well to keep in mind the story of the Trojan horse.

LTE: Media should inform us of troops' contributions

LTE: Jail system overcrowded, many shouldn't be there


Bangor Daily News:
Governor's veto threat goes against promise, tribe says
INDIAN ISLAND, Maine - Gov. John Baldacci is going against his word by saying he will veto the Penobscot Nation's proposal to operate slot machines on Indian Island and not agreeing to move an amended bill to referendum without a citizen-initiated petition, according to Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis.

Chief justice presents sobering facts on weapons
AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine's chief justice told lawmakers Tuesday that 7,000 knives and lethal weapons, including dozens of guns and ammunition, were stopped at the doors of Maine's courts last year.

Dental care bill targets rural access
AUGUSTA, Maine — If you live off the beaten path and are having a hard time finding a dentist, help may be on the way.

Debate over Medicaid rules hugs party lines
AUGUSTA, Maine — Legislative Democrats criticizing Medicaid rule changes that could prove costly for Maine brandished a letter of support from the National Governors Association.

Bangor: BIA fears crippling effect of use tax repeal
The proposed repeal of a state use tax could cost the city's airport one of its largest revenue makers — international flights and fuel-ups.

Editorial: A money-saving item
As the Legislature tries to fit spending into a tight budget, one small item offers an opportunity for net savings rather than long-term outlays. The issue is restoration of a $150,000 appropriation for the Hancock County drug court.

Editorial: A better stimulus package
As the Senate again turns its attention to an economic stimulus package, the focus should remain on choosing the quickest, most effective financial boost.

G. Dean Crocker: Medicaid changes to hurt poor families
Federal rule changes rarely attract much attention outside the state and federal departments that administer them. But thanks to sudden changes in the Bush administration's approach to family and children's services, Maine faces an unprecedented loss of federal funding just at the time when the state is facing painful cutbacks of its own, thanks to a nationwide economic downturn.

Stefano Tijerina: What are the motives behind the global FARC protest?
Thanks to the miracles of technology, Colombians around the world have been able to organize against the violation of human rights; particularly against the practice of kidnapping civilians as a means to political goals.

LTEs: Ship Romneys to Iraq; Don't privatize center; Global warming for real; Trenton drops recycling


Morning Sentinel:
Maine chief justice sees funding shortfall
AUGUSTA -- An increase in the number of poor defendants has created a $1.5 million hole in the judicial branch budget, Maine Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Leigh Saufley told lawmakers Tuesday.

Customers burned by oil dealer's demise
BIDDEFORD -- After losing more than $1,800 on fuel she bought but never received, Terry Bastarche isn't ready to trust another oil dealer.

McCain taking control; Clinton, Obama in fierce fight
John McCain swept a string of delegate-rich, East Coast primaries Tuesday night, reaching for command of the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Democratic rivals Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama traded victories in an epic struggle from Connecticut to California.

Editorial: Medical pot law goes far enough
Man, these guys are persistent. If your characterization of pot-smoking adults includes the term "laid back," think again.

Column: If we spend vacation money in Maine, aren't we tourists?

LTE: Challenge to Collins on waterboarding as torture
On Nov. 18th, Sen. Susan Collins sent me a letter in response to my criticism of her vote to confirm Michael Mukasey as attorney general. My criticism was based on Mukasey's position that he could not say whether or not waterboarding is torture.

LTE: Possible loss of father's job frustrates student
I am a first-year student at the University of Maine and my dad has been a Verizon employee for more than 25 years. As we all know, job security maintains stability in all families. With the prospective sale of Verizon to FairPoint Communications now becoming more of a possibility, the stability of my father's job has been put in jeopardy, causing an incredible amount of stress on my family.


Kennebec Journal:
Plum Creek's plan won't conserve land for future
My family has been going to the Moosehead area, hiking, camping and fishing for years. The reason: serenity, wildlife, nature at its finest!


MPBN:
Legislative Committtee Approves Slot Machines for Indian Island
Maine voters may have thought they put the issue of slot machines behind them last November when a proposal for a Calais racino was defeated at the polls. But slots have suddenly lept to the forefront of the legislature's agenda after a committee unanimously approved a bill to license up to 400 slot machines for the Penobscot Nation on Indian Island. The governor has promised to veto the measure unless it gives voters a say on the issue. But as AJ Higgins reports, some leading Democrats disagree and are breaking ranks with their party's leader in an effort to help the Penobscots.

Chief Justice Asks for Increased Funding
Maine's court system will need more than a million dollars this year to keep pace with the rapid increase in criminal cases against indigent defendants who need court-appointed lawyers. That was one message from Chief Justice Justice Leigh Sauffley in her annual state of the judiciary address to Maine lawmakers today. As Susan Sharon reports the Chief Justice is also sounding the alarm about the lack of court security and inadequate technology.

Education Commissioner Praises First School Consolidation Plan
The school consolidation plan that includes Cumberland, Yarmouth and Falmouth was applauded today for swiftly reaching a reorganization milestone. The plan is the first to beat a March deadline for receiving conditional approval by the Maine Department of Education. But as Keith McKeen reports, scores of towns in rural areas, are still opposing consolidation requirements.


Portsmouth Herald:
Rep. Allen makes good after losing Super Bowl wager
KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine - Maine Rep. Tom Allen is making good on his Super Bowl wager.


Sun Journal:
State gets $10 million U.S. grant for homeless
AUGUSTA (AP) - Maine will receive federal grants of more than $10 million to help the state's homeless.

LTE: Paging Mr. Exxon
On behalf of myself and the American public, I wish to thank the oil companies for allowing us to assist them in their record profits for the second year in a row. What makes their feat even more impressive this year is that they did not have to receive a $19 billion tax break from the government to break the record, as they did in 2006.


Times Record:
LTE: Demand fuel efficiency
American consumers need to demand better fuel mileage in lieu of more powerful vehicles.


WCSH-6
Collins Tries To Turn Allen's MoveOn Support Against Him
PORTLAND (AP) -- Sen. Susan Collins says her Democratic opponent is the biggest recipient of money from the liberal network MoveOn.org, a claim she's using to energize supporters and raise money for her re-election campaign.

Federal Funds Awarded To Maine Head Start Programs
LEWISOTN (NEWS CENTER) -- More than three million dollars in federal money is coming to Head Start programs in Maine.


keepMEcurrent:
Jail plan raises worries in Augusta
AUGUSTA (Feb 6, 2008): The Legislature's finance committee wants some assurances that the new jail consolidation plan, jointly announced last week by Baldacci administration and county officials, doesn't end up costing the state more money or create an independent board that can't be controlled by the Legislature.


Boston Globe:
Debate over federal aid curbs remains partisan
The Democratic call for congressional intervention drew support from Maine's two Democratic congressman, Michael Michaud and Tom Allen, the US Senate ...


Lexis-Nexis:
SENATOR COLLINS RELEASES STATEMENT ON DHS PRIORITIES IN PRESIDENTS BUDGET
WASHINGTON, DC-Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, Senator Susan Collins has released this statement regarding the Presidents budget proposal for the Department of Homeland Security and other homeland security programs.


Politicker ME:
PENOBSCOT RIVER OFFICIALS LAUD SENATOR COLLINS
In a ceremony this afternoon, officials from the Penobscot Trust, the Nature Conservancy, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, and the Maine Marine Resource Bureau presented Senator Susan Collins with a framed photo of an alewife swimming upstream in the Kennebec River by Maine photographer Doug Watts.


Blogs:
As Maine Goes: Bush Budget: Radical Spending Cuts?
Maine's congressional delegation criticized President Bush's $3.1 trillion budget, which cuts social programs and homeland security funding, increases military spending, and projects a near record deficit this year.

As Maine Goes: Report: Technology Driving Down ME Manufacturing Jobs
State Industrial Directory Reports Maine Manufacturing Jobs Down 2.6%; Plants Down 1%

Turn Maine Blue: Susan Collins, the Belle of Mississippi
(In response to the Portland Press Herald article, it's important to note that Susan Collins recieved money and has yet to return it from someone under investigation for bribing a judge - promoted by Craig)

Turn Maine Blue: George W. Bush: "This government does not torture people."
On 5 October 07, our president, Geroge W. Bush said:

Senate Guru: Super Duper Tuesday Quick Hits
Maine: A week ago today, I sent my open e-mail to Susan Collins' press secretary regarding hearings Collins called for as Chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. She has yet to reply. I wonder if Collins is this slow in responding to constituent concerns.

Maine News for Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Portland Press Herald:
Bush's budget rankles Mainers
The state's Republican senators join Democratic congressmen in decrying social service cuts.

Maine Med, Tufts to form doctor training program
Maine Medical Center and Tufts University today will announce a new physician training program that could increase the state's supply of doctors by reserving spots for Mainers and promoting the state as a good place to practice medicine.

Panel urged to provide more money for veterans
A state fund that helps veterans in emergencies has seen its allocation shrink over the years.

Editorial: Antitrust issues surround Microsoft-Yahoo! deal
If Microsoft didn't dominate operating software, it would still be worrisome.

Editorial: If lottery sales commissions are too high, by all means trim them
Gambling isn't an admirable way to raise state funds, but even it should be efficiently run.

Maine Voices: Local control of education should have its limits
For example, it asserts community prerogatives are more important than students' interests.

Column: State spending study a good start, but it's only a start
The need to align Maine's budget with its limited resources is huge, but nobody's ready to do it.

LTE: Tax conflict requires 20% cut in taxes, spending
Rhetoric verus reality is the principal conflict in tax reform, so John W. Porter might have us believe ("Are taxes really high in Maine?" Jan. 27).

LTE: Elizabeth Levinson Center shouldn't be privatized
The Elizabeth Levinson Center of Bangor cares for children who will never speak, walk, feed or bathe themselves and are medically fragile. Their cognitive abilities are far below a 1-year-old.


Bangor Daily News:
Aroostook County announces caucus schedule
Aroostook County Democratic Chairwoman Virginia Manuel has announced the schedule for the 2008 Democratic caucuses, which will be held Sunday, Feb. 10, for the listed municipalities below in Aroostook County. "The primary purpose of the February 10 caucuses is to vote for our Democratic presidential preferences, which Maine does during these caucuses," Manuel said.

Penobscot slots get panel OK
AUGUSTA - A bipartisan majority of the Legislature's Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee is supporting legislation authorizing the Penobscot Nation to operate slot machines in Old Town. But Gov. John Baldacci says any expansion of slot machine gambling needs voter approval.

Bill aims to protect patients from paying for hospital errors
When a hospital patient is the victim of a preventable complication or accident - a bedsore, a medication error or the wrong surgery, for example - who should pay for the extra care required to restore the patient to health?

Slots panel clarifies tax formula
BANGOR - A special panel created by Gov. John Baldacci has issued its recommendations to amend the state's formula for taxing slot machines in Maine.

Tobin phone-jamming retrial rescheduled by federal judge
A federal judge in Concord, N.H., has rescheduled a new trial for James Tobin, 47, of Bangor on conspiracy and telephone harassment charges over his alleged role in the 2002 get-out-the-vote phone banks run by New Hampshire Democrats and a firefighters union.

Is Maine following foreclosure trend?
Home foreclosures across the country saw a sharp increase in 2007, according to a California-based tracking firm, but the numbers for Maine are a little harder to read.

Editorial: Change in Wind Rules
Maine has great - and measurable - potential to reap electricity from the wind. But without a clear set of rules for the wind power industry to consider before proposing projects, that potential may go unfulfilled.

Editorial: District Decisions
The Legislature is expected to consider changes to the state's school administration consolidation law this week.

Rep. Jon McKane: Common-sense boating cannot be legislated
On Aug. 11, two more people were added to the list of those killed by a drunken driver in Maine. This time the driver wasn't behind the wheel of a car or a truck but was speeding around a lake — at night.

Sarah Miller: Deciding Maine's energy fate
"What can we do here in Maine?" to get cleaner, more dependable and affordable energy?

LTEs: Parental notification; Who is rebate winner?; Border blunder


Morning Sentinel:
Veterans advocate pleads with lawmakers
AUGUSTA -- Vietnam-era veteran Donald Simoneau of Fayette told lawmakers Monday he's tired of being told there isn't enough money in the state budget for veterans.

Touted fund said to advance conservation
Developers who want permission to fill or destroy wetlands in Maine routinely have to preserve or restore similar wildlife habitat nearby.

Planners get apartment plan details Senior housing units would replace old YMCA building
WATERVILLE -- The city will have a new, 21-unit apartment building for senior citizens next year on the old YMCA site on Pleasant Street, if all goes according to plans.

School spending plan endorsed
WINSLOW -- School board members Monday night approved unanimously a $14.8 million 2008-09 spending plan that represents a 5.5 percent increase over the current school budget.

DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CAUCUS: Obama, Clinton seek 'super delegates' vote
WASHINGTON -- Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are wooing an elite group of Maine Democrats as they battle to win the Democratic presidential nomination.

Susan Cover: Dems expect "record breaking turnout"
The Maine Democratic Party is predicting that more people than ever will attend their caucuses on Sunday, a belief based in part on the fact that they have already processed 4,100 absentee ballot requests.

David B. Offer: Maine caucus system unfair, disenfranchises too many
There are presidential primary elections in 22 states today. From California to Massachusetts -- even in American Samoa -- people will have a say in who the major political parties nominate for president.

LTE: Iraq not Vietnam, which was started by Democrat
All I hear is the Democrats talking about the war in Iraq. Why do they conveniently forget about the war in Vietnam? Not only was it started by one Democrat, and continued by another, but was ended by a Republican.

LTE: Inspection system should be mileage-based
It would seem that a better system for automobile inspections would be based on the mileage of a car and not the time since the last one. Typical maintenance intervals are pretty consistent across manufacturers.

LTE: New Jersey's death penalty decision 'refreshing'
The state of New Jersey has problems as do many states, including our own state of Maine. Last month it voted against its death penalty. This was quite a shock to me, as I would have never expected it to do so, as it has its fair share of violent crimes.

LTE: Frary's letter put him on political thin ice
John Frary dishes up his own species of "political hokum" in his risible attempt to deride Mike Michaud's advocacy of a Cheney impeachment.


Kennebec Journal:
LTE: We've been living too long on borrowed money
In an effort to prop up the over-inflated property values and stock market prices, and ensure that the already rich in this country stay rich, our ever-servile politicians are proposing a stimulus package.

LTE: State consolidation should start at top, not bottom
My New Year's resolution has gone out of the window. I swore I would not watch any more political bovine splatter especially from the state of Maine governors' office or the state Legislature.


MPBN:
Governor's Merger Plans Alarm Several Groups
It's been nearly a month since Governor Baldacci announced plans to explore merging four of the state's natural resource agencies into one or, possibly two, larger departments. The proposal sent shock waves through some forestry, farming and sporting groups who depend on the agencies to regulate their activities. Karin Tilberg, a senior policy adviser to the governor, acknowleges the plan has caused anxiety, but she says all her boss wants to do is improve services. A.J. Higgins reports.

Environmental Activists Denounce Nuclear Plant Proposal
A second nuclear power plant in New Brunswick, near the border with Maine, is viable. That's the finding of a study released today in St. John by the provincial government of premier Shawn Graham, which says there are potential markets for nuclear power in both the U.S. and in the Canadian Maritime Provinces. But as Keith Shortall reports, the specter of another nuclear plant in the province is being characterized by environmental activists as "a pipe dream."


Sun Journal:
Maine 'superdelegates' wooed
PORTLAND (AP) - As presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton vie for support in next Sunday's Democratic caucuses, a separate battle is being waged for Maine's so-called "superdelegates."

LTE: Homosexual agendas
I believe that the open promotion of homosexual behavior by the media is causing more homosexuality.

LTE: Deeper cuts needed
I appreciated the Sun Journal editorial Jan. 26, complimenting me for my work to lower the cost of state government by eliminating 50-plus non-essential, upper-level state government supervisory positions.


Times Record:
BNAS closure prompts $2M in workers' aid
BRUNSWICK — State officials hope local work force training boosted by federal Labor Department funding will attract business development here in the still burgeoning information technology field.

Strong interest in Democratic caucuses
AUGUSTA — Looking past the Super Tuesday voting elsewhere toward their own caucuses next Sunday, Maine Democratic Party officials said over the weekend they had already processed 4,100 absentee ballot requests.


Maine Coast Now:
First Energy Challenge set
BELFAST — Citizens will be asked to reduce the temperature in their homes by 5-degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, Feb. 24, in the city's first Energy Challenge.


LA Times:
Google's aggressive defense of MoveOn.org
Susan Collins, R-Maine, had bought on the grounds that they, too, infringed MoveOn's trademarks. The take-down was reported by the San Francisco Examiner, ...


Mainebiz.biz:
Aid for mill workers "critical," say Sens.
Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe are urging the federal government to grant aid for workers displaced by the recent closing of Irving Forest Product's Pinkham Mill in Nashville Plantation.


CQ Politics:
Senate Leaders Jockey for Votes on Competing Stimulus Plans
The Senate appears headed for a close vote on an economic stimulus package, as lobbying efforts focus on undecided moderate Republicans.


BLOGS:
Collin Watch: On Offense
Sen. Collins is, of course, entitled to attack Rep. Allen for accepting donations from participants in a Moveon.org fundraising effort.

Senate Guru: Monday Recap
Maine: Maybe Susan Collins would be better off running for a leadership role in a PAC outside of Maine. I say this because Collins has taken in twice as much money from PACs as she's taken in from Mainers; and, she's raised more than twice as much money from outside Maine than she has from inside Maine.

Turn Maine Blue: John McCain
With Super Duper Tuesday just one day away, and the recent Maine GOP Caucus "victory" for Mitt Romney, it only makes sense that we learn more about the man that both Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe support.

As Maine Goes: Maine's Democrat Superdelegates: Who Are They?
WASHINGTON — Obama/Clinton are wooing 10 delegates they want to win, too. "Superdelegates" can support whomever they choose, whenever they want; and they could determine who wins the nomination.

Maine News for Monday, February 4, 2008

Portland Press Herald:
Maine's superdelegates awash in pitches from Clinton, Obama
Democratic party rules let superdelegates support whomever they want.

Mainers reach out to needy Kenyans
Friends of Kakamega and Childs Hope International raise money for the violence-torn country.

Piscataqua River to get anti-terror system
The plan includes the placement of sonar detectors that could spot threats to local bridges.

Maine Democrats anticipate big turnout
Party rules say delegates must back the candidates they were elected to back.

Romney's big Maine win surprises GOP
More results need to be counted, but the outcome isn't expected to change.

EDITORIAL: Super Tuesday contests won't end races
The 22-state mega-primary does come at the right time in a long and confusing process.

COLUMN: Do poorer college students pay more and get less?
If we limit access to our best schools only to the rich and the well-connected, we will fail.

MAINE VOICES: Agency aids in halting juvenile fire-setting
The Maine Juvenile Fire Safety Collaborative is ready to help communities address this problem.

LTE: Palestinians deserve hope for future
In the Jan. 17 Cal Thomas column ("Bush peace plan another false hope"), Mr. Thomas puts forth the argument that there is not, never has been and never will be any hope for peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis, so why bother?

LTE: Condi's background means she should know better
Responding to Kathleen Parker's Jan. 22 column ("Condi for Veep"), I find her lighthearted tone regarding Condoleezza Rice and the Republican Party disturbing.


Bangor Daily News:
Collins, Allen pledge cooperation
AUGUSTA, Maine — In a small state, every member of the congressional delegation is important in representing the residents, and any lack of cooperation hurts that state in Washington. This year, one member is seeking to oust another.

Rural caucus to meet on consolidation plan
AUGUSTA, Maine — Members of local regional planning committees working to implement the school consolidation law will talk about the process to legislators from rural areas this week.

Maine Dems expect high turnout at caucuses
AUGUSTA, Maine — Looking past the Super Tuesday voting elsewhere toward their own caucuses next Sunday, Maine Democratic Party officials said over the weekend they had already processed 4,100 absentee ballot requests.

GOP hopefuls announce runs for state House, Senate
BANGOR, Maine — Several Republicans including some incumbents from the Penobscot County area announced their bids for seats in the Maine Senate and House of Representatives during Saturday's "Super Caucus" at Husson College.

Deferred sentencing in jeopardy
ELLSWORTH, Maine — A spokesman for the Hancock County Deferred Sentencing Project said he's concerned that if the state doesn't keep a recent promise, the project's future could be in jeopardy.

EDITORIAL: Parental notification
To meddle between parents and teens on matters of sexuality is to tread on dangerous ground. The proof is the outrage many expressed last fall on learning that the health clinic at the King Middle School in Portland may have been prescribing birth control pills to girls as young as 14.

Editorial: America's future in Iraq
With the Iraq war in its fifth year and no end in sight, the Bush administration is putting the final touches on an agreement for a "long-term relationship" there. Its work must be closely watched by Congress.

Jane Weil: Needy lack inclusive health care
The Jan. 28 editorial about preventing special education made several good points that deserve further examination and amplification.

Margo Lukens: 1Other Maine' needs plan for economy now, not later
I work with young people, mostly from Maine, who are learning about the innovation process and principles. Although I have primarily taught liberal arts, three years ago I decided that young people, particularly students like mine, needed to learn innovative ways of shaping their work and their world, and that giving them these skills would help develop the state economy.

LTE: Stimulus – who pays?; Change caucuses; Cure for spending


Morning Sentinel:
Birth-control bill seeks parental OK
AUGUSTA -- A Dover-Foxcroft Republican isn't giving up just yet on a bill that would put the issue of contraception in schools before lawmakers.

Taxpayers may be asked to kick in $115K more this year
PALERMO -- Local taxpayers may have to raise $115,692 more than last year to educate their children, depending on what the state contributes.

Editorial: Resource agency merger protests a bit premature
We're beginning to think that the degree of protest greeting each of Gov. John Baldacci's proposals to consolidate government is directly proportional to the need for that consolidation.

LTE: Jail consolidation equals no savings for counties
I am extremely disappointed with the governor's proposal for jail consolidation.

LTE: Merging of resource agencies a good idea
In my opinion, George Smith's opposition (Jan. 16) to the merging of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife with one or more other state natural resource agencies is based less on his concern for "Maine's economy and heritage" than it is on his concern for his own power and privilege.

LTE: Report misleads on Maine Heritage Policy Center
Susan Cover's report on Maine Heritage Policy Center (Think Tank Names Chief, Jan. 8) does not present an accurate picture of MHPC's origins and activities. The facts show it to have little Maine "heritage." Instead, it is a local repackaging of anti-tax, anti-government pabulum.


Kennebec Journal:
Local churches boost fuel oil funds
GARDINER -- Local churches have been adding their efforts to provide funds for fuel oil assistance.

GARDINER: Waterfront funding approved
GARDINER -- Gardiner's waterfront redevelopment project received a major boost last month with the support of Maine's congressional delegation.


Lewiston Sun Journal:
What hath Brookings wrought?
Only a remarkable government report can be invoked to support and oppose a major policy initiative, at the same time. Such is the power of the Brookings Institution and its magnum opus, "Charting Maine's Future."

LTE: Budget cuts threaten services
In 2007, the Abused Women's Advocacy Project received more than 10,000 calls through its 24-hour Helpline. AWAP serves Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. Victims of domestic violence needed various services, including emergency shelter, court advocacy, support groups, and/or training and education.

Column: World forum delegates enthusiastic about Obama
PARIS - The duel between Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama commanded almost as much attention at the Davos World Economic Forum as it does in America.


Portsmouth Herald:
Kittery, York back the winner
KITTERY, Maine — In a repeat performance of Saturday's Republican caucus victories, Mitt Romney finished first during presidential preference voting in Kittery and York on Sunday. The former Massachusetts governor received 72 percent of the vote during Kittery's caucus and 52 percent during York's.

Temporary Visas Wanted
The York Chamber president said she recently heard that Maine's 1st District Congressman, Democrat Tom Allen, who is running against incumbent Republican Susan Collins for U.S. Senate this year, has a bill pending that will split the existing visa program to offer half to winter businesses and half to those that operate during the summer.


keepMEcurrent:
Romney backed by more than half of Maine Republicans
Maine Republicans backed former governor Mitt Romney by a wide margin in caucuses on Friday and Saturday.

Educators support Cote
SANFORD: Democratic Congressional Candidate Adam Cote announced on Jan. 31 that "Educators for Cote," a group of York County teachers, administrators and other educators who are committed to helping elect Cote to Maine's First Congressional District has formed.



Politicker ME:
Collins criticizes Allen for MoveOn money
Sen. Susan Collins is criticizing Rep. Tom Allen for accepting more money from MoveOn.org then any other candidate in the country.

O Magazine: Collins could be president
A mention in O Magazine came up a couple times in Susan Collins' travels through the Maine caucuses Saturday.

McCain takes Washington County
While most of the state pulled for Mitt Romney yesterday, John McCain won in Washington County.

Snowe: 'We don't want to go back to the future'
After losing control of Congress in 2006, U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe said it is paramount that the Republicans retain control of the presidency.


Blogs:
Turn Maine Blue: Questions for Senator Snowe on telecom immunity
There is an interesting story in the Bangor Daily News this weekend titled "Snowe: Keep telecom immunity in updated bill." Because it does not look like this posted online anywhere, I went ahead and reproduced it at Maine Owl.

Turn Maine Blue: Allen & Michaud Spend 2 Days in Washington County
Let's take a nice break from the candidate wars and come travel with me as I take you inside a Congressional tour. A little background. Washington County is one of Maine's 16 counties. Washington is way up on the coast, a good 6-7 hour drive from Boston. It's the real deal. I helped organize an eco-devo tour (a better term is community sustainable enterprises) for both of Maine's Congressmen: Tom Allen & Mike Michaud. It was quite a trip, come on along.

Turn Maine Blue: Maine Democratic Caucus: Absentee Ballots
The Maine Democratic Caucus will be held this Sunday, 10 February, in cities and towns across the state. The list of times and places of the 372 caucuses can be found here, organized by county.

Senate Guru: Sunday Items
Maine: Not only did John McCain overwhelmingly lose the Maine caucuses to Mitt Romney, but he barely edged out Ron Paul. Given that Susan Collins is McCain's state co-Chair, it certainly doesn't bode well for her ability to get out the vote.

Collins Watch: On the Ground
Here's an account from a Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) supporter of his GOP caucus experience yesterday:

Collins Watch; The Collins Bump?
Gerald beat me to this post--about Mitt Romney's triumph in the Maine Republican caucus, and the rejection of Collins endorsee Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) by the vast majority of Maine Republicans.