Maine News for Friday, October 10, 2008

Real Clear Politics
RCP Average 10/01 - 10/09 -- Obama 49.1 to McCain 43.4

Portland Press Herald
A year after peak, Dow sinks to 8,579
A runaway sell-off turns the anniversary of reaching 14,164 points into one of Wall Street's worst days.

Income limits for heating aid rise
More in Maine will qualify for fuel assistance, but the average benefit will drop with the rise in applicants.

Alaska's 'First Dude' Palin to visit Maine this weekend
ELECTION 2008: The McCain-Palin campaign sees potential for winning the state's more rural 2nd District.

McCain: Obama tie to ex-radical is honesty issue
The Republican's criticism is an effort to distract voters from the economy, an Obama aide counters.

Casino would be built in town of Oxford
But several properties on Route 26 are still under consideration, backers say.

Biddeford airport's future up in the air
Election 2008: Voters will decide on Nov. 4 whether to close the airport at a cost of about $3 million.

House District 109: Three-term incumbent, challenger face rematch
Susan Austin stresses her record of fiscal restraint; Anne Graham calls for more action on issues.

House District 111: Candidates chart priorities, offer different budget fixes
Incumbent Gary Plummer opposes the beverage tax. Rival Michael Shaughnessy targets Windham's sprawl.

House District 135: Retired clerk challenges incumbent
Clairma Matherne seeks to unseat incumbent state Rep. Paulette Beaudoin.

Agency to sell bonds to Mainers
MaineHousing says it had delayed today's sale for several weeks in the hope of a market recovery.

Gov. Baldacci, owners meet on mill's future

Wright Express, feeling downturn, trims 22 jobs

Editorial
Marine terminal should be run by the state
A port facility that would boost Maine's economy should not be a local responsibility.

Detailed information on state spending now available online
The Maine Heritage Policy Center has a Web site up and running with payrolls and much, much more.

ANOTHER VIEW: Poland Spring one of Maine's most responsible firms
Those who worry it is wasting water resources should see how little it actually uses.

Bangor Daily News

Palin’s husband to visit Maine

BANGOR, Maine — Todd Palin, husband of Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, will spend the weekend in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District.

Oxford named site for proposed casino

OXFORD, Maine — Supporters of a proposal to bring a casino to western Maine say the casino and resort would be located in Oxford if voters allow it to move forward on Election Day.

UMaine climate conference to be streamed online

The University of Maine in Orono will hold a two-day conference later this month, bringing together local and international experts to discuss the implications of global warming on Maine.

GOP dispatches vets to focus on security

BANGOR, Maine — The Republican National Committee was host to a three-stop “Not Ready to Lead” tour through Maine on Thursday, attempting to shift the conversation in the presidential race from the economy to a portrayal of Sen. Barack Obama as inexperienced on national security.

Collins, Allen debate economic issues

PORTLAND, Maine — Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Tom Allen agree that the $700 billion economic rescue package passed by Congress last week was necessary, but they disagreed Thursday on the primary causes for the meltdown on Wall Street.

Editorial

Voting Early

As long as voter fraud is held at bay, easing the voting process can only mean a better democracy.

Kennebec Journal

WALL ST. NIGHTMARE CONTINUES
NEW YORK -- A runaway train of a sell-off turned the anniversary of the U.S. stock market peak into one of the darkest days in Wall Street history Thursday, driving the Dow Jones industrials down a breathtaking 679 points and deepening a financial crisis that has defied all efforts to stop it.

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT AUGUSTA Many welcome talk about campus housing
AUGUSTA -- Campus housing for University of Maine at Augusta students could lead to a livelier campus community while helping a substantial portion of the student body cut commuting costs, UMA students said this week.

Citing imploding economy, Mitchell endorses Obama
WATERVILLE -- Waterville native and former U.S. Sen. George J. Mitchell on Thursday said he believes Sen. Barack Obama will promote economic growth and educational opportunities, end the war in Iraq and restore the country's standing in the world.

Town forms co-op for fuel
JEFFERSON -- Sheridan Bond always prepaid his heating oil bill to get a discount.

Thomas speaker urges change in business climate
WATERVILLE -- Some say Maine's economy is resting on thin ice. Tony Payne offers a more alarming image.

Editorial

Correction
Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham is finishing the second year of his first term, in the Maine House, representing District 67. He is running for re-election. Incorrect information appeared in Wednesday's newspaper.

Fossel conveys clear goals for Legislature
Republican Les Fossel and Democrat Tim Nason are remarkably similar in biographical terms.

L. SANDY MAISEL : New president likely will work with Congress led by Democrats
The nation's eyes are focused on the spreading economic crisis. Political analysts prognosticate about its impact on the presidential campaign.

Sun Journal
Food stamps renamed
AUGUSTA (AP) - The program long known as food stamps has new names.

Nader opens Maine office
PORTLAND (AP) - Ralph Nader has opened a campaign office in Maine.

Todd Palin to campaign in Maine
PORTLAND (AP) - Todd Palin, husband of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, is coming to Maine to campaign for John McCain.

WIC numbers at all-time high
AUBURN - Blame it on higher prices for milk, eggs and cheese.

McCain backers visit Lewiston
LEWISTON - One served in Vietnam and shared a room in Hanoi with Sen. John McCain. One led the CIA team in the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, and one served in Iraq during one of the bloodiest periods of the war.

Oxford in line for casino
OXFORD - A Las-Vegas based group announced Thursday that it plans to build a resort casino in Oxford if the project is approved by Maine voters in November.

Editorial
Trashing the public's business
Last Friday, the Norway-Paris Solid Waste Committee voted 7-1 to release a letter from a local businessman. The vote was held by telephone.

Paulson's choices will determine bailout success
Is Henry Paulson a crony communist or a businessman? The answer could be the difference between economic disaster and recovery.

MPBN

Casino Supporters Confirm Site In Oxford

Backers of a proposed casino resort in western Maine have chosen the town of Oxford as the project's location. They say they're looking at three different 40-acre sites along the Route 26 corridor. Tom Porter has more.

State To Offer Bonds To Support Low-Income Housing

Want to invest in housing? Not in real estate, but in housing bonds? Beginning this week, Maine investors are being offered the chance to purchase tax-exempt revenue bonds being offered by the Maine State Housing Authority. As Susan Sharon reports, the bonds are being touted as a way to make a secure investment and help fund low-income housing at the same time.

Childcare Providers Face Tough Decisions As food and fuel costs rise, childcare providers around the state are making the difficult decision of whether to raise their rates, even though they say they know many families cannot afford to pay more. A recent report by the National Women's Law Center and The Maine Children's Alliance shows that fewer Maine families are eligible for child care subsidies because of tighter limits on family income and decreased federal and state funding.

Conference Speaker Touts "High Road" To Economic Development

What if we could cut our dependence on foreign oil, cut greenhouse gas emissions and create well paying "green collar" jobs, all at the same time? We can, says Joel Rogers, one of the keynote speakers at tomorrow's Growsmart Maine 2008 Summit in Augusta. Rogers spoke earlier with MPBN's Keith Shortall about what he calls "the high road" to economic development in states like Maine.

Maine News for Thursday, October 9, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Plunging prices strain state lobster industry
As demand ebbs, lobstermen say they may fish less to ease the glut

McCain, Obama vie for 'trust' votes
Both candidates seem to agree that the question facing voters is simple.

Senate hopefuls clash over records
Tom Allen says Susan Collins has backed hurtful fiscal policies; she says the current crisis calls for her bipartisan approach.

Undecided voters in online poll say Obama beat McCain in debate
The survey is not scientific but its results illustrate how many of these voters perceived the debate.

Baldacci terminal tour boosts hopes
Portland officials want the state port authority to lease the facility and take over its operations.

House District 147: Incumbent, challenger face off
Kathleen Chase wants to cut spending; shipyard retiree Fred Houle says he's a good negotiator.

BILL NEMITZA site for sore taxpayers

Planned Parenthood endorses Allen
Meanwhile, the Veterans of Foreign Wars' PAC endorses his opponent, Sen. Susan Collins.

Unprecedented rate cut fails to ease fears
Stocks fall worldwide despite a half-percent drop in interest rates by the Fed coordinated with cuts in 21 other countries.

Editorial

Portland deficit should be taken seriously
This cost overrun is not large, but shows that old problems have not yet been fixed.

Rate cuts spread worldwide, but markets slow to respond
The idea that a crisis as deeply felt as this one can be solved this simply is incorrect.

Bangor Daily News

Living off-grid

It wasn’t the widescreen television or even the water jet shower with built-in surround sound. No, Kim and Mike Paradis of Fort Kent figure they lost most of their back-to-the-land points the day the new washing machine arrived.

Credit woes not so harsh in Maine

Even before the Federal Reserve cut a key interest rate Wednesday from 2 percent to 1.5 percent, Maine’s financial institutions were liquid and ready to lend, area bank and credit union officials

3 Maine ski resorts oppose casino proposal

PORTLAND, Maine — Three of the state’s biggest ski resorts are joining the effort to defeat a proposed casino in western Maine, saying a casino would detract from the state’s image as a family-friendly place to enjoy the outdoors.

Study: burden of new tax too heavy The doctors and others who oppose Question 1 — the ballot initiative that

Kennebec Journal

It all starts at home
WHITEFIELD -- Homeowners can save dramatically on their energy bills and cut down on pollution this winter with the right home improvements.

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT AUGUSTA Student housing later, rather than sooner, college president says
AUGUSTA -- The University of Maine at Augusta will eventually provide student housing, the college's president, Allyson Hughes Handley, said Wednesday.

Bankers offer advice in trying times
The sinking stock market has erased trillions of dollars from retirement accounts. Unemployment numbers are growing. So are fears that heating costs will push many Mainers to bankruptcy this winter.

RED LIGHT FOR ROAD WORK?
AUGUSTA -- Financial anxieties could significantly affect Maine's future infrastructure and transportation funding, representatives from state agencies and private institutions said Wednesday.

AUGUSTA Forum targets autism
AUGUSTA -- Autism, a disorder that state education officials estimate affects some 2,000 Mainers aged 3 to 20, will be the focus of a conference at Augusta Civic Center on Saturday.

House District 58

On Maine Politics

Palin visit? 10/08/08

Editorial

Mitchell urged to tackle income tax
Sen. Libby Mitchell, the incumbent in District 24, has smiled, coaxed, browbeaten, charmed, wheedled and at times simply powered her way to the top of the state's Democratic party.

Nothing but air from those who would lead
Forget who won the town-hall debate on Tuesday night.

KAY RAND : Current debate about Question 1 isn't leading toward right answer
On Nov. 4, Question One on the ballot asks Mainers to decide whether to keep the potpourri of tax increases enacted by the Legislature to fund the Dirigo Health Insurance Program (by voting no) or to repeal the taxes and continue to use the Savings Offset Payment to fund the Dirigo Health Insurance Program (by voting yes).

Sun Journal
Backers: Casino's 907 jobs crucial
LEWISTON - Oxford County casino backers unveiled an economic impact study Wednesday showing their $184 million project would create 907 jobs.

Michaud returns from Iraq tour
PORTLAND (AP) - U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud has returned to Washington after visiting Iraq and Kuwait.

Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Saddleback oppose plan
Three of the state's biggest ski resorts are joining the effort to defeat a proposed Oxford County casino, saying it would detract from Maine's image as a family-friendly place to enjoy the outdoors.

Heaters stolen in burglary

Editorial
'As The Turbine Turns'
Our story so far:

Catholics should remember liberals' stance on abortion
In recent elections when a high-profile Roman Catholic Democrat seeks high, or higher office, the issue of abortion surfaces. As the pro-choice, non-Catholic Barack Obama makes a play for evangelical voters, conservative Catholics are asking their fellow believers to take seriously the church's teaching on abortion and not cast their vote for Obama and Catholic Joe Biden.

MPBN

Backers Set to Announce Proposed Casino Location

On November 4th, one of the questions being put before Mainers on the ballot is whether or not to approve plans to build a casino resort in western Maine, somewhere in Oxford County. Well, there were more developments today in that story as Tom Porter reports.

New Brunswick Nuclear Question Catches Maine's Attention

Picture a long-term nuclear waste storage facility less than 30 miles east of the Maine border. That's a possibility, since New Brunswick is one of four Provinces that the Canadian government is considering to host its spent nuclear fuel. Premier Shawn Graham says he's not ruling out the idea, since the province already stores its own used nuclear fuel at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Plant. As Keith McKeen reports, the prospect has the attention of Governor Baldacci, and environmentalists are ringing alarm bells on both sides of the border.

Town Academies Brace For State's Consolidation Plan

They are local landmarks, with names that harken back to a time before the emergence of large regional high schools: Lincoln Academy, Hamden Academy, Bridgton Academy. Some town academies have disappeared, displaced by regional high schools. Some dissolved and sold their buildings to their local town while others have gone private. But some of these schools live on today and serve as the high school for Maine communities that otherwise wouldn't have one. That role, some Academy administrators fear, could be threatened under the state's new school consolidation plan. Keith Shortall has more.

Sex, Lies, and Audiotape

On a recent evening in busy downtown Portland, the sounds of rush hour traffic mingle with talk about sex... and it's being captured on video. As Josie Huang reports, it's all part of an effort aimed at encouraging parents and children to "open up" about a subject that's sometimes difficult to approach.

Ellsworth American
Demand for Absentee Ballots Is Evidence of Voter Interest
ELLSWORTH — Election Day is still a month away, but the early demand for absentee ballots indicates that voter participation will be strong statewide in this year’s election.

Oxford County Casino Plan Goes to Voters Nov. 4
ELLSWORTH — Five years after turning down a major casino proposed for the southern Maine town of Sanford, the state’s voters are being asked to approve a casino resort in Oxford County.

Crashing Economy Threatens Wary Maine Lobster Industry
ELLSWORTH — For Maine lobstermen, there is no longer any question about whether the cataclysm on Wall Street would really echo on Main Street.

Editorial
Unrealistic Expectations?
Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, 2014 will be a bellweather year for education in Maine. That’s the year by which every student, in every public school, will be expected to be performing at grade level in reading and mathematics. That means that, in just six years, Maine has a long ways to go.

A “Yes” Vote on Question 1
Back in the spring, majority Democrats in the Maine Legislature, with little or no public discussion, pushed through legislation doubling the tax on beer and wine, creating a new tax on soft drinks and imposing a 1.8-percent surcharge on all claims paid by health insurrance companies and self-insured businesses. The estimated $75 million in revenue generated by those changes was earmarked to keep alive Dirigo Health, a subsidized insurance program that never has fulfilled expectations and should have been allowed to die a natural death.

Maine News for Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Real Clear Politics
RCP Average 10/01 - 10/07 Obama 49.4 to McCain 44.1

Portland Press Herald

House District 140: Taxes, economy dominate race
The incumbent wants tax incentives to lure new business; his rival wants to freeze state spending.

House District 142: Candidates split over casino
Andrea M. Boland pushes preventive health care; Robert B. Carr wants a healthier business climate.

Collins, Allen clash over credit meltdown
Election 2008: Collins blames Democrats for inaction, while Allen says the subprime mortgage business was at fault.

Maine remembers veterans with Silver Stars
The medals are given to those who were wounded, received a Purple Heart or were prisoners of war.

Senate ads misplace blame for fiscal crisis
Experts say neither side paints a full picture of how the problems came to be.

Portland schools expect deficit again
But the overrun is predicted to be only a fraction of the shortfall discovered last year.

Candidates clash on economic cures
Obama and McCain also square off over foreign policy in more pointed exchanges

Editorial

Meaningful graduation standards overdue
Though controversial, statewide requirements for a high school diploma are worthwhile.

Richer recruiting bonuses are worth every penny
The military uses money to compete for well-qualified men and women who have options.

RICHARD RUDOLFMountain Division Rail Line is not a Bridge to Nowhere
Now is the time to explore alernative transportation modes to address a future mobility crisis.

Bangor Daily News

Energy programs receive first wave of CO2 money

Maine will use $750,000 from the first-ever “carbon auction” for weatherization and energy efficiency programs this winter, state officials announced Tuesday. Maine received an estimated $2.6

Courthouses in danger with statewide cutbacks

AUGUSTA, Maine — Fewer courthouses, delays in getting cases heard and larger workloads for staff are the likely results of cutting the budget for state courts by 10 percent, said Chief Justice

Financial crisis tops debate Allen, Collins spar at candidates forum

BREWER, Maine — The sharpest exchange in Tuesday’s hour-long debate between Susan Collins and Tom Allen occurred while the Senate candidates discussed the credit crisis that has resulted in a $700 billion federal economic package aimed at stabilizing world financial markets.

MaineCare backs fluoride for children's teeth

BANGOR, Maine — It’s just some gauze pads, a cheap plastic paintbrush and a thimble-sized dish of sticky goo. But for children covered by MaineCare, dentists say an application of fluoride varnish can spell the difference between a mouthful of healthy teeth and a lifetime of dental woes.

Area gas prices falling sharply

HERMON, Maine — The customers at the Country Market had some things to say Tuesday afternoon to shift supervisor, Marie Francis, about her gas prices. At $3.19 for a gallon of unleaded gasoline, for once those things were good.

McCain plan would help families

By Charles Babington NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Republican presidential candidate John McCain pledged Tuesday night in campaign debate to require the federal government to renegotiate the

NMCC unveils allied health simulation center

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Nearly a year after officials from Northern Maine Community College announced news of its establishment, the Presque Isle college on Tuesday unveiled a $160,000 first-of-its

Editorial

Uniter or Divider?

One of the more interesting yet mostly overlooked contrasts to come out of the first presidential debate was the times the candidates agreed on some issues. It was a contrast because it was Sen. Barack Obama agreeing with Sen. John McCain, and not vice versa.

‘Green-Collar’ Jobs

You probably heard the phrase “green-collar jobs” uttered at both party conventions. The speakers were not touting hemp shirts, but an economic sector that could provide the U.S. with its next

Kennebec Journal
Many seek to vote before Election Day
Municipal clerks in Maine are swamped with applications for absentee ballots from voters who want to make sure their voice is heard on Nov. 4.

Officials seek OK to use surplus to finish road work
WINDSOR -- Selectmen Tuesday voted unanimously to ask residents at a special town meeting to allow them to use as much as $40,000 from surplus for public works projects including finishing up work on Greely, Sampson and Griffin roads.

Allen claims gain vs. Collins
AUGUSTA -- U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, D-Maine, said Tuesday he's gaining ground on U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in the race for the U.S. Senate.

COUNTY TAX STILL UNPAID
Fewer than half of Kennebec County's 30 towns, cities and townships have paid their county taxes, which were due Sept. 3.

Dresden ramps up winter-aid assistance efforts
DRESDEN -- A stalling economy and high oil prices will make this a difficult winter for most Mainers, but if you live in Dresden you will not have to face the challenge alone.

Collins, Allen disagree on root of financial crisis
BREWER -- The sharpest exchange in Tuesday's hourlong debate between U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and U.S. Rep. Tom Allen occurred while the Senate candidates discussed the credit crisis that has resulted in a $700 billion federal economic package aimed at stabilizing world financial markets.

Editorials

McCormick keeps citizens in mind
Both candidates for Senate District 21 are old hands at community and government work. Both have served in the Statehouse and hold relatively moderate positions. Both seem acutely aware of the issues facing the voters of the district -- high energy and health-care costs on top of uncertainty about the economy and jobs.

Berry respects tradition, has ideas for future
Eric Dickey is a soft-spoken, dedicated veteran who works as a volunteer veterans' benefits advocate at Togus.

GEORGE SMITH : No room for animosities when seeking energy independence
Sure, we'll need to ramp up the use of Maine's abundant natural resources to produce more energy from wood, water and wind -- call them the 3 Ws -- and a little old nuclear plant might be good, too, or something exotic like that underground power unit proposed for Wiscasset.

PAUL GUERRETTE : Bank-credit union merger a 1-sided deal
The potential merger between Kennebec Savings Bank and KV Federal Credit Union has generated a lot of discussion, but also much misinformation.

Sun Journal
Disaster site might get memorial
SOUTH PORTLAND (AP) - A committee is looking into the possibility of putting a historical marker at the site of a plane crash that killed 19 people in Maine.

Maine stop a hit for Nader
PORTLAND (AP) - Ralph Nader received an enthusiastic reception when he spoke to about 250 people at a Portland church.

Judge testifies about Carey's conduct
AUBURN - A Rumford lawyer and former casino referendum official appeared at Androscoggin County Superior Courthouse on Tuesday to defend himself against efforts to suspend his license to practice law in Maine.

Candidates clash, blame each other for economic crisis
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The presidential candidates turned a town hall debate Tuesday night into a festival of blame, issuing dire warnings about the other's ability to rein in huge deficits and corral an economy spinning out of control.

Voters approve $5,000 for heat

Editorial
Voters need to see revised casino bill
Forget, for a moment, the rhetoric of the Oxford County casino campaign and focus upon where everyone agrees: The enacting legislation, as currently written, is an unmitigated disaster.

MPBN

Financial Crisis Plays Role in Maine Bond Sales

Amidst all of the handwringing over the world's financial markets, there's a flicker of good news coming from the state agency that borrows money on behalf of Maine's cities and towns. As Keith Shortall reports, the Maine Municipal Bond Bank yesterday sold more than 100 million dollars in bonds, and will pay an interest rate that's nearly half what it was only a few weeks ago.

For Collins and Allen It's Three Down and Seven to Go

Taxes, the federal bailout, transportation, health insurance and research and development were the major topics tackled this afternoon at a debate between incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins and her Democratic challenger, U.S. Representative Tom Allen. The two met in Brewer for the third in their series of ten debates to be held before the Nov. 4th election. As Anne Ravana reports, the questions posed by the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce attempted to get the candidates' opinions on local and national issues.

Political Parties Promote Absentee Ballots

With election day about a month away, Maine voters have already requested nearly 40 thousand absentee ballots. Today in Portland, the Maine Democratic Party held a news conference to remind the public of the early voting opportunities, and as Keith McKeen reports, party leaders are also emphasizing the need to ensure that voters are not disenfranchised as they have been in the past.

Nader Brings Independent Campaign to Portland

Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader was in Portland Monday night to speak with supporters at a rally at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church. Afterward, he sat down to answer questions from Josie Huang.

Maine News for Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Real Clear Politics
RCP Average 09/30 - 10/06 -- Obama 49.6 to McCain 43.8

Portland Press Herald
Nader's message brings local voters to their feet
The presidential candidate blasts the powers in Washington for the recent financial crisis.

Coalition pushes to keep drink tax
No on One says a 'few pennies' on beverages is worth it to fund Dirigo Health.

BILL NEMITZIs this vote on a casino, or Bailey?

House District 132: Two candidates cite different priorities
The incumbent hopes to resolve a boundary dispute. The challenger aims to be an advocate.

House District 133: Rivals emphasizing tax reform
Challenger Charity Kewish would look for savings; Donald Pilon suggests broadening the tax base.

Oil prices fall amid turmoil
A barrel of oil drops below $90 as consumers and businesses cut back on fuel consumption.

Editorial
Stabilization efforts and better regulation needed
Monday's market plunge shows that the $700 billion rescue bill was merely a starting point.

RON BANCROFTIn from the bullpen, Palin proves herself to be a knuckleballer
But the vice presidential debate was just a side session to this year's vital presidential race.

Bangor Daily News
'Cut-rate' stove sales place Glenburn man on hot seat

BANGOR, Maine — Police have charged a Glenburn man who they believe has been selling wood pellet stoves illegally from a Bangor retail store that he managed.

High court skeptical on claims of Maine smokers’ deception

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court returned to the stage Monday as justices weighed whether state laws can be used to challenge deceptive cigarette advertising in a case from Maine.

Energy crisis hijacks heating plans

Nearly three-quarters of Mainers who participated in a recent poll plan to turn down their thermostats this winter while 10 percent predicted they will not be able to adequately heat their homes due

Former Gov. King backs Obama on energy

BANGOR, Maine — Former Maine Gov. Angus King told a crowd of listeners at the Bangor Public Library on Monday that he has never been more scared or concerned about the future.

MMA doctors reject Question 1

BANGOR, Maine — Members of Maine’s medical community held a media blitz Monday with stops in Bangor and Portland to broadcast their opposition to Question 1.

Collins snags small-business endorsement

BREWER, Maine — Calling her re-election “critical to the small business owners” in Maine, the National Federation of Independent Business on Monday endorsed Susan Collins over her challenger

Tax breaks allowed for senior volunteers

AUGUSTA, Maine — Town officials across the state are cautiously eyeing a new law that allows them to provide senior citizens with another avenue for tax breaks.

Editorial

Made in the USA

If ever there was a reminder that the U.S. economy is too heavily tied to the ephemera of speculation, the current crisis is it.

Add your ideas to overhauling Maine government

About two years ago, Grow Smart Maine released the Brookings Institution report “Charting Maine’s Future.” GrowSmart is a statewide organization of 5,200 Maine people who reflect the full range

Kennebec Journal
Local shoppers looking to save wherever they can
AUGUSTA -- There is turmoil on Wall Street. A winter's worth of heating costs are looming.

Phantom load power loss adds up

State, union battle in D.C.
AUGUSTA -- The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in a case that pits 20 state workers against the Maine State Employees Association and the state of Maine.

New schools may wait as bonds curdle
AUGUSTA -- Facing the prospect of reduced revenues during the coming budget cycle, the state Department of Education will delay issuing bonds to finance 12 pending school construction projects.

AUGUSTA Bid to update city taxi fares hits red light
AUGUSTA -- City Center had to be one of the easiest places on Earth to hail a taxicab Monday night.

Editorials:

Seems obvious: Texting, iPods bad for drivers
Technology brings us wonderful things -- new ways to diagnose diseases, new ways to learn, new ways to communicate.

Drop a dime (or more) to help others keep warm
They don't look like a pile of firewood or a furnace, but they're just as likely to keep people warm this winter.

HEAT HELPERS
To get a canister for collecting donations at your workplace, call the United Way of Kennebec Valley at 626-3400.

DAVID B. OFFER : Fiscal meltdown happened when big banks forgot basic lessons
I think I am a former customer of Washington Mutual Savings Bank.

Sun Journal
Coalition backs new tax: Health care for 'pennies'
PORTLAND (AP) - A coalition trying to convince voters to keep a newly enacted tax on beer, wine and soda urged Mainers on Monday to find another way to show their frustration over taxes than to repeal funding that they say could leave Mainers without health coverage.

Maine solar homes welcome visitors
BUCKSPORT, Maine (AP) - Solar power groups say there are an estimated 3,000 solar users in Maine, ranging from elaborate homes to small cottages.

Casino backers check out land around Oxford
OXFORD - Representatives of the Olympia Group are in town this week to shop for a site for the proposed $150 million Oxford County resort casino.

State workers case hits highest court
AUGUSTA - The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in a case that pits 20 state workers against the Maine State Employees Association and the state of Maine.

Editorial
A second (district) of your time
News that the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain has turned its attention to Maine - well, the 2nd District anyway - has political prognosticators in a tizzy about what this says about the state.

Presidential campaigns entering the last act
Newspaper accounts of past presidential campaigns nearly always reveal the singular moment when the public finally decided who should prevail on Election Day. A foolish remark, a speech not made, an inability to catch an unexpected swing in the public mood. It's often less that the winner fired the silver bullet than that the loser forgot to duck. Only the hindsight of the historian actually determines the fateful moment.

MPBN

Study Assesses Question One Cost At $40 Million A Year

A report released Monday by the University of Maine says the state's new beverage taxes, at the heart of Question 1 on this November’s ballot, will cost Maine businesses and households more than 40 million dollars a year. The report does not taken an official position on the beverage tax, which funds the Dirigo Health Program. But as Anne Ravana reports, as election day approaches, campaigns for and against the tax, are raising their voices and boosting their advertising beginning this week.

PUC Okays $2 Million In Penalties, Approves Sale of Northern Utilities

State utility regulators today imposed 2 million dollars in penalties against Northern Utilities for what they call "probable" safety violations linked to nine incidents, including two house explosions and gas leaks in Southern Maine. As Keith Shortall reports, the Maine Public Utilities Commission also approved the $160 million purchase of Northern Utilities by Unitil Corporation.

Independent Hoffman Seeks Spot In TV Senate Debates

While Republican Sen. Susan Collins and her Democratic opponent, Congressman Tom Allen prepare for a series of statewide televised debates this month, Independent Senate candidate Herbert Hoffman is on the outside looking in. Hoffman is attempting to mount a write-in campaign for the race that he says was snatched from him by the courts. And although he did not meet the technical requirements for ballot status, he is attempting to convince the state's television stations that he should be included in the debates. A.J. Higgins has this report.

Older Workers Stay On The Job

As Mainers try to figure out how to deal with the combination of high fuel prices, an approaching winter and a declining economy, tightening the purse strings just isn't enough for some people. For older folks, it may mean putting off retirement, prolonging their working life and in some cases coming out of retirement to make ends meet. Tom Porter has the story.

Maine News for Monday, October 6, 2008

Real Clear Politics
RCP Average 09/26 - 10/04 Obamab 49.3 to McCain 43.4

Portland Press Herald
Senate District 5: Economy, taxes at top of agenda
The incumbent calls for further consolidation efforts; the challenger looks to control spending.

Senate District 4: Candidates differ on state insurance plan
Dirigo is a good start, says Nancy Sullivan, while Kristi Bryant feels creating more competition is the answer.

Senate District 3: Stackpole seeks to unseat Courtney in Senate race
The incumbent senator faces a challenge from the five-term school committee member.

Supreme Court to consider two cases from Maine in this term
It's considered unusual for the high court to accept even one case from Maine.

The money of color
Tourism businesses hope leaf-peepers and other fall visitors make up for a less-than-stellar summer.

Dubai aims to top its own tower record
Already home to the world's tallest building, the city plans a structure that would be two-thirds of a mile high.

Editorial

Heating season worries haven’t fully abated
The situation has improved, but prices could still spike and aid could run out.

Another View: Teacher learning helps professionals do a tough job
The staff development goals of the Portland teachers contract can lead to greater things.

LEIGH DONALDSONWould a rose by any other name be just as liberal?
Only in politics could a word meaning 'favoring progress or reform' turn into an insult.

Bangor Daily News

Analysts say Maine plays key election role

Maine’s 2nd Congressional District stretches from the western border with New Hampshire to the eastern tip of Washington County, encompassing everything north of Augusta.

2 new scams reported in Houlton area

HOULTON, Maine — The Police Department is warning residents to be wary of two new scams that have surfaced in the area.

Simplify your home energy audit to avoid delay

Every year, once Labor Day hits, we all get serious about winter. Of course, everyone and anyone involved in heating or energy is right out straight this year.

Cafeteria review mandate violated

AUGUSTA, Maine — Federal law requires every school cafeteria be inspected twice a year by state health inspectors, and even though only 3 percent of Maine’s 666 schools are meeting that standard

Patience, collaboration protect Vinalhaven cove

VINALHAVEN, Maine — The area known as The Basin is a short drive or bike ride from the village shops, traditional island homes and working waterfront along Vinalhaven’s downtown strip

Editorial

Cheney Unmasked

For those want to know more about Vice President Dick Cheney’s role in the troubled Bush administration, a gold mine awaits. It is a new book, “Angler,” by Barton Gellman, a Washington Post

Washington County’s Health

A new report presents a shockingly dismal picture of the health conditions in Washington County. Consider these highlights of the Community Health Status Report released by the Mane Center of Disease

Kennebec Journal

SENATE 24: Former lawmaker challenging Mitchell
AUGUSTA -- Former Republican state Rep. Kim Davis of Augusta is running for the state Senate this year to challenge Senate Majority Leader Elizabeth Mitchell, D-Vassalboro.

AUGUSTA: Hiking, cabs on agenda
AUGUSTA -- A plan to create hiking and other recreational trails, while banning ATVs for the next several years, from city-owned land between Bond Brook and the airport, as well as a controversial change in taxi cab rates, go to the City Council tonight.

Guardsmen receive thumbs up
WATERVILLE -- Military police who have helped to stabilize western Iraq won accolades for the accomplishment Sunday during a ceremony at the Waterville State Armory.

Monitoring usage, checking temperature of heaters can make a big difference

Briefs
LITCHFIELD -- The steering committee of the Litchfield Energy Savers Society is to meet 7 p.m. today at the Town Office.

Editorial

Common-sense tips to reduce energy use
Tighten your house. Unplug the appliances. Slow down when you drive.

Sun Journal

Fall foliage creates bonus tourist season
Jeanne McGurn is happy to see beautiful fall colors and full motorcoaches this leaf-peeping season.

He knows from experience: Every vote counts
LEWISTON - Bill Henshaw knows the value of a single vote. When the 77-year-old Republican ran for his first elected office - selectman in Sabattus - he thought he won by three votes. A recount revealed that he lost by one.

Seven Alaska employees to testify in Palin probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Seven Alaska state employees have reversed course and agreed to testify in an investigation into whether Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin abused her powers by firing a commissioner who refused to dismiss her former brother-in-law.

Editorial
Tailspin over an airplane
Some members of the Legislature's Criminal Justice Committee are miffed because the Department of Public Safety replaced one if its airplanes - using forfeited funds - without the committee's permission.

MPBN

Congressmen Maintain Positions in 2nd Bailout Vote

Maine's two congressman have stuck to their positions on the government's $700 billion financial bailout package which passed the House this afternoon. Tom Allen, representing the first district, voted in a favor of the amended Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, saying it was essential to stem the downward slide of the economy.

McCain to Focus on Winning Maine Votes

After announcing plans to concede Michigan to Democrat Barack Obama, the John McCain Campaign is rolling into Maine and a couple of other key states that Republicans believe could determine the winner in a close race. Maine is only one of two states that does not follow a winner-take-all approach in awarding its four votes to the Electoral College. AJ Higgins has more.

Independent Voter Explains His Presidential Choice

This election season we've been profiling Independent voters as they evaluate the presidential hopefuls. Last time we told you about a small business owner who's voting for John McCain. This week we introduce you to Louie Collins. He's not a soccer mom. But Collins comes pretty close. That's because he sells soccer balls, soccer cleats, soccer uniforms and all kinds of other soccer-related equipment to moms, dads and kids. As the manager of a sporting goods store Collins doesn't consider himself a political junkie. But he's following this election closely. And as Susan Sharon reports, he's throwing his support behind Barack Obama.