Maine News for Thursday, September 13, 2007

PRESS HERALD:

Politics may lock out state's jail takeover plan
Gov. Baldacci rejects criticism over his lack of consultation with others.

States win court fight on auto emissions
A judge in Vermont rejects the industry's claim that stricter rules conflict with federal mileage standards.

UNE's pharmacy program approved
It plans to open a College of Pharmacy in 2009 on its campus in Portland.

BANGOR DAILY:

EDITORIAL: So far, diplomacy works

While the Bush administration concentrates this week on the war in Iraq, fresh signs of success appear in its diplomatic course in dealing with North Korea.

EDITORIAL: Editorial: The future of healthcare

For several years, the U.S. comptroller general, David Walker, has been warning that the combination of the interest on the federal debt and the rising costs of entitlement programs will soon far exceed projected tax revenues, endangering essential programs and substantially raising taxes.

OP/ED: Dale McCormick: Stretching heating funds will keep more families warm
More than 50,000 families in Maine need help heating their homes every winter. With high fuel costs, too many people are left to make impossible choices between staying warm, buying medicine or going hungry.

Thursday's Letters to the Editor … A new Collins motto

Red Shield emissions reviewed
Thursday, September 13, 2007
State environmental officials have asked Red Shield Environmental LLC in Old Town for more information on the company's pollution control plans following tests this summer on the amount of lead coming from the facility's stacks.

KENNEBEC JOURNAL:

Schools give Brown 3-year deal
AUGUSTA -- The Board of Education renewed Superintendent Cornelia Brown's contract for three years Wednesday night, despite concerns Augusta could be forced to consolidate with another school system before that term is up.

Jail plan burns many
AUGUSTA -- Gov. John Baldacci needlessly weakened support for his proposed state takeover of the county jails by failing to consult jail overseers and key lawmakers before he unveiled the plan Aug. 30, according to county commissioners and some legislators.

EDITORIAL: Not enough
Earlier this week, lawmakers in Washington listened to two days of testimony by Gen. David H. Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Iraq and Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker. Both men said that progress was being made in Iraq, that the surge's 30,000 troops could begin to be withdrawn next summer and that the ultimate result of continued American military commitment would, at some unspecified time in the future, be a unified and functioning Iraq.

OP/ED: Pretty good week for political ethics
Most ethical problems can be resolved by asking oneself this question: What would my grandparents say?

TIMES RECORD:

Bowdoin College eyes partnership with park service
Tom Allen, D-Maine, and investigating linking the site with Maine Freedom Trails, Inc., a nonprofit group aiming to mark sites that acknowledge the state's ...

SUN JOURNAL:

LTE: Stateside duty
Let's get off the Democrat/Republican bandwagon. President George W. Bush had his chance to get out of Iraq right after his speech on the deck of an aircraft carrier, with a banner behind him stating "Mission Accomplished."

WMTW:

Support Grows For Candidate Deployed In Iraq
He ran and lost to Democrat Tom Allen in the 2004 congressional election. Businessman Dean Scontras of Eliot is also seeking the Republican nomination in ...

WGME:

Snowe slated to go to Iraq again

U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe is scheduled to make her third trip to Iraq this week to meet with U.S. military officials, Iraqi political leaders and soldiers from Maine.

Maine's congressional delegation reacts to troop withdrawl plan

President Bush is expected to formally announce his plans for Iraq during a prime time speech Thursday night. Today, members of Maine's congressional delegation are reacting to the news.

PORTLAND PHEONIX:

Enjoy the air show — you paid for it: Sky-high taxes
Let’s move beyond the $320 million in aircraft you have bought that will be performing at this weekend’s Great State of Maine Air Show at Brunswick Naval Air Station.

TALKING POLITICS: It’s not big, it’s large: Politics and other mistakes

PORTSMOUTH HERALD:

Despite talk of success, U.S. flounders in Iraq

ELLSWORTH AMERICAN:

Anthem Pushes Regulation Reform

AUGUSTA — Anthem is using its proposed 18.6 percent rate hike for individual, non-employer based coverage to rally its customers to fight for changing insurance regulations in Augusta.

EDITORIAL:

The Broken Primary Process

America’s presidential primary system is broken. The competition to be first in the process has reached the point of absurdity as state after state seeks to leapfrog earlier on the calendar in the hope of gaining an advantage. Many already have pushed their primaries to Feb. 5, and some are going even further. Florida and Michigan, for instances, are moving their primaries into January and other states likely will follow suit. EDITORIAL: What a Disgrace The eyes of the world have been focused this week on Washington, where General David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker are providing mandated September reports to Congress about progress — military and diplomatic — in Iraq. But many of those organizations and individuals advocating a troop withdrawal timetable weren’t content to wait until they heard what General Petraeus had to say before going on the attack. LTE: The Time is Now for National Health Care The word socialism leaves a bad taste in the mouths of most Americans. LTE: Be Informed on Presidential Race John Ferriday’s letter of Sept. 6, “Fundamental Change Needed,” got me thinking. He advocates supporting the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, HR808, which seeks to establish a Department of Peace and Nonviolence. I agree with him. LTE: Ready to Take a Stand in D.C. In 1776, American newspapers reported that Hessian soldiers bayoneted thousands of helpless American prisoners in the Revolutionary War.

USA TODAY:

Iraq course may hinge on GOP senators
Susan Collins of Maine, Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, Olympia Snowe of Maine and Smith. Eight others who had expressed concerns about the president's war policy ...

What's new: MoveOn has no regrets; McCain takes 'ownership' of surge;
A dozen Republican senators will be a key audience for Bush when he lays out his Iraq plans: Carl) Levin offered a version of the measure he plans to reintroduce next week, four Republicans voted for it: senators Susan Collins of Maine, ...

CNN:

With Warner in, Virginia becomes a battleground state
The list includes Susan Collins of Maine, John Sununu of New Hampshire, Norm Coleman of Minnesota and Gordon Smith of Oregon. As of now, only one Democrat ...

NEW YORK TIMES:

14 Months Out, Advantage: Senate Democrats
This helps explain why Senator John E. Sununu of New Hampshire and Senator Susan Collins of Maine are prime Democratic targets in 2008. ...

THE HILL:

Democrats to use Petraeus’s comments to woo Republicans
Susan Collins (R-Maine), who faces a tough reelection battle next year. “What we need to do is change the mission, and that would allow for a more ...

FEDERAL JOURNAL:

Once reluctant lawmakers back ICE chief’s confirmation
Akaka, Susan Collins, R-Maine, and George Voinovich, R-Ohio, also indicated that they will vote to confirm Myers. However, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., ...

DALLAS MORNING NEWS:

Bush troop cut spurs skepticism
Susan Collins of Maine have openly questioned the Petraeus plan, and several said they would reserve judgment about whether to support the president until ...

THE DAY:

Moderate Republicans Hold The Keys On Iraq
Washington - Democratic leaders in Congress have decided to shift course and pursue modest bipartisan measures to alter U.S. military strategy in Iraq, hoping to ..

EARTH TIMES:

Author : National Association for Home Care & Hospice
Participants sought to obtain more signatures on congressional sign-on letters authored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Russ Feingold (D-WE), ...

RED BANK HUB:

GAO tells legislators it will look at BRAC report
Susan Collins (RMe.) sent a letter to Sen. Carl Levin (DMich.), chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and John McCain (R-Ariz. ...

BLOGS:

Listen to Tom Allen's Speech to World Affairs Council of Maine

Tom Allen (D-ME) gave a speech to the World Affairs Council of Maine yesterday morning, 12 September, which will be broadcast on Maine Public Radio this afternoon as part of their regular public affairs program, Speaking in Maine. ...

Hard To Be Pessimistic

And then there's Maine, with Tom Allen going up against Susan Collins. And Minnesota. And an open seat in Idaho. And Alaska with corrupt incumbent Ted Stevens. These races usually tighten with the incumbent weakening as time goes on, ...

Beat Tom Allen Facebook Group

Join the Beat Tom Allen Facebook group. 4 Vote(s)

Senate 2008 Outlook: The Hard Truth
Susan Collins (ME) - Her poll numbers look surprisingly strong against Rep. Tom Allen, but that could change. Allen represents half the state and is already ...

Diamon: Only Clunkheads Support Smaller Legislature

Welcome to the United Banana Republic of America!

Senator Susan Collins’ paid blogger, Lance Dutson, is wrong about liberals…

General Petraeus has thought about running for the presidency?

Petraeus: “an ass-kissing little chickensh*t”

Maine Prisoners Aren’t Making a Killing…

Group Led by Wesley Clark, Bob Kerrey Endorses Adam Cote

Senate 2008 Guru: Wednesday Giant Rundown

Maine: The Bangor Daily News finally calls Susan Collins out for using Senate resources for political purposes:

“The Allen campaign has charged that Collins, a Republican, is using her Senate office staff for campaign functions, such as making statements to reporters that support Collins the candidate and denounce her critics.”

We know that Collins' Senate staff has used their Senate computers to update Collins' Wikipedia profile to appear more politically palatable. And we know that Collins' taxpayer-funded Senate Chief of Staff has been quarterbacking her political battles with Maine Democrats. It seems pretty clear that Senate resources are being used by the Collins camp for political purposes. Sounds like we need a Senate Ethics investigation to formally determine if Collins is breaking the rules.

Democrats reject Gen. Petraeus' Iraq plan, attempt to persuade ...

John Warner of Virginia and Susan Collins of Maine, but most GOP lawmakers said they were reluctant to impose a firm timetable. Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., seen as another potential swing vote, said he was working with Sen. ...

Lots of Noise, No Answers

Susan Collins, R-Maine, asked Petraeus and Crocker what they'd recommend if, a year from now, the Iraqis have still failed to make significant political progress. Ever the diplomat, Crocker, who was somber, if not downright dour, ...

Senate 2008 Outlook: The Hard Truth
Tom Allen, but that could change. Allen represents half the state and is already receiving help from organizations like MoveOn.org. ...

Maine News for Wednesday, September 12, 2007

BANGOR DAILY:

Collins staff accused of misconduct
The Tom Allen campaign, seeking to unseat Sen. Susan Collins in the November 2008 election, says the incumbent has an unfair - and improper - advantage.

Augusta: Lawmakers seek prison products profits
AUGUSTA, Maine - With 600 lines of products created by Maine inmates, the state prison industries program sells $1 million worth of merchandise a year.

EDITORIAL: Booting campaign spouses
Two Maine lawmakers last week picked up where the Maine Ethics Commission left off not long ago in setting rules for the circumstances under which spouses of publicly funded candidates may be paid for their work on a campaign.

Editorial: New path for Iraq
Over two days this week, Gen. David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker spelled out clearly what achieving security and transition goals in Iraq would mean: many more years of occupation, many more American lives, hundreds of billions of dollars and no guarantee of success.

Wednesday's Letters to the Editor … Camp to end torture

PRESS HERALD:

Strimling bill would divest 'terror' holdings
The Maine state senator cites companies' business ties to countries that support terrorism.

Maine tax reform supporters propose new spending-limit initiative

Lawmakers hope prison industries can turn profit
State House: Maine should not subsidize a program that markets prison products, a legislator says.

EDITORIAL: Petraeus, Crocker offer no path for success
Their assessment suggests that next summer we could be where we were last January.

EDITORIAL: State has right to require discount for LIHEAP
Oil dealers who don't want to participate can leave the subsidized business to others.

MORNING SENTINEL:

Somerset County deserves better from Baldacci
Gov. John Baldacci last month proposed that the state take over the county jail system, saying consolidation would lead to increased efficiencies and lower costs.

SUN JOURNAL:

EDITORIAL: A shrinking Legislature, one-by-one
At this pace, reducing the size of the Maine Legislature could be done by attrition.

OP/ED: President's trip to Iraq accomplished... what?
I can only wonder what all the people who were criticizing Katie Couric recently for what they called a stunt to boost ratings are saying now that President Bush did his own Labor Day cameo in Iraq. Of course, his trip had nothing to do with ratings, right?

TIMES RECORD:

Dirigo Health fees contested by providers...(full story)

MPBN:

Portland Lawmaker Says State Investment Sends the Wrong Message
On the sixth anniversary of the attacks of September 11th, a Maine state senator is introducing legislation he says will send a message to countries that sponsor terrorism. Barbara Cariddi reports.

http://www.mpbn.net/asx/070911911.asx

NEW YORK TIMES:

Some Key Republicans Still Seek a New Path
“What he is recommending results in our having the same number of troops 10 months from now as we had 10 months ago,” said Senator Susan Collins, ...

BOSTON GLOBE:

Legislators diverge on hearing's import

Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska, a moderate Democrat, and Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a Republican, have proposed ending the combat role for US troops, ...

WASHINGTON POST:

Senators fight Bush on kids' insurance

Forty-four senators, including six Republicans, called on President Bush yesterday to rescind new administrative restrictions that will make it harder for states to expand their popular State Children's Health Insurance Program … Republicans who signed yesterday's letter included Gordon Smith (Ore.), Susan Collins and Olympia J. Snowe (Maine), Arlen Specter (Pa.), Norm Coleman (Minn.), and Christopher S. Bond (Mo.).

THE HILL:

GOP centrists get boost
Susan Collins (R-Maine) also expressed dismay at the recommended force reductions. “Keeping somewhere between 125000 and 150000 American troops in Iraq for ...

CQ POLITICS:

Endorsements Heat Up Race in Maine’s 1st District
Democratic Rep. Tom Allen’s decision to leave his Maine 1st District seat to pursue a challenge to Sen. Susan Collins is creating a crowded field to replace him from both major parties. While there is still no obvious frontrunner in the campaign, which boasts six announced candidates, Democrat Chellie Pingree, is leading the pack in fundraising and received an additional boost with a recent endorsement by Emily’s List.

NATIONAL JOURNAL:

Liveblogging The Other Senate Iraq Report Hearing Maine's Susan Collins, another emerging GOP war skeptic who hasn't completely crossed over, asks if there's been a major diplomatic offensive with regard to ...

Senate Lunch Chatter: Stances On Iraq Harden A few senators, such as Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, talked up possible bipartisan compromises, but Gordon Smith, R-Ore., ...

ARMY TIMES:

Petraeus grilled on Iraq troop drawdown
Susan Collins, R-Maine. “How long should we continue to commit American troops, American lives, American treasure, if the Iraqis fail to make political ...

TPM MUCKRAKER:

How Much American Blood and Treasure Is A Sectarian Iraq Worth?
Susan Collins (R-ME). Collins asked how much longer Americans could be expected to expend blood and treasure on a war without evident Iraqi political ...

MIDLAND DAILY NEWS:

Camp: Give general more time
Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., support legislation limiting the mission of US troops. Congressional aides say bipartisan proposals are ...

MERCURY-REGISTER:

Intelligence, Bush at odds on bin Laden

WASHINGTON — Contradicting President Bush's counterterrorism adviser, U.S. intelligence, law enforcement chiefs and a Cabinet member said Monday that Osama bin Laden remained the most dangerous terrorist threat to the United States six years after the Sept. 11 attacks ,,, Some panel members disputed some of the reported improvements, with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, noting that a recent Justice Department report had found problems with the FBI's terrorist watch list, including a failure to include the names of leading terrorists.

YOU TUBE:

How Much Longer Should War Last Without Political Progress?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uznA9Fcr-g&mode=user&search

BLOGS:

Funding Abortion Overseas [Ramesh Ponnuru]
Six Republicans helped to make the majority: Lisa Murkowski and Ted Stevens from Alaska, Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins from Maine, Arlen Specter from ...

David Hughes GOP Nominee for House District 72 (Lewiston) Needs Your Help

This is an eight week election. Truly a case where many hands will make light work. The most immediate goal is getting the 50 CE checks done, this week.

Scontras: Participate in the Fall's First Congressional Candidate Forum, 9/12

Confirmed participants include Chellie Pingree, Adam Cote, Ruth Summers, Dean Scontras.

2017: Iraq War Showing Signs of Progress

It’s 2017. Gas is $4.89 gallon. The AARP keeps sending me junk mail. And we’re still at war with Iraq. Death toll is nearing 12,000 Americans. Dead Iraqis? Somewhere over a million. Cost is $1.3 trillion and rising.

http://www.asmainegoes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=48960

2017: Iraq War Showing Signs of Progress

It’s 2017. Gas is $4.89 gallon. The AARP keeps sending me junk mail. And we’re still at war with Iraq. Death toll is nearing 12,000 Americans. Dead Iraqis? Somewhere over a million. Cost is $1.3 trillion and rising.

Senate GOP Trying Hard to Lower 2008 Expectations

It seems like Republicans are doing, as Mitch McConnell might say, their "Washington best" to lower expectations for the 2008 Senate elections. Here is a collection of interesting quotes from Republicans in the know regarding the '08 Senate races.

SAN FRANCISCO SENTINEL:

BUSH ENDORSEMENT OF PETRAEUS IRAQ WITHDRAWAL PLAN draws harsh ...

Plans by President Bush to announce a withdrawal of up to 30,000 U.S. troops from Iraq by next summer drew sharp criticism Tuesday from Democratic leaders and a handful of Republicans in Congress, who vowed to try again to force Bush to accept a more dramatic change of policy … Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a member of the Armed Services Committee, said she could not accept having the same number of troops in Iraq in 10 months as there were 10 months ago, as would be the case if Bush adopts Petraeus’ recommendation.

BLOGS:

Sen. Susan Collins still can’t see the forest through the trees!

Here’s Tom Allen’s response to General Petraeus’ recommendations:. “During my trip to Iraq last month, General Petraeus told me he believes our troops will be in Iraq in some form for nine or ten years. That is completely unacceptable. ..

ME-Sen: Matching funds for Tom Allen

It's time for a little fundraising for Tom Allen, currently looking to unseat Susan Collins in Maine. My goal is to raise $1250 by 9/20 - I raised and matched $75 yesterday, and I got another $25 overnight. So here's how it works: I'm ...

Maureen Dowd: Peached Petraeus tightens the girdle

... his heels as the Democratic presidential candidate yakked — sniffing at the Surge that Mr. McCain supports. Then Mr. McCain turned to his GOP colleague Susan Collins and flapped his fingers in the universal hand sign for yakking. ...

Susan Collins: Good news, Bad news

Our poor, conflicted junior Senator: her heart is in the right place, she has provided an excellent level of constituent service, and she asked some tough questions of the administration's war ambassadors yesterday. ...

A look at the 2008 Senate races, Part 3

Maine: Susan Collins (R) doesn’t have the stature that fellow Senator Olympia Snowe (R) has. Rep. Tom Allen (D) has announced his candidacy to challenge Collins. For some reason, nobody’s bothered to poll this matchup since late April. ...

Maine News for Tuesday, September 11, 2007

PRESS HERALD:

Maine delegation wants shift in Iraq strategy
Gen. Petraeus says the surge is working. Mainers call for a new mission.

Lawmaker will give up House seat
Rep. Philip Cressey will resign today, according to top Democratic and Republican leaders.

State Web page honors the fallen
Thirty-three service members from Maine have died since Sept. 11.

EDITORIAL: Terror war transcends the debate about Iraq
We shouldn't let disagreement about Iraq become an excuse for ignoring the larger threat.

EDITORIAL: Absentee legislator's residency was not a partisan issue
Leaders from both parties worked together for the good of House District 99.

LTE: The longer we stay in Iraq, the worse the consequences

BANGOR DAILY:

U.S. focuses on security at customs
Much has been done since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to improve security at customs and border facilities in Maine, according to Ted Woo of Boston, chief public affairs officer for Customs and Border Protection.

U.S. awake to threats by sea
Though the Sept. 11 attacks came by air, government agencies have focused significant attention on threats by sea in the last six years, and with good reason.

Baldacci firm at meeting on jails
AUGUSTA, Maine — Gov. John Baldacci essentially told the three Somerset County commissioners Monday afternoon that they either could get on board with the state’s jail takeover plan or get out of the way.

Editorial: Heating money
Just a year after the state first began getting a discount for the millions of gallons of heating oil it obtains for the state’s low-income residents, the Maine State Housing Authority and the Maine Oil Dealer’s Association again disagree on what that discount should be. If the rancor over discounts continues, a reasonable alternative would be for the state to solicit bids from companies to deliver oil to low-income residents on a regional basis.

Tuesday's Letters to the Editor

KENNEBEC JOURNAL:

Views of Maine's delegation not changed
The Iraqi government did not hold up its end of the bargain, so the status quo is not an option.

State lauds war dead online
AUGUSTA -- A new Web site honors the 33 service members from Maine who have died while on duty since Sept. 11, 2001, the governor's office announced Monday.

DISTRICT 83 House vacancies restart nomination cycle
AUGUSTA -- The process for filling the House District 83 seat will begin again next week when local Democrats meet to choose a candidate.

No promises emerge in jail meeting
AUGUSTA -- Somerset County Commissioners found little reason to continue work on a new $30 million jail Monday following a meeting with Gov. John Baldacci that was short on specifics and sometimes testy in tone.

MORNING SENTINEL:

Flags at Colby College honor those who died
WATERVILLE -- Colby College students will awaken this morning to find 2,977 American flags on the lawn of Miller Library -- to honor each person who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

MAINE DELEGATION - Lawmakers' Iraq views unchanged
PORTLAND (AP) -- Gen. David Petraeus' testimony on Iraq had little apparent impact on Maine's congressional delegation Monday as Reps. Tom Allen and Michael Michaud remained firm in support of a U.S. troop withdrawal and Sen. Susan Collins stood by her call for a change in mission.

LTE: Republicans rely too much on Clinton card
I'll say this for Republicans, they sure know how to spin a story.

TIMES RECORD:

Misusing patriotism...(full story)

SUN JOURNAL:

General: Stabilizing Iraq 'won't be easy'
WASHINGTON - Gen. David Petraeus, the American commander in Iraq, told Congress on Monday that he's recommended the withdrawal of 30,000 U.S. forces from Iraq by mid-July.

LTE: Cut the fat from the budget
People of Maine please take notice! The column by former Dixfield Rep. Randy Hotham in the Sun Journal of Sept. 2 was quite precise and to the point.

MPBN:

Maine Congressmen React to Petraeus Report

WCSH:

State Representative To Resign Over Residency Questions

Allen, Michaud Cite Lack Of Political Progress In Iraq

NPR:

Handful of GOP Senators May Swing Iraq Debate
Tom Allen, who is a vocal opponent of the war, in a state that leans Democratic. Chuck Hagel (NE): Hagel may not be seeking a third term, but he remains an ...

WAKE UP AMERICA:

Fred Thompson: Democrats should return all donations from Move On.org
So far, only one Democratic Senate candidate, Tom Allen of Maine, has received money from the group, though the amount he has received, almost $250000, ...

FEDERAL TIMES:

Senators aim to slash political posts
Susan Collins, R-Maine, in an interview. Collins and Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., the chairman and ranking minority member of the Senate Homeland Security ...

ICE chief faces second confirmation hearing
Susan Collins, R-Maine, the committee’s ranking member. “We’re going to ask her some tough questions tomorrow, but in the end, I expect to support her. ...

BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN:

After 9/11, it's safer to say you're 'sorry'
Susan Collins of Maine inserted a "good faith" law into a sweeping homeland security bill. "An alert citizenry is one of best defenses against terrorist ...

CNN:

Analysis: Hagel's decision a blow to GOP
The lists includes: Susan Collins of Maine, John Sununu of New Hampshire, Norm Coleman of Minnesota and Gordon Smith of Oregon. As of now only one Democrat ...

INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE:

US officials warn of persistent threats
... violent segment of the West's population is expanding," Senator Susan Collins of Maine, the committee's ranking Republican, said in her opening remarks. ...

THE HILL:

Leading The News

The political calculations of presidential hopefuls and Republicans in tough reelection races will be on full display at Tuesday’s Senate hearings featuring the top U.S. officials in Iraq.

MERCURY-REGISTER:

Intelligence, Bush at odds on bin Laden
Susan Collins, R-Maine, noting that a recent Justice Department report had found problems with the FBI's terrorist watch list, including a failure to ...

BLOGS:

GOP State Rep Phil Cressey Resigns

Congressional Dems 'No-Growth' Agenda Taking Toll

Any hint of a growth agenda has vanished since Democrats took Congress.

Hsu Cash: Allen Gives Back $1,000, Keeps $1,500

Strimling fundraising Email

More despicable behavior from Tom Allen’s fundraisers

From a Maine GOP press release:

Ethan Strimling: Divesting Maine’s Terrorist Holdings?

Sen. Ethan Strimling (D-Portland) is announcing legislation directing the state to divest its holdings in companies that do business in countries that support and finance terrorism. Good grief! Is Maine investing in terrorist nations?

Maine’s Fallen Heroes

Maine’s fallen heroes have their own web page at Maine.gov. The families of these heroes were presented the Maine Gold Star Honorable Service Medal in recognition of their servicemember’s dedication, duty and ultimate sacrifice while serving our state and nation in support of combat operations.

Petraeus: Surge Protector

So basically, the troop surge was a political maneuver … one that would, if successful, allow us to have the illusion of troop withdrawal to “pre-surge” levels.

Petraeus Recommendation Unacceptable

by: Tom Allen 2008

During my trip to Iraq last month, General Petraeus told me he believes our troops will be in Iraq in some form for nine or ten years. That is completely unacceptable. Today, General Petraeus recommended troop withdrawal to pre-surge levels and leaving 130,000 troops there. That, too, is completely unacceptable.

Q & A

As The Left Coaster intimates, it will be interesting to see how Sen. Collins performs on Tuesday at the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing with Gen. David Petraeus.

Senate 08: Good News, Mostly Bad News (Updated) (Updated again by BDP)

Susan Collins (Maine), Norm Coleman (Minnesota), and Pete Domenici (New Mexico). Coleman could be saved by the fact that Al Franken might be the DFL (Dem) candidate. Any other non-controversial Dem would have to be favored in this deep ... Netroots Attack Maine Newspaper Editor's Connection to Republican Senator "I am delighted that one of Maine's most respected journalists is joining my staff" A blog posting at Daily Kos on August 24 has fired up the Netroots to point accusatory fingers at a Maine newspaper editor whose wife works for Republican Senator susan collins. via NewsBusters.org ...

Collins: September 10th Thinking

Senator Susan Collins, ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, may have been looking to boost her own mojo, especially considering this recent ad peppering the airwaves: Collins reminded us of the need to [...]

Republican Ability To Blur On Iraq in 2008 Becoming More Likely

In the Senate, the sponsors include highly endangered Republicans Susan Collins, John Sununu, and Pete Domenici. Basically, we are talking about giving cover to Republicans in at least half of our top-tier pickup opportunities. ... Democrat's could pickup seats in the Senate In Maine Tom Allen is running against Joe Liarman friend Susan Collins and he is running strong. Allen could give Collins the most serious political fight she has ever encountered. In New Hampshire John Sununu is toast if Jeanne Shaheen ...

Tomorrow May Be "Make Or Break" For Hillary

And with a 2008 race staring her in the face, can Susan Collins afford to give Petraeus a pass tomorrow? Every time a Republican senator talks about how great things are getting in Iraq, a Democratic senator should immediately apply the ...

US East: Open Discussion

Susan Collins has to deal with her very own modern day Henry David Thoreaus. Will she support going all Waco on them? What's going on politically in the East?

Who Is Tom Allen?

While many conservatives may have issues with Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins, on the heels of the General Betray Us nonsense, I doubt they'd like to see her replaced by Tom Allen who, in his own words, has been bought and paid ...

GOP support for Iraq war on shaky ground

Susan Collins, R-Maine, who is up for re-election next year and under substantial pressure by voters to help end the war. Collins, along with Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., supports legislation limiting the mission of US troops. ...

Oops I did it again

When asked by Senator Susan Collins whether Britney was fat, corrupt, and phoning it in while aspiring to "Anna Nicole Smithdom," Petraeus responded that he would prefer to have six months to a year in order to observe Britney's ..

For him, losing will be winning

Gen. David Petraeus’ testimony on Iraq had little apparent impact on Maine’s congressional delegation Monday as Reps. Tom Allen and Michael Michaud remained firm in support of a US troop withdrawal and Sen. Susan Collins stood by her ...

Maine News for Monday, September 10, 2007

PRESS HERALD:

Air Guard troops begin four-month deployment Family members, friends and well-wishers crowd the airport for an informal send-off.

Guard's engineer battalion realignedThree companies will consolidate to form two units to give the Army more flexibility.

Politicians must be held accountable for decisions

BANGOR DAILY:

Smith library marks 25 years; Snowe, Collins laud predecessorSKOWHEGAN, Maine — Maine’s two U.S. senators praised the Northwood University Margaret Chase Smith Library and its work Saturday on its 25th anniversary, calling it "our nation’s premier free-standing congressional library, a priceless archive and museum, and an invaluable educational center," as they reflected on Sen. Smith’s legacy as it applies to today’s issues.

David Broder: N.H. debate proves he's the real McCainTwo hours before Fred Thompson formally entered the race for the Republican presidential nomination, his old friend John McCain turned in the kind of performance that once would have kept Thompson from running.

Colbert I. King: Fred, did we really know you?Far be it from me to start trouble, but former Tennessee Republican senator Fred Thompson, the presidential candidate who portrays himself as a conservative outsider capable of reforming Washington, is playing down his kinship with Washington.

Monday's Letters to the Editor … Petraeus report skeptic … Dems waving white flag … Changing stance on Iraq

KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
Members of 265th head to Iraq once again Zachary Poulin of Berwick says if all goes well, he will be back at UMaine next semester, studying business administration.
'Little Fenway'Cal Ripken Jr., Alfond on hand at opening OAKLAND -- Cal Ripken Jr. started his walk to home plate and realized he was missing something. Preparing to catch the ceremonial first pitch at Sunday's ribbon-cutting ceremony for Harold Alfond Fenway Park, Ripken didn't have a glove.

Editorials:
Help wanted,help neededBoatbuilders face the future It's a familiar refrain: Maine doesn't have any jobs and our young people have to leave the state to make a living.

OP/ED: Embracing the online trend at our newspapers: New Web team to lead papers' efforts You've no doubt read it by now. The future -- heck, the present -- of journalism is online. Readers under 30 grew up with desktops, laptops, Blackberries and iPods. They're so used to technology they find the gadgets more convenient and handier to use than print on pages.

LTE: Comparison to Rove unfair, misses point This is in response to the complaint of George Hite of Sidney (letter, Sept. 6) that I am somehow defending Iraq in the manner of "Karl Rove" with my letter that talked about the protesters in Kennebunkport being part of the socialist and communist movements in this country.

SUN JOURNAL:

Burst of action on Iraq situation WASHINGTON - For all the drama surrounding the testimony that military and diplomatic leaders will deliver to Congress this week about the war in Iraq, the real show will play out afterward, as the White House and Democratic congressional leaders vie for control over when the U.S. will start scaling back its forces there.

Letter: Traps guard Brown home
The Department of Homeland Security believes there are multiple traps and dangerous devices on the Plainfield property of tax protesters Ed and Elaine Brown, according to a letter sent by an agency official to U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.

MPBN:

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BDN election coverage story begins at min. :52

AP:

Democrats' Hopes High in Senate RacesSusan Collins, R, has proven popular with voters, but anti-war sentiment runs high. Unlike her Democratic challenger, Rep. Tom Allen, she voted in 2002 to ...

DETROIT NEWS:

Iraq hearings may shape strategyKey to watch: The reaction of moderates such as John Warner, R-Va., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, who have edged closer to Democrats calling for a change of ...

REAL CLEAR POLITICS:

In 2008 Election Cycle, How Bad Is Bad for Senate Republicans?

BLOGS:

In Which The Campaign Trail Is Anything But A Lonely RoadTom Allen, who is now challenging Maine's junior US Senator, Susan Collins. I would take this opportunity to give you the whole spiel about how Mike Brennan is that rarest kind of politician - intellectually curious; honest; ...

Homo politicus: liberals and conservatives brains different

Not a day or week goes by without another republican sex scandal…

Culture of Fear

2008 Senate OutlookMaine currently has two Republican senators considered moderates: Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins. Susan Collins, however, is much less moderate than she ...

Pushing Back
From the Department of Honesty Is The Best Policy: The Bangor Daily News has decided that it’s enormous personal connections to the Collins campaign should have been publicly disclosed up front to their readers, and that it’s close ties make things seem unseemly. Duh. Thanks so much for helping us shine a light on this one. (You can contribute to Collins’ opponent, Tom Allen, on our Blue America page. Call it a More Sunshine contribution.

2008 Senate Races
Both Gordon Smith and Susan Collins have won re-election in 2002 by convincing margins. While Democrats in Oregon have failed to find a top-tier recruit and settled on a state legislator, Maine Democrats have rallied around one of the ...

In Which The Campaign Trail Is Anything But A Lonely Road
Tom Allen, who is now challenging Maine’s junior US Senator, Susan Collins. I would take this opportunity to give you the whole spiel about how Mike Brennan is that rarest kind of politician - intellectually curious; honest; ...

Another GOP Senate Retirement
The New York Times reports that Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-NE, will announce Monday that he won't seek a third term. Hagel, if he retires, would join Sens ... ; Maine, where moderate Republican Susan Collins already is under challenge by a popular Congressman