PRESS HERALD:
Oil dealers asked to increase discount At least one company has already pulled out of the program for low-income Maine fuel customers.
OP /ED: BILL NEMITZ: Ethan the Explorer hangs back
DirigoChoice partners with Harvard Pilgrim The nonprofit takes over for Anthem on Jan. 1 and will offer the same benefits and subsidies.
State to put more emphasis on early childhood services A new commission's goal is to lay out a plan for investment and to identify the revenue sources.
Column: Jeff Wood
State needs to rein in big, fast boats The rules for what engines can be used on inland waterways should protect the greater good.
LTE: Vietnam, Iraq comparison misleading
BANGOR DAILY:
Ex-Guardsman pleads guilty to wire fraudBANGOR, Maine - A former member of the Maine Army National Guard who allegedly forged orders so he could continue to receive his civilian paycheck while on active duty pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court to fraud charges.
State picks new carrier for DirigoHarvard Pilgrim Health Care has been selected to administer Maine's subsidized DirigoChoice health insurance program, state officials announced Thursday.
Scofflaws pay up for passports AUGUSTA, Maine - Earlier this year, a Maine businessman found out the hard way that the government is serious about collecting child support payments.
Today's Editorial:
Whale rules revisitedFederal regulators have improved proposed rules aimed at preventing whales from becoming entangled in lobster gear by exempting more Maine waters from the regulations.
Friday's Letters to the Editor
KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
State urged to invest in children AUGUSTA -- Attorney General Steven Rowe told members of a new commission Thursday that spending more money on early childhood services now will save money later.
Countyleadersrip jailplan AUGUSTA -- Gov. John Baldacci's plan to take over county jails while leaving the cost of building them with local property taxpayers amounts to "taxation without representation," Windsor Selectman Gerald Nault told other members of the Kennebec County Budget Committee Thursday.
JOSEPH R. REISERT : The trouble with Granite State's inner spoiled child Our presidential nominating process, never exactly a model of rationality, now teeters on the brink of complete absurdity. Although the first primary elections are scheduled to take place only a few months from now, the electoral calendar is still undecided.
MORNING SENTINEL:
Senators speak Saturday SKOWHEGAN -- U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan M. Collins are expected to speak Saturday at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Northwood University Margaret Chase Smith Library on Norridgewock Avenue.
LTE: Foreigners should learn English language Why is it that we are pandering to foreign language junkies? Since immigration started in this country people have come here speaking other tongues and have had to make the choice to learn English to survive.
SUN JOURNAL:
Guard unit prepares to disband LEWISTON - Rene Morin hoped to spend his whole National Guard career in his hometown unit - the one he served with in Iraq.
EDITORIAL: 'Signatures Inc.' needs a dash of discretion
If necessity is the mother of invention, then ineptitude is the first cousin of citizens' petitions. When lawmakers falter, "grass-roots" efforts arise to give voice to the people.
And when this voice needs amplification, it dials Stavros Mendros, who hasn't met a referendum question he didn't like. Name your issue, he'll name his price and put his signature-gathering machine to work.
It should be little surprise supposed grass-roots efforts are germinated with cash money. Mendros, to his credit, has the entrepreneurial guile to position himself as master of ceremonies for these special interests who covet a spot on the Maine ballot. He's a veritable Karl Rove when it comes to organizing petition drives.
And that's a compliment.
Some will say this is corrupting democracy, as paid signature-gathering campaigns for so-called grass-roots initiatives is counterintuitive, or downright disingenuous. Mendros, in defense, calls it direct democracy, as all ideas - regardless of who proposes or propels them - deserve their chance before the voters.
And you know what? He's absolutely right.
But only to a point.
Popular ideas often stumble in the legislative process, or wilt under its political heat. Citizen initiatives can resurrect good ideas, force lawmakers to attend to certain issues, or retaliate against poor partisan policymaking.
A vehicle like Mendros that directs these proposals through the signature-gathering process is a necessary and valuable commodity, as long as it addresses the needs of Maine and its people. The alternative, more mercenary approach - which Mendros embraces - creates the perfect environment for the system to be abused.
Like the open real estate listing drive Mendros is stewarding. There's neither a strong Maine connection to the issue, nor a groundswell of support here for its enaction. It's the brainchild of a California man, tired of crummy real estate dealings, who looks at Maine as an easy target for setting a precedent of legality for his idea.
We don't fault Mendros for his business instinct and acumen. Our concern is the lack of discretion - while voters should be free to decide any topic, our votes should not be collected as coinage for organizations seeking to build infrastructure for a new model, especially one that could be a business scheme.
There's a difference between direct democracy and democracy-for-profit. Although Mendros paints himself as democracy's defender, he's really a soldier-of-fortune. Wariness about his motives will remain until his attitude toward petitions changes, or laws regarding these initiatives are altered.
Perhaps a grass-roots effort would make the latter occur. A political action committee could form, "Mainers for Greater Discretion in Citizen Initiatives," to advocate for legislation.We know who should be hired to gather signatures.
LTE: A man and his buddiesAfter reading some recent letters by GOP and President Bush supporters, I think these people have been drinking neocon Kool-Aid and know the talking points.
ELLSWORTH AMERICAN:
USDA to Close Its Ellsworth Farm Office
ELLSWORTH — Diminishing demand for services is prompting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to recommend that its Hancock County Farm Service Agency (FSA) office in Ellsworth be closed early next year.
Blue Hill Fair Straw Poll Results
Hillary Clinton wonThe Ellsworth American Blue Hill Fair Straw Poll, see the "voto" gallery!
EDITORIAL:
“Nine Nineties in Nine”
Former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and journalist Marvin Kalb recently called on every United States presidential candidate, Republican and Democrat, to agree that, if nominated, they would take part in nine 90-minute debates in the nine weeks leading up to next fall’s election day.
CAPITAL WEEKLY:
Rep. Dean Jones dies
LTE: Cynical
I can't help but have nothing but cynicism for the much-touted Petraeus Report, but I'm somewhat curious as to what spin the administration will dish out to Congress and the American public to get them to buy into continuing their ill conceived and mismanaged war in Iraq.
CBS:
New Anti-Iraq War Ads Up Against Vulnerable SenatorsNorm Coleman (R-Minn), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Pete Domenici (RN.M.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to “bring the troops home. ...
DESERET NEWS:
US Senate vote on Utah's 4th seat likely in mid-SeptemberSusan Collins, R-Maine, that spells out that the bill does not mean the District of Columbia can get two senators. DC Vote and other supporters have been ...
SALEM NEWS:
Senators Introduce Legislation to Restore America’s Aging Roads ...... Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), David Vitter (R-LA), and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced today the bipartisan “Build America Bonds” Act. By ...
DICKSON HERALD:
Thompson's career path may lead to biggest role yetSusan Collins, R-Maine. "By that I mean he was never afraid to cast a vote or take a stand regardless of the political consequences. ...
BLOGS:
The Lives That Begin and End at Age 21 - As an Iraq War veteran, watching Charles Ferguson's documentary, No End in Sight, left me frustrated at those such as Donald Rumsfeld whose arrogance cost American and Iraqi lives.
Ken Lindell Column: Marginalizing Ron Paul is Bad for the Republican Party - One could say that the strength of his campaign has been unsettling to Republicans who have talked the small government talk, but walked the big government walk.
One More Disgusting Leftist Ad Against Collins - Using images of children in combat camouflage, a coalition of anti-war groups is airing about $500,000 in ads against Senate Republicans.
Alternate Universe Presidential Poll
Dems already discount war report
Obama to visit Maine
Ron Paul at the GOP debate in New Hampshire
Post-debate interview with Fox’s Carl Cameron
Ripping Romney - There’s a fun new site called RomneyFacts.com which includes such goodies as his rap sheet of former arrests.
GOP 2008: Pick Your Own War Lord - Gen. David Petraeus for President? It’s a great idea according to the right wing conservatives who are looking for someone to “finish the work of winning the war and redeeming the sacrifice of so many Iraqis, allies, and our own GIs.” Mind you, none of these conservatives (ditto their kids) have any plans of enlisting.
Judge Marrero RJs the Patriot Act - U.S. District Judge Marrero struck down a key part of the USA Patriot Act, defending the need for judicial oversight of laws and gave Congress a “wag of the finger” for passing a law that makes possible “far-reaching invasions of liberty.”
Craig Watch - Radio silence, still, from camp Collins on the Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) situation, which now seems likely to drag on quite a bit longer.
Glenn Hurowitz: Why are Democrats Trying to Own the War?Maine Senator Susan Collins, who's facing a contentious reelection has been grasping at straws to try and prove she wants to end the Iraq War -- sponsoring or co-sponsoring a bewildering array of non-binding legislation dealing with ...
TV AD: Sen. Collins, should we start training our kids now?New TV ad targets Republican Senator Susan Collins for her continued support for the war in Iraq. It's time to break with Bush, Senator Collins, and start bringing our troops home, so our kids won't have to fight an endless, ...
Jones: The Surge is Working, Let's Draw DownSen. Susan Collins (R-ME) pointed out that Jones' testimony fit with the Iraq Study Group's recommendation last year to reduce the US combat footprint.
Bangor Daily News Responds To Collins Conflict Of Interest
Last Saturday the Bangor Daily News finally responded to the conflict of interest that involves them and the Susan Collins campaign. (Remember that a Collins aide is married to the executive editor of the Bangor Daily News and that same ...
Homeland Security criticized in report; Disaster readiness still ...
Susan Collins, R-Maine, said it appears the agency didn't get credit for recent enhancements in preparedness. Still, Collins said "I'm very concerned" that theagency only made "limited progress" in establishing an all-hazards national ...
Optimism!
John Judis has a rundown of the 2008 Senate races, noting that in the long run Warner leaving is a lot more important than Craig's resignation. I agree that the Dems are very, very likely to win Colorado and New Hampshire. The most interesting category to me is the "could win" one: Moderate Republican incumbents Norm Coleman in Minnesota, susan collins in Maine, and Gordon Smith in Oregon could be in trouble because they are running in states that are expected to vote strongly Democratic in 2008.
Anyone feel safer now? - Lieberman says DHS needs more money. Seems to me that would just mean more money for Bush cronies, since DHS was never wanted by the Bush Team and has since become a dumping ground for Bush cronies who are not qualified to be dog catcher, let alone for the jobs they are given
Are we ready to fight? - My brother was 6 when he decided to join the military and 18 when he did. He was not drafted. It was his choice ... and marines. This is an ad that is being run in Maine where Susan Collins is up for re-election
So, should we just start training our kids for... - Joe Sudbay, AmericaBlog.com: New hard-hitting ad hitting on the reality of what Susan Collins and her GOP colleagues have gotten us into -- an intractable, endless civil war. Versions of this ad
Maine News Headline Animator
Friday, September 7, 2007
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Maine News for Thursday, September 6, 2007
PRESS HERALD:
Anthem will no longer run DirigoChoice health plan The state, which refused to guarantee a profit for the insurer, is working out how to continue coverage.
Cote endorsed by national veterans group
AUGUSTA - One of the lesser known entrants in the crowded field seeking the Democratic nomination in Maine's 1st Congressional District is touting an endorsement from a veterans group that has been active nationwide.
OP/ED: Time for 'The People' to take control again Our government has abandoned any pretense of representing the common good.
LTE: We must confront enemies to avoid further atrocities
BANGOR DAILY:
Anthem severs Dirigo contractAnthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield won’t be administering the state’s controversial DirigoChoice health insurance program beginning Jan. 1, 2008, because the company and state could not agree on contract terms.
Oil dealers criticize discount ratesThe Maine Oil Dealers Association and the Maine State Housing Authority are battling over an increase in the discounted rates the state requires oil dealers to provide when they participate in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
EDITORIAL: Health care as Maine agesBehind the good news that Maine continues to have among the lowest percentage of uninsured residents of any state, the costs of keeping up this standard means that health-coverage reform is still desperately needed.
Editorial: Reassessing IraqThe latest assessment on progress in Iraq closely follows a National Intelligence Estimate in July: some military gains of uncertain durability and little or no political gains to build the peace.
Daniel Callahan: The idea of 'socialized medicine' keeps coming backLike the plague of locusts that periodically descended on American farms some decades ago, the phrase "socialized medicine" comes out of the sky every time the country gets serious about universal health care.
Thursday's Letters to the Editor … Poor protest coverage … The people’s wishes
KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
EDITORIAL: Deane Jones' irrepressible spirit Deane Jones didn't just walk into a room. He blew into it, charged his way through the door and placed himself smack in front of you, an undeniable, white-haired force of a man. Now, sadly, he's gone.
JIM BRUNELLE : Dunlap's got a point, despite his conclusions For someone in charge of overseeing the efficient, effective operation of Maine elections, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap has been making some rather odd utterances lately.
MAINE EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENTTest resultsdon't tell allMiddle-schoolers' growing pains a factor It's not easy being an eighth-grader. It doesn't take a standardized test to figure that out.
SCHOOL CONSOLIDATIONGendron tellsof next steps AUGUSTA-- Education Commissioner Susan Gendron answered tough and pointed questions about consolidation and communities' next steps during a public forum Wednesday night.
LTE: Time to do something about all those lies There have been many reports of serious wrongs committed by this administration for several years.
MORNING SENTINEL:
Peace demonstrators not Communist inspired Shades of Karl Rove and his shabby strategy of disinformation-mongering. Jane Aitken of Bedford, N.H. (letter, Aug. 31) suggests that the peace demonstrators at Kennebunkport were communist-inspired.
SUN JOURNAL:
LTE: Fleas on the dogThe exodus from the Bush administration may be likened to rats jumping off a sinking ship. Karl Rove, one of the most vicious political strategists in United States history, along with incompetent Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, are two Bush cronies to decamp Washington.
YORK COUNTY COAST STAR:
Goodman home from turn as congressional page
Ben Goodman, a senior at Kennebunk High School, has always been interested in politics. Up until Goodman was 3 years old, George H. W. Bush used to visit the town as President. Then, while watching the 1999 primary debates with his father, he became...
ELLSWORTH AMERICAN:
Fundamental Change Needed
Current events in our nation and around the world indicate this is a very serious moment in history. We need a fundamental change in Washington to turn this violent society around, in both the foreign and domestic realms.
Now Is the Time for Change
I remember typing over and over again when I was in typing class learning to use the typewriter: “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party.” Somehow that thought of “NOW IS THE TIME” seems far from any kind of reality.
Disdain for Republicans
Arrogance is confidence without competence. Hypocrisy is piety without honor. George W. Bush is a perfect storm of ineptitude and greed. In Susan Collins, we have a stealth candidate who is trying her best to remain an enigma when we should clearly understand exactly where she stands on such issues as the war in Iraq, the outsourcing of American jobs, national security and our lackluster, one-sided economy. Occasionally, she will oppose the Bush agenda when it’s safe for her to do so.
One Interesting Summer
Summertime, and the living is … well, whatever else it is, it’s certainly speech-writing time. President Bush, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention, urges perpetual war (perpetual profits for arms manufacturers, too) against the terrorists who, he claims, are poised to invade.
Politicians Are Fair Game in Public
I have to disagree with most of your editorial, “A Deplorable Practice” (Ellsworth American, Aug. 23), about the tactic of tracking politicians with cameras by the opposing political party. Recently, Sen. Susan Collins has been the target of this and she voiced her opposition to this practice to the media (so this would be publicized to her advantage) and to the Maine Democrats.
NATIONAL JOURNAL:
BELTWAY BLOGROLL Bloggers Cry Media Foul In Maine Senate RaceSusan Collins. Editor & Publisher reports that Bangor Daily News Executive Editor Mark Woodward is married to Bridget Woodward.
WASHINGTON POST:
Lost in the Shuffle, a Milestone
...already are on premier panels and won't give up those spots to become junior members on Appropriations. Attention will focus on Susan Collins (Maine) and Mike Enzi (Wyo.).Even if Craig does return, GOP leaders have already stripped him of his posts as the top Republican...
GAO Criticizes Homeland Security's Efforts to Fulfill Its Mission
...half years ago," said Lieberman, who will chair a hearing on the matter this afternoon.The panel's ranking Republican, Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), who faces a reelection race next year, also called on the DHS to "pick up the pace. . . . With so much at stake...
THE HILL:
The old Ben Nelson is back — with a plan
Readers will be relieved to hear that Sen. Ben Nelson’s (D-Neb.) hair has returned to the salt-and-pepper (mostly salt) color that was so startlingly changed to brown in July. Nelson, who maintains that he didn’t understand what his untested barber was up to when he turned Nelson’s hair color to a deep chestnut, explained that the experience has led him on a new crusade. “I am challenging all women to let their natural hair color grow back — it’s only fair,” Nelson joked. Nearby, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a brunette whose coiffure we had never thought to question, thought not. “No way,” Collins said, pointing to her own hair with both hands.
FREE INTERNET PRESS:
GAO Criticizes Homeland Security's Efforts To Fulfill Its MissionSusan Collins (Maine), who faces a reelection race next year, also called on the DHS to "pick up the pace. ... With so much at stake and so many areas where ...
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE:
Senate GOPers' Dark '08 OutlookTom Allen will go against Collins, and either Al Franken or Mike Ciresi will challenge Coleman. The big question is whether Jeanne Shaheen gets in for a ...
BLOGS:
From the media room at the Fox News GOP debate
The debate begins / Live blog post
First reaction to the debate
Republicans: Everything’s Just Ducky - Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee are challenging the Government Accountability Office’s assessment of the 18 benchmarks of progress in Iraq. The report that essentially said things were lousy.
Maine Congressional Delegation:The Topic is Iraq - The August recess is over and Maine’s Congressional delegation is back at work with one thing on their minds: ending the Iraq conflict and making sure that wounded soldiers are getting the care they need. Okay, two things on their minds.
09/05/2007 - Oversight In DC?, Fred & SIGN THE PETITION!Senator Norm Coleman and Senator Susan Collins both agreed to give back $2500 they received from Craig. Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Bob Corker received $5000 each from the Alliance for the West but have not commented on the ...
Support our troops? - I want to start off by saying I stand behing every American Soldier that has chosen to enlist and their families that are left behind to worry ... be a mistake. Sen. Susan Collins said that going to war in Iraq was a problem of faulty intelligence
2008 Senate Race Rankings - OK, time for my soon-to-be-famous rankings of the US Senate races likely to change hands in next year's elections. I've broken them down into 5 broad categories. In Serious Jeopardy 1. New Hampshire - Sununu Plain & simple, New Hampshire is a Democratic state now
Anthem will no longer run DirigoChoice health plan The state, which refused to guarantee a profit for the insurer, is working out how to continue coverage.
Cote endorsed by national veterans group
AUGUSTA - One of the lesser known entrants in the crowded field seeking the Democratic nomination in Maine's 1st Congressional District is touting an endorsement from a veterans group that has been active nationwide.
OP/ED: Time for 'The People' to take control again Our government has abandoned any pretense of representing the common good.
LTE: We must confront enemies to avoid further atrocities
BANGOR DAILY:
Anthem severs Dirigo contractAnthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield won’t be administering the state’s controversial DirigoChoice health insurance program beginning Jan. 1, 2008, because the company and state could not agree on contract terms.
Oil dealers criticize discount ratesThe Maine Oil Dealers Association and the Maine State Housing Authority are battling over an increase in the discounted rates the state requires oil dealers to provide when they participate in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
EDITORIAL: Health care as Maine agesBehind the good news that Maine continues to have among the lowest percentage of uninsured residents of any state, the costs of keeping up this standard means that health-coverage reform is still desperately needed.
Editorial: Reassessing IraqThe latest assessment on progress in Iraq closely follows a National Intelligence Estimate in July: some military gains of uncertain durability and little or no political gains to build the peace.
Daniel Callahan: The idea of 'socialized medicine' keeps coming backLike the plague of locusts that periodically descended on American farms some decades ago, the phrase "socialized medicine" comes out of the sky every time the country gets serious about universal health care.
Thursday's Letters to the Editor … Poor protest coverage … The people’s wishes
KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
EDITORIAL: Deane Jones' irrepressible spirit Deane Jones didn't just walk into a room. He blew into it, charged his way through the door and placed himself smack in front of you, an undeniable, white-haired force of a man. Now, sadly, he's gone.
JIM BRUNELLE : Dunlap's got a point, despite his conclusions For someone in charge of overseeing the efficient, effective operation of Maine elections, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap has been making some rather odd utterances lately.
MAINE EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENTTest resultsdon't tell allMiddle-schoolers' growing pains a factor It's not easy being an eighth-grader. It doesn't take a standardized test to figure that out.
SCHOOL CONSOLIDATIONGendron tellsof next steps AUGUSTA-- Education Commissioner Susan Gendron answered tough and pointed questions about consolidation and communities' next steps during a public forum Wednesday night.
LTE: Time to do something about all those lies There have been many reports of serious wrongs committed by this administration for several years.
MORNING SENTINEL:
Peace demonstrators not Communist inspired Shades of Karl Rove and his shabby strategy of disinformation-mongering. Jane Aitken of Bedford, N.H. (letter, Aug. 31) suggests that the peace demonstrators at Kennebunkport were communist-inspired.
SUN JOURNAL:
LTE: Fleas on the dogThe exodus from the Bush administration may be likened to rats jumping off a sinking ship. Karl Rove, one of the most vicious political strategists in United States history, along with incompetent Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, are two Bush cronies to decamp Washington.
YORK COUNTY COAST STAR:
Goodman home from turn as congressional page
Ben Goodman, a senior at Kennebunk High School, has always been interested in politics. Up until Goodman was 3 years old, George H. W. Bush used to visit the town as President. Then, while watching the 1999 primary debates with his father, he became...
ELLSWORTH AMERICAN:
Fundamental Change Needed
Current events in our nation and around the world indicate this is a very serious moment in history. We need a fundamental change in Washington to turn this violent society around, in both the foreign and domestic realms.
Now Is the Time for Change
I remember typing over and over again when I was in typing class learning to use the typewriter: “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party.” Somehow that thought of “NOW IS THE TIME” seems far from any kind of reality.
Disdain for Republicans
Arrogance is confidence without competence. Hypocrisy is piety without honor. George W. Bush is a perfect storm of ineptitude and greed. In Susan Collins, we have a stealth candidate who is trying her best to remain an enigma when we should clearly understand exactly where she stands on such issues as the war in Iraq, the outsourcing of American jobs, national security and our lackluster, one-sided economy. Occasionally, she will oppose the Bush agenda when it’s safe for her to do so.
One Interesting Summer
Summertime, and the living is … well, whatever else it is, it’s certainly speech-writing time. President Bush, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention, urges perpetual war (perpetual profits for arms manufacturers, too) against the terrorists who, he claims, are poised to invade.
Politicians Are Fair Game in Public
I have to disagree with most of your editorial, “A Deplorable Practice” (Ellsworth American, Aug. 23), about the tactic of tracking politicians with cameras by the opposing political party. Recently, Sen. Susan Collins has been the target of this and she voiced her opposition to this practice to the media (so this would be publicized to her advantage) and to the Maine Democrats.
NATIONAL JOURNAL:
BELTWAY BLOGROLL Bloggers Cry Media Foul In Maine Senate RaceSusan Collins. Editor & Publisher reports that Bangor Daily News Executive Editor Mark Woodward is married to Bridget Woodward.
WASHINGTON POST:
Lost in the Shuffle, a Milestone
...already are on premier panels and won't give up those spots to become junior members on Appropriations. Attention will focus on Susan Collins (Maine) and Mike Enzi (Wyo.).Even if Craig does return, GOP leaders have already stripped him of his posts as the top Republican...
GAO Criticizes Homeland Security's Efforts to Fulfill Its Mission
...half years ago," said Lieberman, who will chair a hearing on the matter this afternoon.The panel's ranking Republican, Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), who faces a reelection race next year, also called on the DHS to "pick up the pace. . . . With so much at stake...
THE HILL:
The old Ben Nelson is back — with a plan
Readers will be relieved to hear that Sen. Ben Nelson’s (D-Neb.) hair has returned to the salt-and-pepper (mostly salt) color that was so startlingly changed to brown in July. Nelson, who maintains that he didn’t understand what his untested barber was up to when he turned Nelson’s hair color to a deep chestnut, explained that the experience has led him on a new crusade. “I am challenging all women to let their natural hair color grow back — it’s only fair,” Nelson joked. Nearby, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a brunette whose coiffure we had never thought to question, thought not. “No way,” Collins said, pointing to her own hair with both hands.
FREE INTERNET PRESS:
GAO Criticizes Homeland Security's Efforts To Fulfill Its MissionSusan Collins (Maine), who faces a reelection race next year, also called on the DHS to "pick up the pace. ... With so much at stake and so many areas where ...
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE:
Senate GOPers' Dark '08 OutlookTom Allen will go against Collins, and either Al Franken or Mike Ciresi will challenge Coleman. The big question is whether Jeanne Shaheen gets in for a ...
BLOGS:
From the media room at the Fox News GOP debate
The debate begins / Live blog post
First reaction to the debate
Republicans: Everything’s Just Ducky - Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee are challenging the Government Accountability Office’s assessment of the 18 benchmarks of progress in Iraq. The report that essentially said things were lousy.
Maine Congressional Delegation:The Topic is Iraq - The August recess is over and Maine’s Congressional delegation is back at work with one thing on their minds: ending the Iraq conflict and making sure that wounded soldiers are getting the care they need. Okay, two things on their minds.
09/05/2007 - Oversight In DC?, Fred & SIGN THE PETITION!Senator Norm Coleman and Senator Susan Collins both agreed to give back $2500 they received from Craig. Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Bob Corker received $5000 each from the Alliance for the West but have not commented on the ...
Support our troops? - I want to start off by saying I stand behing every American Soldier that has chosen to enlist and their families that are left behind to worry ... be a mistake. Sen. Susan Collins said that going to war in Iraq was a problem of faulty intelligence
2008 Senate Race Rankings - OK, time for my soon-to-be-famous rankings of the US Senate races likely to change hands in next year's elections. I've broken them down into 5 broad categories. In Serious Jeopardy 1. New Hampshire - Sununu Plain & simple, New Hampshire is a Democratic state now
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Maine Political News for Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Bangor Daily News
DHHS cuts worries senator AUGUSTA, Maine - Gov. John Baldacci is seeking more areas to cut in the state budget in order to lower taxes, but some lawmakers on the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee said Tuesday they are worried Maine's poorest and neediest will pay the bill.
Effort opposing consolidation moves forwardWednesday, September 05, 2007STONINGTON, Maine - With backing from 28 communities and more expected to join, a grass-roots effort to overturn the state’s school consolidation law will get under way this weekend.
Jail plan a bust with countiesBANGOR, Maine - County officials around the state are girding to battle Gov. John Baldacci over his plan to take over the county jails.
EMMC nurses rally over staffing ratiosWednesday, September 05, 2007BANGOR, Maine - About 30 unionized registered nurses employed by Eastern Maine Medical Center demonstrated outside the Bangor hospital Tuesday morning to draw attention to what they say is chronic understaffing on most patient units.
Today's Editorial:
Making the cutGov. John Baldacci last week presented legislators with $11 million in budget cuts, a relatively tiny percentage of the state budget but an important exercise in budget trimming.
Pat LaMarche: Counties held prisoner to an unfair proposal
Kennebec Journal
Jones is mournedafter sudden death A UGUSTA -- Rep. Deane Jones, described by the governor as "a public servant in the great Maine tradition," died Monday following intensive treatments for lung cancer. He had been in office less than three months.
County commissioners to probe state's jail takeover plan AUGUSTA -- The people who oversee the county budget with its $4.67 million for jail operations will gather Thursday to see how a proposed state takeover of corrections will affect their work.
2 attemptsuicideat the jail AUGUSTA -- Two inmates attempted suicide over a 24-hour period at the Kennebec County jail, one on Monday night and the second around noon on Tuesday.
ummer tourism seasonexperiences strong finish BANGOR (AP) -- With Labor Day marking the unofficial end of summer, Maine's summer tourism season appears to have been a decent one.
GEORGE SMITH : Private solutions to public problemsOne man's answer to state's economic challenges If Peter Vigue has his way, you'll be able to get there from here, and Canadians will be able to get here from there.
Portland Press Herald
Licensing law could help state put collar on puppy mills Tightening the leash on unethical and often-abusive breeders may be more effective soon.
Maine's challenge will include competing for older workers As New England grays, six states will be looking for the same labor force.
Maine Public Radio
Commisioner's Objectivity Questioned In Windpower Talks
Opponents of the Black Nubble windpower project proposed for western Maine near Sugarloaf are raising new questions about fairness and objectivity used by staff and possibly some members of the Land Use Regulation Commission. As Susan Sharon reports, conversations disclosed last month between Department of Conservation Commissioner Pat McGowan and LURC members about how to reverse a wind vote, along with new information have opponents worried that the process is biased against them.
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/070904windpower.asx
Economic Report Offers Mixed Findings
A new report released today finds that Maine and the rest of New England are experiencing slow growth compared to the nation as a whole. The "State of Working Maine" report finds that during the fifth year of the nation's economic recovery, Maine has seen a slight improvement in per capita income, but the state has been plagued by unemployment and an unskilled workforce. Keith McKeen reports..
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/070904report.asx
Canada-Maine News
The Daily Gleaner
N.B., Maine talk power
New Brunswick and Maine say they are making progress on a deal to export electricity from this province to the energy-starved New England states.
DHHS cuts worries senator AUGUSTA, Maine - Gov. John Baldacci is seeking more areas to cut in the state budget in order to lower taxes, but some lawmakers on the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee said Tuesday they are worried Maine's poorest and neediest will pay the bill.
Effort opposing consolidation moves forwardWednesday, September 05, 2007STONINGTON, Maine - With backing from 28 communities and more expected to join, a grass-roots effort to overturn the state’s school consolidation law will get under way this weekend.
Jail plan a bust with countiesBANGOR, Maine - County officials around the state are girding to battle Gov. John Baldacci over his plan to take over the county jails.
EMMC nurses rally over staffing ratiosWednesday, September 05, 2007BANGOR, Maine - About 30 unionized registered nurses employed by Eastern Maine Medical Center demonstrated outside the Bangor hospital Tuesday morning to draw attention to what they say is chronic understaffing on most patient units.
Today's Editorial:
Making the cutGov. John Baldacci last week presented legislators with $11 million in budget cuts, a relatively tiny percentage of the state budget but an important exercise in budget trimming.
Pat LaMarche: Counties held prisoner to an unfair proposal
Kennebec Journal
Jones is mournedafter sudden death A UGUSTA -- Rep. Deane Jones, described by the governor as "a public servant in the great Maine tradition," died Monday following intensive treatments for lung cancer. He had been in office less than three months.
County commissioners to probe state's jail takeover plan AUGUSTA -- The people who oversee the county budget with its $4.67 million for jail operations will gather Thursday to see how a proposed state takeover of corrections will affect their work.
2 attemptsuicideat the jail AUGUSTA -- Two inmates attempted suicide over a 24-hour period at the Kennebec County jail, one on Monday night and the second around noon on Tuesday.
ummer tourism seasonexperiences strong finish BANGOR (AP) -- With Labor Day marking the unofficial end of summer, Maine's summer tourism season appears to have been a decent one.
GEORGE SMITH : Private solutions to public problemsOne man's answer to state's economic challenges If Peter Vigue has his way, you'll be able to get there from here, and Canadians will be able to get here from there.
Portland Press Herald
Licensing law could help state put collar on puppy mills Tightening the leash on unethical and often-abusive breeders may be more effective soon.
Maine's challenge will include competing for older workers As New England grays, six states will be looking for the same labor force.
Maine Public Radio
Commisioner's Objectivity Questioned In Windpower Talks
Opponents of the Black Nubble windpower project proposed for western Maine near Sugarloaf are raising new questions about fairness and objectivity used by staff and possibly some members of the Land Use Regulation Commission. As Susan Sharon reports, conversations disclosed last month between Department of Conservation Commissioner Pat McGowan and LURC members about how to reverse a wind vote, along with new information have opponents worried that the process is biased against them.
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/070904windpower.asx
Economic Report Offers Mixed Findings
A new report released today finds that Maine and the rest of New England are experiencing slow growth compared to the nation as a whole. The "State of Working Maine" report finds that during the fifth year of the nation's economic recovery, Maine has seen a slight improvement in per capita income, but the state has been plagued by unemployment and an unskilled workforce. Keith McKeen reports..
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/070904report.asx
Canada-Maine News
The Daily Gleaner
N.B., Maine talk power
New Brunswick and Maine say they are making progress on a deal to export electricity from this province to the energy-starved New England states.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Maine News for Tuesday, September 4, 2007
PRESS HERALD:
Puppy mills booming thanks to ads on Web A case in Buxton and an upcoming Maine law focus attention on the problem.
LTE: Bush had lots of company in believing WMD claims
BANGOR DAILY:
Ramona du Houx: When one door closes, others openBaileyville has been all over the news lately. It is a small town in Washington County that is in transition because one of its major employers, Domtar, announced it had to let 150 workers go. The inevitable happened.
KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
Collins, Snowe should support farm bill reform I applaud your Aug. 27th editorial, "You are forgiven for thinking that the federal Farm Bill is all about farms." And agree that we need to reform the 2007 Farm Bill to strengthen nutrition programs that support thousands of Mainers. However, our current agriculture policy not only falls short of meeting the needs of families on food stamps; it also fails our family farmers and rural communities.
THE HILL:
After 12,000 miles, talking points intact
Flying into Baghdad in a military Black Hawk helicopter last month, Rep. Jon Porter (R-Nev.) reached for his camera to snap photos of signs that American policy was working in Iraq.
USA TODAY:
Lawmakers' Iraq visits reinforce opinions
WASHINGTON — As Sen. Mel Martinez and four other members of Congress were flying out of Baghdad last week, their C-130 plane came under fire from three rocket-propelled grenades.
WCSH:
Allen Speaks At Labor Council BreakfastThe keynote speaker was Congressman Tom Allen, who said Labor Day is a time to honor the men and women who work hard and play by the rules, ...
MAIL TRIBUNE:
Older WorkersSusan Collins, R-Maine, introduced a bill that would enable federal agencies to re hire retired workers on a part-time basis without the usual penalty — a ...
ASBURY PARK PRESS:
Hearings on BRAC process called forSusan Collins, R-Maine, last month requested that the Senate's Armed Services Committee take up BRAC hearings, citing the increased costs. ...
NEWS-LEADER:
McCaskill carves role as watchdogSusan Collins, R-Maine, who serves with McCaskill on the Armed Services and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committees.
BLOGS:
Duson Drops Out
Republicans Bolt: Iraq Getting Worse, Not Better
Mark Turek: A Man of Principle, A Man of His Word
Kennebec County's Labor Day Picnic a smashing success!
To those who were there... you know how much fun it was! Over 80 people showed up to attend the gathering with Tom Allen as our main speaker, including five of the six candidates for his House seat (all but Jill Duson). Thanks to the Winthrop Democrats for putting together such a great event!
Happy Labor Day, Grandpa now get back to work
Nice piece on the front page of the Labor Day L.A ... , and part of the year at a store in another, warmer region. Just last month Sen. Susan Collins of Maine
A Semi Comprehensive List of Republican...
From ccmask at Firedoglake: Jack Abramoff -prison Bob Allen -Veteran Park sex scandal George Allen -called an American voter a Macaca Michael Ray ... in Plame affair; said troops would be greeted with flowers Susan Collins - Incorrectly claimed a dem ... Abramoff Affair Lance Dutson - Susan Collins campaign staffer, called FDL a “foul mouth femblog”
The power of the blogosphere
The power of the blogosphere September 2nd, 2007 Bloggers exert influence over editor’s conflict of interest Editor & ... Rep. Tom Allen. The issue isn’t Maine or the senatorial candidates. Rather, it is the growing
Senate Rankings: How high can the Democrats...
It’s the first of the month! That means it’s time for our (first) Senate rankings. It has been obvious for months that the 2008 Senate cycle would favor Democrats. Even before taking into account the anti-GOP national mood that allowed Democrats to prevail in every close Senate race in 2006 but Tennessee, the raw numbers tell the story:
Hsu-Nami Hits New Hampshire
Norman Hsu -- big-time Democratic fundraiser, acquaintance and donor of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and numerous other major Democrats, convicted criminal and (until recently) fugitive, certainly spread his money (from unknown sources) around .
Puppy mills booming thanks to ads on Web A case in Buxton and an upcoming Maine law focus attention on the problem.
LTE: Bush had lots of company in believing WMD claims
BANGOR DAILY:
Ramona du Houx: When one door closes, others openBaileyville has been all over the news lately. It is a small town in Washington County that is in transition because one of its major employers, Domtar, announced it had to let 150 workers go. The inevitable happened.
KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
Collins, Snowe should support farm bill reform I applaud your Aug. 27th editorial, "You are forgiven for thinking that the federal Farm Bill is all about farms." And agree that we need to reform the 2007 Farm Bill to strengthen nutrition programs that support thousands of Mainers. However, our current agriculture policy not only falls short of meeting the needs of families on food stamps; it also fails our family farmers and rural communities.
THE HILL:
After 12,000 miles, talking points intact
Flying into Baghdad in a military Black Hawk helicopter last month, Rep. Jon Porter (R-Nev.) reached for his camera to snap photos of signs that American policy was working in Iraq.
USA TODAY:
Lawmakers' Iraq visits reinforce opinions
WASHINGTON — As Sen. Mel Martinez and four other members of Congress were flying out of Baghdad last week, their C-130 plane came under fire from three rocket-propelled grenades.
WCSH:
Allen Speaks At Labor Council BreakfastThe keynote speaker was Congressman Tom Allen, who said Labor Day is a time to honor the men and women who work hard and play by the rules, ...
MAIL TRIBUNE:
Older WorkersSusan Collins, R-Maine, introduced a bill that would enable federal agencies to re hire retired workers on a part-time basis without the usual penalty — a ...
ASBURY PARK PRESS:
Hearings on BRAC process called forSusan Collins, R-Maine, last month requested that the Senate's Armed Services Committee take up BRAC hearings, citing the increased costs. ...
NEWS-LEADER:
McCaskill carves role as watchdogSusan Collins, R-Maine, who serves with McCaskill on the Armed Services and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committees.
BLOGS:
Duson Drops Out
Republicans Bolt: Iraq Getting Worse, Not Better
Mark Turek: A Man of Principle, A Man of His Word
Kennebec County's Labor Day Picnic a smashing success!
To those who were there... you know how much fun it was! Over 80 people showed up to attend the gathering with Tom Allen as our main speaker, including five of the six candidates for his House seat (all but Jill Duson). Thanks to the Winthrop Democrats for putting together such a great event!
Happy Labor Day, Grandpa now get back to work
Nice piece on the front page of the Labor Day L.A ... , and part of the year at a store in another, warmer region. Just last month Sen. Susan Collins of Maine
A Semi Comprehensive List of Republican...
From ccmask at Firedoglake: Jack Abramoff -prison Bob Allen -Veteran Park sex scandal George Allen -called an American voter a Macaca Michael Ray ... in Plame affair; said troops would be greeted with flowers Susan Collins - Incorrectly claimed a dem ... Abramoff Affair Lance Dutson - Susan Collins campaign staffer, called FDL a “foul mouth femblog”
The power of the blogosphere
The power of the blogosphere September 2nd, 2007 Bloggers exert influence over editor’s conflict of interest Editor & ... Rep. Tom Allen. The issue isn’t Maine or the senatorial candidates. Rather, it is the growing
Senate Rankings: How high can the Democrats...
It’s the first of the month! That means it’s time for our (first) Senate rankings. It has been obvious for months that the 2008 Senate cycle would favor Democrats. Even before taking into account the anti-GOP national mood that allowed Democrats to prevail in every close Senate race in 2006 but Tennessee, the raw numbers tell the story:
Hsu-Nami Hits New Hampshire
Norman Hsu -- big-time Democratic fundraiser, acquaintance and donor of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and numerous other major Democrats, convicted criminal and (until recently) fugitive, certainly spread his money (from unknown sources) around .
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