Maine News for Friday, October 17, 2008

Real Clear Politics
RCP Average 10/09 - 10/16 -- Obama 49.4 to McCain 42.8 Obama +6.6

Portland Press Herald
Vice presidential candidate feels right at home
Sarah Palin criticizes Barack Obama, and touts her working-class values, noting that Alaska and Maine have a lot in common.

Outside rally, Palin's detractors express a difference of opinion

Singer's appearance with Palin gives fan extra treat at rally
A visitor to Maine gets Lee Greenwood's autograph and hears him sing his signature hit, 'God Bless the USA.'

Frank touts middle-class stimulus during Portland visit
After the election, passing the $100 billion proposal is a top priority, he says.

Social Security has cushion for cracked nest eggs
A typical retiree's monthly check will jump $63 next year, but that's not likely to cover rising costs.

HOUSE DISTRICT 113: Two newcomers seek seat
Activist Joan Cohen and property manager Jeffrey Martin say taxes and the economy are key issues.

HOUSE DISTRICT 114: Candidates focused on fiscal issues
Economic revival is David Fernald’s goal; Peter Stuckey wants a balanced budget that preserves quality of life.

Believe it: Oil for $70 a barrel
Big jumps in U.S. crude and gasoline stocks continue the unexpected free-fall of energy prices.

Editorial

Moving up turnpike toll hike poses political risk
The Maine Turnpike Authority and its debt holders could end up feeling the backlash.

Government confirmation of visa fraud should bring action
A newspaper investigation suggested serious problems with H1B visas.

Maine's on a squirrel hunt, but Bay State's out for trophy game
Massachusetts voters have a shot at putting something with tusks over the fireplace on Nov. 4.

Bangor Daily News

Palin rallies 5,000 in Bangor

BANGOR, Maine — Peppering her speech with now-trademark folksiness and fresh criticisms of Barack Obama, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin tried to convince Maine voters that she and John McCain have what it takes to lead America out of tough economic times.

Dozens deliver protests at rally

BANGOR, Maine — Kathleen Brown might have been the bravest person at the Sarah Palin rally on Thursday.

State takes over seven nursing homes

Seven private nursing and assisted living centers in Maine, including the Penobscot Nursing Home and Northern Bay Residential Living Center in Penobscot, have been placed in state receivership because of evidence of corporate financial mismanagement.

$30M more in heating aid headed to Maine

WASHINGTON — Maine will receive another $30 million in federal heating assistance to low-income families, according to the Maine Housing Authority.

Finance chief warns of state spending cuts

AUGUSTA, Maine — Anticipating major state spending cuts, the Baldacci administration’s finance chief on Thursday briefed legislative budget writers on gubernatorial planning in the face of a declining economy in Maine.

Absentee ballots cast in Maine tops 28,000

PORTLAND, Maine — More than 28,000 Maine voters already have cast their ballots, even though the presidential election is nearly two weeks away.

Lincoln group seeks wind-farm moratorium

LINCOLN — As opponents of a $120 million wind development slated for Rollins Mountain, the Friends of Lincoln Lakes citizens group will ask the Town Council and Planning Board next week for

Editorial

Joe the Plumber

A new star emerged from Wednesday night’s final presidential debate: Joe the Plumber.

A Timely Honor

Maine is celebrating the accomplishments of Bernard Lown, a pioneering physician and Nobel Prize winner.

Readers passionate on ‘Palin effect’

This week ClickBack asked readers about the “Palin effect” and whether it would win over voters here in Maine.

Kennebec Journal
THOUSANDS HAIL PALIN
BANGOR -- Sarah Palin brought the Republican quest for Maine's four electoral votes to a frenzied crowd Thursday, rocking a packed hangar at Bangor International Airport in a rally loaded with plain talk and patriotism.

Palin strikes right chord with many during rally
BANGOR -- Peter Carrier, of Skowhegan, originally wanted to surprise his fiancée, Chelsey Martin, by bringing her to a political rally for Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

UMA Slightly fewer students taking more courses
AUGUSTA -- Fewer students are enrolled in classes at the University of Maine at Augusta, and those who have remained are taking on heavier course loads, enrollment figures show.

Collins claims center in race
AUGUSTA -- U.S. Sen. Susan Collins gave a somber assessment of the nation's economy Thursday in a speech to the Augusta Kiwanis.

Baldacci a target in House 79
A Democrat incumbent seeking re-election to the Legislature said legislators need to "exert themselves in leadership."

LITCHFIELD NOT IN OUR HOMES
LITCHFIELD -- The voters spoke loudly Thursday night, shooting down a proposal to fund an interior revaluation of homes in town.

Some rail opportunity
GARDINER -- Discontinued roads, railroad tracks, forgotten trails and old telephone and electrical utility lines may be woven into existing community trail systems.

McCain call ties Obama to terror
WAYNE -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain had almost won over Charles Clauss.

Editorial

Miller's life of public service gives perspective
Miller, a Democrat, has been member of the Legislature for the last four years, where she serves on the Health and Human Services Committee.

Flood has thoughtful, bipartisan approach
When Pat Flood retired, he says, he wanted to do one of two things: Either become a minister or a lawmaker.

JOSEPH R. REISERT : Great palaces, like political ads project politically useful images
Our family trip to Europe is supposed to be educational, but for a time this week I began to wonder whether it was teaching our children the wrong lessons. The idea was for them connect the names and dates of European history with real places and things, so that history would come alive for them.

Sun Journal

Palin touches base
BANGOR ­- Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, campaigning with an eye on winning at least one of Maine's electoral votes, criticized Democrat Barack Obama on Thursday for not disavowing a community activist group that registers voters.

Schools facing funding freeze
LEWISTON - The commissioner of education says school funding for next year may be frozen at this year's level, and school officials fear that would result in cuts to programs or positions.

Mainers cast 28,000 absentee ballots
PORTLAND (AP) - More than 28,000 Maine voters have already cast their ballots, even though the presidential election is nearly two weeks away.

Cuts loom; Maine's forecast downgraded
AUGUSTA - Anticipating major state cutbacks, the Baldacci administration's finance chief briefed legislative budget writers on gubernatorial planning as an advisory panel downgraded its assessment of economic trends in Maine.

Allen, Collins debate in Auburn
AUBURN - Maine's two candidates for the U.S. Senate sparred lightly on immigration policy and Iraq, among other issues, at an Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting Thursday.

Frary, Michaud both oppose bailout plan
WATERVILLE - During their debate at Colby College Thursday night, the candidates for the state's Second Congressional District disagreed only on particulars of the $700 billion bailout of the nation's economic system.

Protesters make their points at Palin rally
BANGOR - Kathleen Brown might have been the bravest person at the Sarah Palin rally on Thursday.

Editorial
Republicans being painted as economic aristocrats
America's government-by-television means instantly memorable image is everything. Our electoral decisions pivot less on issues and positions than on caricature - Dukakis peering out of a tank, Quayle misspelling potato, Kerry "looking French," as Republicans claimed. Rare is the iconography that represents deeper substance.


MPBN

Palin Entertains Huge Crowd In Bangor

Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin drew a crowd of about 5,000 Mainers at her rally in Bangor this morning. She spoke about lowering taxes, reviving the economy, gun rights and patriotism and criticized Barack Obama's plans for spending tax dollars. As Anne Ravana reports, the audience applauded Palin's connections to the outdoors and the military, and said they appreciate her direct way of speaking.

Michaud and Frary Prepare For Televised Debate

MPBN airs the first of three live debates this evening. Tonight it's the two candidates for Maine's second congressional district seat. Incumbent Democrat Mike Michaud faces a challenge from Republican John Frary. Keith Shortall has a preview of the event, which will be broadcast live from the campus of Colby College in Waterville.

McCain Supporters Accused of Smearing Tactics

As Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin touted the virtues of her running mate John McCain to supporters in Bangor this morning, their campaign was making another appeal via the phone. Josie Huang reports.

Gas and Heating Oil Prices Continue Trending Downward

Some of the lowest prices in over a year are popping up on gas pumps across Maine. Drivers are filling their tanks today for as little as $2.75 cents/gallon in some locations. The state wide average is just over 3 dollars. To the delight of consumers, the average price of home heating oil has also dropped to 3.28 per gallon. And as Keith McKeen reports, it may continue downward with crude oil hitting a 15 month low today of just under 68 dollars a barrel.

Mortgage Brokers Encouraged at Expo

Maine's Commissioner for Economic Development has been offering words of encouragement to the mortgage industry. Today he addressed the annual mortgage professional expo in Freeport - a networking event organized by the Maine Association of Mortgage Brokers. Tom Porter has details.

Capital Weekly

Mitchell: ‘There’s also great opportunity’
Augusta (By John Hale - 10/16)

Kim Davis: 'It's time for a change'
Augusta (By John Hale - 10/16)

Veteran Treat seeks another term in the House
Hallowell (By Sarah Reynolds - 10/16)

Jacques says Dirigo 'broken,' legal pot could help state economy
West Gardiner (By Sarah Reynolds - 10/16)

Benoit: Children and elderly No. 1 concern
Monmouth (By Joyce Grondin - 10/16)

McCormick: Legislature must make tough choices
West Gardiner (By Joyce Grondin - 10/16)

Maine News for Thursday, October 16, 2008

Real Clear Politics
RCP Average 10/08 - 10/15 -- Obama 49.6 to McCain 42.4 Obama +7.2

Portland Press Herald
McCain goes on attack, Obama fires right back
Candidates draw distinctions in a candid confrontation that marks the beginning of the sprint to Election Day.

For many voters, the debate was passé
Thousands of absentee ballots were cast before the candidates squared off.

Analysis: McCain missed opportunities in final debate
He took the right approach, but failed to take advantage of potentially key issues for undecided voters.

Mainers cautious as gas, oil prices fall
With costs still relatively high, consumers aren't likely to abandon their thrifty habits, experts say.

Turnpike may raise tolls a year early
The Authority blames high maintenance costs, lower traffic volume for a revenue decline this year.

Black voters 'sense that it's time'
Barack Obama's bid for the presidency inspires many to register to vote for the very first time.

BILL NEMITZA 'refreshing,' 'gun-totin' look at what makes Palin fans tick

AG hopefuls cite experience, negotiation skills
Three Democratic state lawmakers are competing to succeed Steven Rowe.

House District 116: Confrontation colors campaign
Incumbent finds himself under attack from rival, who says he's frustrated with fraud in government.

House District 115: Race for Cummings' seat offers three clear choices
Job creation, tax reform and reducing state spending dominate the District 115 debate.

House District 110: Three vie for chance to represent Windham
Incumbent Mark Bryant faces challenge from two: a Green Independent and a Republican.

Group endorses Collins for votes on conservation
Election 2008: The League of Conservation Voters cites the Maine senator's bipartisanship.

Panel to hear complaint over campaign flier
Election 2008: A Portland City Council candidate says the mayor’s materials give voters a false impression.

Editorial

Fisheries hearing points to the need for change
It's unlikely the current regulatory scheme will save both the fishermen and the fish.

Teri McRae should get second term in probate post
She's shown a commitment to accuracy and access that is worth keeping in place.

SEN. SUSAN COLLINSInvestment rules should be reformed to make ordinary stockholders safer
Encouraging Wall Street to buy securities with huge loans magnified the risk to Main Street.

Bangor Daily News

State may freeze school subsidies

AUGUSTA, Maine — Schools may have to get by with the current level of $986 million in state subsidies for the next budget year, Education Commissioner Susan Gendron warned school officials this week. She also said she cannot rule out a cut in this year’s aid.

Sears Island compromise tabled

AUGUSTA, Maine — A legislative panel has taken a dim view of a compromise proposal designed to split Sears Island into separate conservation and port-development zones.

UMaine gets more work for its watts

ORONO, Maine — Muscle met machine at the University of Maine on Wednesday morning when the UM department of computer science unveiled its new ecofriendly supercomputer,

Allen, Collins competing for groups’ endorsements

With Election Day less than three weeks away, the two major party candidates in Maine’s U.S. Senate race have been competing for specific endorsements as they try to win the support of voters.

Airport expansion delayed in Portland

PORTLAND, Maine — Uncertainty in the bond markets is delaying a passenger terminal expansion for Maine’s busiest airport.

Turnpike toll hike moved up to ’09

AUGUSTA, Maine — Faced with rising costs and shrinking revenues, the Maine Turnpike Authority has decided to push back a widening plan for the Portland area and move up by a year a planned toll

Laid-off workers decry GOP economic policies

OLD TOWN, Maine — The handful of union men and women waved their blue “Obama” signs Wednesday afternoon in the shadow of the former Georgia-Pacific paper mill.

Governor Palin’s Maine ancestry

When Alaska Gov. and Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin visits Bangor today, she’ll be campaigning a scant 50 miles from where her maternal ancestors lived for more than four decades in the 19th century.

Insurance costs soar beyond wages

Health insurance premiums in Maine rose more than five times faster than median income in the state between 2000 and 2007, according to a new report from the national health care advocacy

RNC pulls Maine TV ads

BANGOR, Maine — On the eve of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s scheduled visit to Bangor, the Republican National Committee announced it was pulling presidential ads from both

McCain, Obama get tough in debate

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — John McCain told Barack Obama to his face Wednesday night, “You didn’t tell the American people the truth” about a key campaign pledge as the two presidential rivals slung accusations at close quarters in the final debate of their campaign for the White House.

Drop in price has lobstermen worried

DEER ISLE, Maine — Deer Isle lobsterman LeRoy Bridges lost two traps recently. When he figured out how much it would cost to replace them, he realized how bad the state’s lobster price crisis

Political pressure among ideas to save lobster industry

DEER ISLE, Maine — In an effort to generate a market for Maine lobster, the Maine Lobster Promotion Council has developed a radio campaign in Maine that will run public service announcements on 25 radio stations around the state.

Kennebec Journal

Housing bond sale successful for Maine
AUGUSTA -- After a week of selling bonds exclusively to individual Maine investors, MaineHousing has surpassed its goal of earning $23 million to finance its homebuyer program.

Key vote on credit union, bank merger pushed back
AUGUSTA -- KV Federal Credit Union's board of directors has voted to advance the credit union's proposal to merge with Kennebec Savings Bank, while delaying a key part of the merger process by approximately three months.

JEFFERSON Guilty of tax evasion, woman faces up to 8 years, $500,000 fine
PORTLAND -- A Jefferson woman accused of failing to pay nearly $200,000 in federal income taxes has been found guilty of tax evasion and impeding the investigation.

RICHMOND Residents asked to OK high school work
RICHMOND -- Voters at a special town meeting Monday will be asked for permission to borrow nearly $700,000 for a new air exchanger system for Richmond High School, although officials said they may not actually need that permission.

Signs of life for delayed transportation bond sale
AUGUSTA -- The head of the Maine Municipal Bond Bank said Wednesday he will again try to sell a $50 million transportation bond next week, now that the markets have settled down.

3 want to be AG
Three Democratic state lawmakers hoping to be Maine's next attorney general spoke to a group of lawyers Wednesday at a forum held by Portland law firm Pierce Atwood.

Editorial

Treat grasps complexities of Maine economy
West Gardiner, Farmingdale and Hallowell voters have a clear choice between candidates for the state House of Representatives.

Browne's got a common-sense attitude
William Browne, 66, is running for his fourth term in the House, representing District 58.

LIZ SOARES : Origin doesn't matter in president, but a spark of intelligence does
This isn't a column bemoaning vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin's displays of ignorance. They have, quite frankly, left me speechless.

Curtis strong on infrastructure
Voters in House District 86 face a choice between the incumbent, Philip A. Curtis, a solid Republican lawmaker, and Kathleen V. "Katie" Ouilette, a feisty Republican-turned-Democrat.

Sun Journal
Turnpike Authority to increase tolls in '09
AUGUSTA - Maine Turnpike users can expect to see toll increases averaging 23 percent in February, a year sooner than expected, turnpike Executive Director Paul Violette told a legislative committee Wednesday.

Drugs fueling increase in crime in Maine
PORTLAND (AP) - The top cop in Maine's largest city says drugs are fueling an increase in crime.

Maine airport expansion is delayed
PORTLAND (AP) - Uncertainty in the bond markets is delaying a passenger terminal expansion for Maine's busiest airport.

State pulls fired druggist's license
AUGUSTA - The Maine Board of Pharmacy on Tuesday revoked the license of fired Bethel Rite Aid pharmacist John Bartash Jr. of Rumford, who was accused of stealing drugs from the pharmacy in August.

GOP pulls Maine ads
BANGOR - On the eve of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's scheduled visit to Bangor, the Republican National Committee announced it was pulling presidential ads from both Wisconsin and Maine.

On final time, it's personal
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - John McCain assailed Barack Obama's character and campaign positions on taxes, abortion and more Wednesday night, hoping to transform their final presidential debate into a launching pad for a political comeback. "You didn't tell the American people the truth," he charged.

Editorial
With Palin, the crowd is now in focus
Sometime today, after the hangar doors at Bangor International Airport open at 8 a.m., a jet will descend into Maine's 2nd District to deliver the most controversial figure of this presidential campaign: Gov. Sarah Palin.

Connecticut court rules against societal norms
Anyone desiring a preview of what the federal judiciary would look like under a Barack Obama administration need look no further than a narrow ruling by the Connecticut Supreme Court allowing same-sex "marriage."

MPBN

Laid-off Millworkers Denounce Republican Policies

A group of laid-off mill workers and delivery drivers gathered in Old Town this afternoon to protest Bush and McCain's economic policies in advance of Thursday's expected visit from vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. The workers say they blame the Republican leaders for the closure of the Georgia Pacific, now Red Shield, mill in Old Town and the DHL delivery station in Brewer. As Anne Ravana reports, the group says Barack Obama's economic plan could restore what they call a disappearing middle class.

Senator Collins Endorsed by Conservation Group

It's a coup of sorts, considering that the DC-based environmental group says it is not endorsing Republicans in any other U.S. Senate races this election cycle. Tony Macero, of the League of Conservation Voters says Collins has been an important ally on global warming, the issue that the group deems most important. Josie Huang reports.

Jetport Expansion Delayed

Among the many Maine victims of the nation's financial crisis is the Portland International Jetport. Maine's largest airport is delaying plans to market bonds for a 60 million dollar expansion project that would include a four story addition to the airport's terminal. As Keith McKeen reports, work on the facility, set to begin next spring, has been put on hold until the spring of 2010.

Casino Opponents Challenge the Gambling Proposal

A group of Oxford County residents held a meeting this afternoon to express their opposition to a proposed casino resort in the area. Tom Porter has this report.

Sears Island's Future May Finally Be Decided

A truce may be at hand in the 30-year debate over the future of Sears Island, an uninhabited 940-acre parcel in Penobscot Bay. Conservationists have fought to preserve the state-owned island against those who would like to see it developed as a cargo port. On Wednesday, a legislative committee met to review the latest plan, but as A.J. Higgins reports, some lawmakers question whether the agreement will actually end the controversy.

Maine News for Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Real Clear Politics
RCP Average 10/07 - 10/14 -- Obama 50.1 to McCain 42.1

Portland Press Herald
Maine Democrats unfazed by Palins' visits
They've been deploying volunteers to go door-to-door from 34 offices statewide.

Infusion to banks kindles new hope
The U.S. is pouring up to $250 billion into banks and is counting on them to ease the credit crunch.

Rivals spar over Iraq, partisanship, economy
Positions outlined as race tightens three weeks before Nov. 4 election

Maine's delegation optimistic about plan

Jetport expansion delayed for a year due to bond market
Under the revised schedule, the earliest the expansion would open is the fall of 2011.

Regulators, fishing industry spar over plans to cut days at sea
Fishermen at a meeting in Portland Tuesday say potential 18 percent cuts could kill the Maine fleet.

House District 112: Falmouth residents vie for seat
Both hopefuls favor school consolidation in general, but question whether it's a good move for their town.

House District 108: Rivals back school consolidation
Strang Burgess says state needs to cut spending and taxes; Bonechi would work to attract business.

House District 107: Candidates push for changes
Innes sees affordable health care as a priority; Bicknell wants to control and shrink state spending.

Bangor man faces new charges in phone-jamming case
Ex-GOP official James Tobin is now charged with lying to the FBI.

Wood fuel demand worries foresters
Conference attendees say there could be less wood for paper and lumber.

NRA mailer targets Obama
Postcards sent to Maine members claim that the Democratic candidate has a 'radical record.'

Oxford Aviation agrees to expand in Brunwick

Overdue stimulus checks on the way
Checks were delayed to married couples whose names didn't match Social Security numbers.

Editorial

Though not easy, school mergers are needed
Voters in southern Maine will be asked to create five new consolidated school districts.

Legislature should set the tone with its own cuts
The lawmakers themselves don't spend a lot, but leadership demands they find savings.

JEFFREY MESSERScarborough voters should consider the good that a racino could do
Those who worry about gambling's inroads should understand that it is present already.

Bangor Daily News

Kits to help volunteers winterize homes

In preparation for the cold season ahead, the state has bought 2,000 home winterization kits for low-income Mainers.

Demands on forests changing

ORONO, Maine — As more wood is used for fuel, the demands on Maine’s forests are changing quickly — and that might affect the long-term viability of Maine’s iconic industry, said attendees Tuesday at a conference at the University of Maine.

Dog breeders: We’re not being heard

AUGUSTA, Maine — Breeders and dog aficionados across the state are saying their voices are not being heard by state Animal Welfare Division Director Norma Worley, whom they describe as being too aggressive and failing to work with local dog rescue groups and private shelters.

Park ranger was ‘out of control’

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK — A supervising park ranger thought another ranger was “out of control” during an Aug. 18 confrontation on Day Mountain that resulted in fractured facial bones for a Seal Harbor man, according to internal park ranger reports about the incident.

Maine Senate race fundraising a record

Third-quarter campaign fundraising figures released Tuesday by the U.S. Senate campaigns of Rep. Tom Allen and Sen. Susan Collins show that Collins raised $52,000 more than her opponent in July, August and September.

Mainers snap up Palin rally tickets

BANGOR, Maine — Her visit to Bangor had been announced for about 24 hours, and already, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin needed a bigger venue.

Editorial

What would Buffett do?

As panic selling spread and stock markets plunged with no bottom yet in sight, Warren Buffett, the world’s richest person, followed the example of J. Pierpont Morgan in the Panic of 1907 and did some buying.

A vote for respect

After a week of increasingly bitter and personal attacks, Republican presidential nominee John McCain has asked his supporters for a more respectful campaign. We hope this means a new direction for the McCain campaign, a new direction that will be on view Thursday when his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is in town.

Kennebec Journal
STATE'S DEMOCRATS SHRUG OFF PALIN VISIT
Maine's Democratic Party is ready for Sarah Palin's visit on Thursday.

Allen, Collins cite differences during their debate for Senate
With three weeks remaining before Election Day, the candidates for U.S. Senate in Maine honed their messages Tuesday in a midday debate punctuated by disagreements over partisanship, health care and the impact of Bush administration economic and foreign policies.

KENNEBEC COUNTY Both list experience in commission race
The two people vying to become a Kennebec County commissioner each bring years of experience -- one in finance as well as local and county government, and the other in state government leadership as well as corrections and community issues.

HALLOWELL City won't go for funds
HALLOWELL -- Hallowell will not seek state bond funding to enhance the city waterfront.

Anti-scam guide for older people
The state is offering free advice for older Maine citizens on how to protect their homes, finances and identities, and how to cut down on unwanted telemarketing calls and junk mail.

Anti-violence body to 4-day workweek
AUGUSTA -- The Family Violence Project, which offers services for victims of domestic violence, is switching its main office hours to a four-day work week to address soaring fuel costs.

BRIEFS
CHINA -- School Committee members will continue discussion of a proposed regional school unit with four Oakland-area towns at Thursday's meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. in the China Middle School library.

SAD 47 to eye sports at tonight's meeting
SIDNEY -- School Administrative District 47 directors will review fall sports participation and get an update on school consolidation developments when they meet tonight.

Sarah Palin will visit Bangor for airport rally
AUGUSTA -- Vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin will appear at a rally Thursday in Bangor as she winds up a series of campaign stops taking her from the South to New England.

Editorial

Finch knows education vital to workforce
The voters of House District 84 have been well-represented during the past six years by Democrat Ed Finch. A retired teacher and 11-year veteran of the SAD 49 board (which includes the towns of Albion, Benton, Clinton and Fairfield), Finch says that "education is my life." And he's made education the focus of his work in the Statehouse, where he has been an informed and thoughtful voice on the Education Committee during a time of great change.

RON PHILLIPS : Amend U.S. bankruptcy law to help prevent foreclosures
In the wake of the $700 billion "bailout" bill, it is difficult to come up with a clear insight about what happened, what is happening or what will happen in the financial markets.

GEORGE SMITH : Author's account of life in woods the 'ultimate in escapist literature'
She took to the woods in 1933 and although she would eventually move to the coast and even live out-of-state, Louise Dickinson Rich's life was defined by Forest Lodge on the Rapid River.

Sun Journal

NRA postcard against Obama
LEWISTON - Maine members of the National Rifle Association and other local sportsmen recently have received anti-Obama mailings as part of the group's multimillion-dollar fall campaigning blitz.

GOP phone jamming leads to new charges
PORTLAND (AP) - A former Republican official accused of taking part in a plot to jam Democratic phone lines in New Hampshire on Election Day 2002 is facing new charges.

Senate candidates debate for 5th time
PORTLAND (AP) - Sen. Susan Collins and Rep. Tom Allen stuck to familiar campaign themes Tuesday during the fifth of their 10 Senate debates, but shared one complaint in common: third-party TV ads that portrayed them as villains.

Vegas-funded casino PAC outspends opponents 18-1
AUGUSTA - A political action committee backing a proposed resort casino in Oxford has outspent an anti-casino PAC by a margin of nearly 18-1.

Energy needs taxing forests
ORONO - As more wood is used for fuel, the demands on Maine's forests are changing quickly - and that might affect the long-term viability of Maine's iconic industry, said attendees Tuesday at a conference at the University of Maine.

Collins, Allen raise more than $13 million
PORTLAND (AP) - Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Tom Allen have together raised more than $13 million in their Senate race, the most expensive political campaign in Maine history.

Editorial
Sweetening the bailout's sourness
Kudos to the U.S. Treasury for making the bailout plan better. Taxpayers should prefer "helping" banks make bad loans disappear to just removing horrendous debt from their books in one swath.

McCain gives up principle to play the politics game
My 401(k) is down $21,000 since the end of September. And John McCain thinks I should be worried about William Ayers.

MPBN

Practicing Medicine Is Like Pulling Teeth

In Maine, there are just not enough dentists to go around. For roughly every 2,200 Mainers there is just one dentist, according to one estimate. That's compared to the national average of one dentist for every 1,600 patients. An innovative program uses not dentists, but doctors to help alleviate the shortage. Josie Huang has more on the story.

Husson Earns University Status

At the stroke of midnight Saturday, Husson College in Bangor was renamed Husson University. No longer a business and nursing school, Husson now offers more than 25 graduate and undergraduate degrees and certificates at satellite campuses throughout the state. As Anne Ravana reports, the school, and its reputation, have come a long way.

Tom Allen Focuses on "Change in Direction"

After serving for 11 Years as Southern Maine's Representative in congress, Democrat Tom Allen now has his sights set on the US Senate. Allen's message has focused on the call for a change in direction away from the Bush policies that he says have left Mainers in worse shape than they were eight years ago. In challenging two-term, Republican incumbent Susan Collins, Allen has tried to tie Collins to Bush, and at the same time build support for his campaign in the more conservative second district. A.J. Higgins has this profile as part of MPBN'S "YOUR VOTE 2008" coverage.

Canada Deciding On New Prime Minister

Maine's closest international trading partner is going to the polls today to elect a new government. For Canadian Prime minister Stephen Harper, it's a chance to turn a ruling minority government into a majority, while liberal leader Stephane Dion - leader of the main opposition party - is hoping to unseat his conservative party rival. Earlier Tom Porter asked Professor Howard Cody, from the University of Maine's Canadian studies program, why Mainers should care what happens across the border.

Tribes Keep Close Watch on Casino Campaign

Leaders of the Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe are closely watching the casino campaign unfolding in Oxford County. Over the last 14 years, Maine's two Indian tribes have seen their own hopes and plans for a casino in Calais, a high stakes bingo operation in Oxford County, a casino in southern Maine and, last year, a racino in Washington County, defeated at every turn. And as Susan Sharon reports, despite their silence this election, they have strong feelings about the outcome of Question 2 on the statewide ballot.

Maine News for Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Real Clear Politics
RCP Average 10/06 - 10/13 Obama 49.7 to McCain 42.8

Portland Press Herald
Maine bankers open to Bush stock-buying plan
However, some are wary about government interference and its potential for the industry. \

Foes Collins, Allen take in more than $1.5 million from financial sector
Figures show the big role of banking, investment, insurance and real estate interests.

Report: H1B visa program flawed
Homeland Security finds that tens of thousands of visas have been granted under false pretenses.

Obama pushes plan to boost economy
The Democratic candidate calls for a moratorium on home foreclosures and a tax break for businesses.

GOP targets Maine votes with Palin's Bangor stop
The McCain campaign wants all four of Maine's electoral votes, not just the one for the 2nd District.

Pro-casino PAC outspends opponents by almost 18-1
All of its $522,029 for ads is from the Las Vegas firm that wants to build in Oxford.

Researcher calls for focus on climate change
UMaine's Paul Mayewski says voters should pay more attention to the issue of global warming.

Senate District 11: Political newcomer challenges veteran
Former House member Gerald Davis and Jeanne Hulit disagree about school consolidation.

Senate District 12: Two seek to upend longtime incumbent
Bill Diamond wants more business incentives; Thomas Golebiewski wants to end Dirigo.

House District 102: Democrat Shaw unopposed as Moore drops out of race
Rep. Gary Moore's name is on the ballot, but he has suspended his campaign.

House District 106: Candidates call for tax cuts, consolidation
Webster favors cuts in government to balance the budget; Davis hopes to stimulate job growth.

Editorial
End to market slide just a first step in recovery
The real work will start on Nov. 5, when leaders can be candid about misuse of consumer debt.

RON BANCROFTWhen times got tough before, FDR spoke words worth hearing today
We need to take a deep breath, step back from personal attacks and have courage.

Bangor Daily News

Palin to hold rally at BIA on Thursday

BANGOR, Maine — It seems her husband was simply the warm-up act. Five days after Todd Palin spent the weekend campaigning in Maine, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin will hold a

Economic woes squeeze pet owners

BANGOR, Maine — During the hour-long evening meal in the soup kitchen at Manna Ministries Inc., Executive Director Bill Rae notices “doggy bags” being stuffed inside purses and pockets.

Calais hopes gas-price drop will spur shoppers

CALAIS, Maine — In May, the price of gasoline was tipping the $4 mark in Washington County’s largest city, but by Columbus Day the price had dropped to $3.09 a gallon.

Will race factor into presidential race in Maine?

AUGUSTA, Maine — In the second-whitest state in the nation, race will play a role in how Mainers vote in the presidential race, but political observers do not believe it will be a big role.

Pingree, Summers talk NAFTA, health care

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine’s 1st Congressional District candidates differ on whether they could support a single-payer health care system and on the merits of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Bangor activist a Hartman award winner

ORONO, Maine — Ilze Petersons of the Bangor-based Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine has been named one of three winners of the Maryann Hartman Award, given by the Women in the Curriculum

Pro-casino PAC far outspends critics

PORTLAND, Maine — A political action committee backing a proposed resort casino in Oxford has outspent an anti-casino PAC by nearly 18-to-1, with all of its money coming from the Las Vegas company

Barney Frank to come to Maine for Dems

PORTLAND, Maine — Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank is coming to Maine two weeks after canceling an earlier visit so he could stay in Washington and deal with the financial industry bailout

Editorial

Economic Realities

As difficult as it was to shrink the state budget earlier this year, lawmakers will face an even more difficult task next year.

Lessons for Liberalism

Liberal commentators are looking at polls and declaring conservatism dead. The obituary may be a bit premature, but their optimism is understandable.

Kennebec Journal

Climate-change researcher set to speak at UMA convocation Sunday
AUGUSTA -- Paul Mayewski has visited remote reaches of the planet, leading expeditions to collect snow samples and ice cores in an effort to reconstruct the planet's climate history.

Ex-lawmaker, city retiree seek District 56 seat
AUGUSTA -- Two women from Augusta are battling to represent the city's east side in the Legislature, a race that features a former lawmaker against a retired city employee.

Revaluing interiors on Litchfield warrant
LITCHFIELD -- Voters on Thursday will decide whether to fund a townwide revaluation of home interiors.

Litchfield agency seeks to fill heat need
LITCHFIELD -- Thirty-three families in town want to stay warmer this fall and winter, so they have signed up to have Keep ME Warm kits installed by volunteers at the end of the month.

Editorials:

Piotti has good start on state tax reform effort
Democrat John Piotti is a strong and effective advocate for the state's dairy industry, much of which is located in the district.

Trahan poised to add spark to GOP senators
For four years, the residents in Maine Senate District 20 have been ably represented by Republican Dana Dow, a Waldoboro businessman whose essential pragmatism has often allowed him to transcend politics in a very partisan Statehouse.

DAVID B. OFFER : Forget the casino in Oxford; send your money directly to Las Vegas
Forget the stock market. Forget home foreclosures. Forget reality.

Sun Journal
Barney Frank coming to Maine
PORTLAND (AP) - Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank is coming to Maine two weeks after canceling an earlier visit so he could stay in Washington and deal with the financial industry bailout.

$3.50 lobsters support industry
STONINGTON (AP) - Lobster lovers got a deal over the weekend in Stonington.

Moose hunt resumes in Maine
GREENVILLE, Maine (AP) - Rainy and cloudy weather started off the day in northern Maine as the second week of moose hunting got under way. Hunting ends Saturday for the 1,747 hunters eligible to take part in this segment of the season.

Maine town to unveil new municipal wind turbine
KITTERY, Maine (AP) - Kittery this week will become the latest Maine town to unveil a municipal wind turbine.

As CD comes out, LaMontagne reflects on hard times in his life
Maine singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne has had enough success to not worry about basic living necessities. But he's not so far away from poverty that he's forgotten the roughness of a hardscrabble life.

Editorial
State must prepare for down times
The next great collapse, after the market, could be state governments.

Say what you want, Palin has what it takes
Despite everything John McCain and Barack Obama can do, Sarah Palin continues to be the liveliest of the candidates, now starting the clubhouse turn and about to race down the homestretch.

MPBN

Tribes Keep Close Watch on Casino Campaign

Leaders of the Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe are closely watching the casino campaign unfolding in Oxford County. Over the last 14 years, Maine's two Indian tribes have seen their own hopes and plans for a casino in Calais, a high stakes bingo operation in Oxford County, a casino in southern Maine and, last year, a racino in Washington County, defeated at every turn. And as Susan Sharon reports, despite their silence this election, they have strong feelings about the outcome of Question 2 on the statewide ballot.

Students Fear Possible Credit Loan Crunch

The Bush administration recently announced it would be taking further steps to support the student loan market in the next academic year. For students in Maine, the credit crunch has not yet had a direct impact on the availability of federal or private loans, says Beth Bordowitz, acting Chief Executive of the Finance Authority of Maine, or FAME, which administers the State's higher education finance programs. Tom Porter has details.

Scallop Processing Recommended Downeast

Cobscook Bay is one of the only areas in the state where sea scallops are still plentiful. That may be due to the efforts of the Cobscook Bay Fishermen's Association, who in 2001 asked the state to begin regulating their fishery. Now the association, with the help of the Cobscook Bay Resource Center, is looking to build a processing facility in downtown Eastport and market its scallops separately from the others harvested in New England. Anne Ravana has more.

Music Critical to Political TV Ads

The political TV ad has become a powerful weapon in the modern campaign arsenal. The effect is either positive, or negative, depending on how the producer combines the message of image, word and music. Music is a critical, if sometimes understated, part of the overall mix, says one USM music instructor, who called upon his summer music camp students to compose scores for campaign ads. Keith Shortall spoke recently with Alan Kaschub about the music theory behind the message.