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:

Latest Newscast
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

Maine News for Friday, September 7, 2007

PRESS HERALD:

Oil dealers asked to increase discount At least one company has already pulled out of the program for low-income Maine fuel customers.

OP /ED: BILL NEMITZ: Ethan the Explorer hangs back

DirigoChoice partners with Harvard Pilgrim The nonprofit takes over for Anthem on Jan. 1 and will offer the same benefits and subsidies.

State to put more emphasis on early childhood services A new commission's goal is to lay out a plan for investment and to identify the revenue sources.

Column: Jeff Wood
State needs to rein in big, fast boats The rules for what engines can be used on inland waterways should protect the greater good.

LTE: Vietnam, Iraq comparison misleading

BANGOR DAILY:

Ex-Guardsman pleads guilty to wire fraudBANGOR, Maine - A former member of the Maine Army National Guard who allegedly forged orders so he could continue to receive his civilian paycheck while on active duty pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court to fraud charges.

State picks new carrier for DirigoHarvard Pilgrim Health Care has been selected to administer Maine's subsidized DirigoChoice health insurance program, state officials announced Thursday.

Scofflaws pay up for passports AUGUSTA, Maine - Earlier this year, a Maine businessman found out the hard way that the government is serious about collecting child support payments.

Today's Editorial:
Whale rules revisitedFederal regulators have improved proposed rules aimed at preventing whales from becoming entangled in lobster gear by exempting more Maine waters from the regulations.

Friday's Letters to the Editor

KENNEBEC JOURNAL:

State urged to invest in children AUGUSTA -- Attorney General Steven Rowe told members of a new commission Thursday that spending more money on early childhood services now will save money later.

Countyleadersrip jailplan AUGUSTA -- Gov. John Baldacci's plan to take over county jails while leaving the cost of building them with local property taxpayers amounts to "taxation without representation," Windsor Selectman Gerald Nault told other members of the Kennebec County Budget Committee Thursday.

JOSEPH R. REISERT : The trouble with Granite State's inner spoiled child Our presidential nominating process, never exactly a model of rationality, now teeters on the brink of complete absurdity. Although the first primary elections are scheduled to take place only a few months from now, the electoral calendar is still undecided.

MORNING SENTINEL:

Senators speak Saturday SKOWHEGAN -- U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan M. Collins are expected to speak Saturday at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Northwood University Margaret Chase Smith Library on Norridgewock Avenue.

LTE: Foreigners should learn English language Why is it that we are pandering to foreign language junkies? Since immigration started in this country people have come here speaking other tongues and have had to make the choice to learn English to survive.

SUN JOURNAL:

Guard unit prepares to disband LEWISTON - Rene Morin hoped to spend his whole National Guard career in his hometown unit - the one he served with in Iraq.

EDITORIAL: 'Signatures Inc.' needs a dash of discretion

If necessity is the mother of invention, then ineptitude is the first cousin of citizens' petitions. When lawmakers falter, "grass-roots" efforts arise to give voice to the people.

And when this voice needs amplification, it dials Stavros Mendros, who hasn't met a referendum question he didn't like. Name your issue, he'll name his price and put his signature-gathering machine to work.

It should be little surprise supposed grass-roots efforts are germinated with cash money. Mendros, to his credit, has the entrepreneurial guile to position himself as master of ceremonies for these special interests who covet a spot on the Maine ballot. He's a veritable Karl Rove when it comes to organizing petition drives.

And that's a compliment.

Some will say this is corrupting democracy, as paid signature-gathering campaigns for so-called grass-roots initiatives is counterintuitive, or downright disingenuous. Mendros, in defense, calls it direct democracy, as all ideas - regardless of who proposes or propels them - deserve their chance before the voters.

And you know what? He's absolutely right.

But only to a point.

Popular ideas often stumble in the legislative process, or wilt under its political heat. Citizen initiatives can resurrect good ideas, force lawmakers to attend to certain issues, or retaliate against poor partisan policymaking.

A vehicle like Mendros that directs these proposals through the signature-gathering process is a necessary and valuable commodity, as long as it addresses the needs of Maine and its people. The alternative, more mercenary approach - which Mendros embraces - creates the perfect environment for the system to be abused.

Like the open real estate listing drive Mendros is stewarding. There's neither a strong Maine connection to the issue, nor a groundswell of support here for its enaction. It's the brainchild of a California man, tired of crummy real estate dealings, who looks at Maine as an easy target for setting a precedent of legality for his idea.

We don't fault Mendros for his business instinct and acumen. Our concern is the lack of discretion - while voters should be free to decide any topic, our votes should not be collected as coinage for organizations seeking to build infrastructure for a new model, especially one that could be a business scheme.

There's a difference between direct democracy and democracy-for-profit. Although Mendros paints himself as democracy's defender, he's really a soldier-of-fortune. Wariness about his motives will remain until his attitude toward petitions changes, or laws regarding these initiatives are altered.

Perhaps a grass-roots effort would make the latter occur. A political action committee could form, "Mainers for Greater Discretion in Citizen Initiatives," to advocate for legislation.We know who should be hired to gather signatures.

LTE: A man and his buddiesAfter reading some recent letters by GOP and President Bush supporters, I think these people have been drinking neocon Kool-Aid and know the talking points.

ELLSWORTH AMERICAN:

USDA to Close Its Ellsworth Farm Office

ELLSWORTH — Diminishing demand for services is prompting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to recommend that its Hancock County Farm Service Agency (FSA) office in Ellsworth be closed early next year.

Blue Hill Fair Straw Poll Results

Hillary Clinton wonThe Ellsworth American Blue Hill Fair Straw Poll, see the "voto" gallery!

EDITORIAL:
“Nine Nineties in Nine”

Former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and journalist Marvin Kalb recently called on every United States presidential candidate, Republican and Democrat, to agree that, if nominated, they would take part in nine 90-minute debates in the nine weeks leading up to next fall’s election day.

CAPITAL WEEKLY:

Rep. Dean Jones dies

LTE: Cynical
I can't help but have nothing but cynicism for the much-touted Petraeus Report, but I'm somewhat curious as to what spin the administration will dish out to Congress and the American public to get them to buy into continuing their ill conceived and mismanaged war in Iraq.
CBS:

New Anti-Iraq War Ads Up Against Vulnerable SenatorsNorm Coleman (R-Minn), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Pete Domenici (RN.M.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to “bring the troops home. ...

DESERET NEWS:

US Senate vote on Utah's 4th seat likely in mid-SeptemberSusan Collins, R-Maine, that spells out that the bill does not mean the District of Columbia can get two senators. DC Vote and other supporters have been ...

SALEM NEWS:

Senators Introduce Legislation to Restore America’s Aging Roads ...... Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), David Vitter (R-LA), and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced today the bipartisan “Build America Bonds” Act. By ...

DICKSON HERALD:

Thompson's career path may lead to biggest role yetSusan Collins, R-Maine. "By that I mean he was never afraid to cast a vote or take a stand regardless of the political consequences. ...

BLOGS:

The Lives That Begin and End at Age 21 - As an Iraq War veteran, watching Charles Ferguson's documentary, No End in Sight, left me frustrated at those such as Donald Rumsfeld whose arrogance cost American and Iraqi lives.

Ken Lindell Column: Marginalizing Ron Paul is Bad for the Republican Party - One could say that the strength of his campaign has been unsettling to Republicans who have talked the small government talk, but walked the big government walk.

One More Disgusting Leftist Ad Against Collins - Using images of children in combat camouflage, a coalition of anti-war groups is airing about $500,000 in ads against Senate Republicans.

Alternate Universe Presidential Poll

Dems already discount war report

Obama to visit Maine

Ron Paul at the GOP debate in New Hampshire

Post-debate interview with Fox’s Carl Cameron

Ripping Romney - There’s a fun new site called RomneyFacts.com which includes such goodies as his rap sheet of former arrests.

GOP 2008: Pick Your Own War Lord - Gen. David Petraeus for President? It’s a great idea according to the right wing conservatives who are looking for someone to “finish the work of winning the war and redeeming the sacrifice of so many Iraqis, allies, and our own GIs.” Mind you, none of these conservatives (ditto their kids) have any plans of enlisting.

Judge Marrero RJs the Patriot Act - U.S. District Judge Marrero struck down a key part of the USA Patriot Act, defending the need for judicial oversight of laws and gave Congress a “wag of the finger” for passing a law that makes possible “far-reaching invasions of liberty.”
Craig Watch - Radio silence, still, from camp Collins on the Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) situation, which now seems likely to drag on quite a bit longer.

Glenn Hurowitz: Why are Democrats Trying to Own the War?Maine Senator Susan Collins, who's facing a contentious reelection has been grasping at straws to try and prove she wants to end the Iraq War -- sponsoring or co-sponsoring a bewildering array of non-binding legislation dealing with ...

TV AD: Sen. Collins, should we start training our kids now?New TV ad targets Republican Senator Susan Collins for her continued support for the war in Iraq. It's time to break with Bush, Senator Collins, and start bringing our troops home, so our kids won't have to fight an endless, ...

Jones: The Surge is Working, Let's Draw DownSen. Susan Collins (R-ME) pointed out that Jones' testimony fit with the Iraq Study Group's recommendation last year to reduce the US combat footprint.

Bangor Daily News Responds To Collins Conflict Of Interest
Last Saturday the Bangor Daily News finally responded to the conflict of interest that involves them and the Susan Collins campaign. (Remember that a Collins aide is married to the executive editor of the Bangor Daily News and that same ...

Homeland Security criticized in report; Disaster readiness still ...
Susan Collins, R-Maine, said it appears the agency didn't get credit for recent enhancements in preparedness. Still, Collins said "I'm very concerned" that theagency only made "limited progress" in establishing an all-hazards national ...

Optimism!
John Judis has a rundown of the 2008 Senate races, noting that in the long run Warner leaving is a lot more important than Craig's resignation. I agree that the Dems are very, very likely to win Colorado and New Hampshire. The most interesting category to me is the "could win" one: Moderate Republican incumbents Norm Coleman in Minnesota, susan collins in Maine, and Gordon Smith in Oregon could be in trouble because they are running in states that are expected to vote strongly Democratic in 2008.

Anyone feel safer now? - Lieberman says DHS needs more money. Seems to me that would just mean more money for Bush cronies, since DHS was never wanted by the Bush Team and has since become a dumping ground for Bush cronies who are not qualified to be dog catcher, let alone for the jobs they are given

Are we ready to fight? - My brother was 6 when he decided to join the military and 18 when he did. He was not drafted. It was his choice ... and marines. This is an ad that is being run in Maine where Susan Collins is up for re-election

So, should we just start training our kids for... - Joe Sudbay, AmericaBlog.com: New hard-hitting ad hitting on the reality of what Susan Collins and her GOP colleagues have gotten us into -- an intractable, endless civil war. Versions of this ad

Maine News for Thursday, September 6, 2007

PRESS HERALD:

Anthem will no longer run DirigoChoice health plan The state, which refused to guarantee a profit for the insurer, is working out how to continue coverage.

Cote endorsed by national veterans group
AUGUSTA - One of the lesser known entrants in the crowded field seeking the Democratic nomination in Maine's 1st Congressional District is touting an endorsement from a veterans group that has been active nationwide.

OP/ED: Time for 'The People' to take control again Our government has abandoned any pretense of representing the common good.

LTE: We must confront enemies to avoid further atrocities

BANGOR DAILY:

Anthem severs Dirigo contractAnthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield won’t be administering the state’s controversial DirigoChoice health insurance program beginning Jan. 1, 2008, because the company and state could not agree on contract terms.

Oil dealers criticize discount ratesThe Maine Oil Dealers Association and the Maine State Housing Authority are battling over an increase in the discounted rates the state requires oil dealers to provide when they participate in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

EDITORIAL: Health care as Maine agesBehind the good news that Maine continues to have among the lowest percentage of uninsured residents of any state, the costs of keeping up this standard means that health-coverage reform is still desperately needed.

Editorial: Reassessing IraqThe latest assessment on progress in Iraq closely follows a National Intelligence Estimate in July: some military gains of uncertain durability and little or no political gains to build the peace.

Daniel Callahan: The idea of 'socialized medicine' keeps coming backLike the plague of locusts that periodically descended on American farms some decades ago, the phrase "socialized medicine" comes out of the sky every time the country gets serious about universal health care.

Thursday's Letters to the Editor … Poor protest coverage … The people’s wishes

KENNEBEC JOURNAL:

EDITORIAL: Deane Jones' irrepressible spirit Deane Jones didn't just walk into a room. He blew into it, charged his way through the door and placed himself smack in front of you, an undeniable, white-haired force of a man. Now, sadly, he's gone.

JIM BRUNELLE : Dunlap's got a point, despite his conclusions For someone in charge of overseeing the efficient, effective operation of Maine elections, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap has been making some rather odd utterances lately.

MAINE EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENTTest resultsdon't tell allMiddle-schoolers' growing pains a factor It's not easy being an eighth-grader. It doesn't take a standardized test to figure that out.

SCHOOL CONSOLIDATIONGendron tellsof next steps AUGUSTA-- Education Commissioner Susan Gendron answered tough and pointed questions about consolidation and communities' next steps during a public forum Wednesday night.

LTE: Time to do something about all those lies There have been many reports of serious wrongs committed by this administration for several years.

MORNING SENTINEL:

Peace demonstrators not Communist inspired Shades of Karl Rove and his shabby strategy of disinformation-mongering. Jane Aitken of Bedford, N.H. (letter, Aug. 31) suggests that the peace demonstrators at Kennebunkport were communist-inspired.

SUN JOURNAL:

LTE: Fleas on the dogThe exodus from the Bush administration may be likened to rats jumping off a sinking ship. Karl Rove, one of the most vicious political strategists in United States history, along with incompetent Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, are two Bush cronies to decamp Washington.

YORK COUNTY COAST STAR:

Goodman home from turn as congressional page
Ben Goodman, a senior at Kennebunk High School, has always been interested in politics. Up until Goodman was 3 years old, George H. W. Bush used to visit the town as President. Then, while watching the 1999 primary debates with his father, he became...

ELLSWORTH AMERICAN:

Fundamental Change Needed
Current events in our nation and around the world indicate this is a very serious moment in history. We need a fundamental change in Washington to turn this violent society around, in both the foreign and domestic realms.

Now Is the Time for Change
I remember typing over and over again when I was in typing class learning to use the typewriter: “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party.” Somehow that thought of “NOW IS THE TIME” seems far from any kind of reality.

Disdain for Republicans
Arrogance is confidence without competence. Hypocrisy is piety without honor. George W. Bush is a perfect storm of ineptitude and greed. In Susan Collins, we have a stealth candidate who is trying her best to remain an enigma when we should clearly understand exactly where she stands on such issues as the war in Iraq, the outsourcing of American jobs, national security and our lackluster, one-sided economy. Occasionally, she will oppose the Bush agenda when it’s safe for her to do so.

One Interesting Summer
Summertime, and the living is … well, whatever else it is, it’s certainly speech-writing time. President Bush, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention, urges perpetual war (perpetual profits for arms manufacturers, too) against the terrorists who, he claims, are poised to invade.

Politicians Are Fair Game in Public
I have to disagree with most of your editorial, “A Deplorable Practice” (Ellsworth American, Aug. 23), about the tactic of tracking politicians with cameras by the opposing political party. Recently, Sen. Susan Collins has been the target of this and she voiced her opposition to this practice to the media (so this would be publicized to her advantage) and to the Maine Democrats.

NATIONAL JOURNAL:

BELTWAY BLOGROLL Bloggers Cry Media Foul In Maine Senate RaceSusan Collins. Editor & Publisher reports that Bangor Daily News Executive Editor Mark Woodward is married to Bridget Woodward.
WASHINGTON POST:

Lost in the Shuffle, a Milestone
...already are on premier panels and won't give up those spots to become junior members on Appropriations. Attention will focus on Susan Collins (Maine) and Mike Enzi (Wyo.).Even if Craig does return, GOP leaders have already stripped him of his posts as the top Republican...

GAO Criticizes Homeland Security's Efforts to Fulfill Its Mission
...half years ago," said Lieberman, who will chair a hearing on the matter this afternoon.The panel's ranking Republican, Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), who faces a reelection race next year, also called on the DHS to "pick up the pace. . . . With so much at stake...

THE HILL:

The old Ben Nelson is back — with a plan
Readers will be relieved to hear that Sen. Ben Nelson’s (D-Neb.) hair has returned to the salt-and-pepper (mostly salt) color that was so startlingly changed to brown in July. Nelson, who maintains that he didn’t understand what his untested barber was up to when he turned Nelson’s hair color to a deep chestnut, explained that the experience has led him on a new crusade. “I am challenging all women to let their natural hair color grow back — it’s only fair,” Nelson joked. Nearby, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a brunette whose coiffure we had never thought to question, thought not. “No way,” Collins said, pointing to her own hair with both hands.

FREE INTERNET PRESS:

GAO Criticizes Homeland Security's Efforts To Fulfill Its MissionSusan Collins (Maine), who faces a reelection race next year, also called on the DHS to "pick up the pace. ... With so much at stake and so many areas where ...

AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE:

Senate GOPers' Dark '08 OutlookTom Allen will go against Collins, and either Al Franken or Mike Ciresi will challenge Coleman. The big question is whether Jeanne Shaheen gets in for a ...

BLOGS:

From the media room at the Fox News GOP debate

The debate begins / Live blog post

First reaction to the debate

Republicans: Everything’s Just Ducky - Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee are challenging the Government Accountability Office’s assessment of the 18 benchmarks of progress in Iraq. The report that essentially said things were lousy.

Maine Congressional Delegation:The Topic is Iraq - The August recess is over and Maine’s Congressional delegation is back at work with one thing on their minds: ending the Iraq conflict and making sure that wounded soldiers are getting the care they need. Okay, two things on their minds.

09/05/2007 - Oversight In DC?, Fred & SIGN THE PETITION!Senator Norm Coleman and Senator Susan Collins both agreed to give back $2500 they received from Craig. Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Bob Corker received $5000 each from the Alliance for the West but have not commented on the ...

Support our troops? - I want to start off by saying I stand behing every American Soldier that has chosen to enlist and their families that are left behind to worry ... be a mistake. Sen. Susan Collins said that going to war in Iraq was a problem of faulty intelligence

2008 Senate Race Rankings - OK, time for my soon-to-be-famous rankings of the US Senate races likely to change hands in next year's elections. I've broken them down into 5 broad categories. In Serious Jeopardy 1. New Hampshire - Sununu Plain & simple, New Hampshire is a Democratic state now

Maine Political News for Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Bangor Daily News

DHHS cuts worries senator AUGUSTA, Maine - Gov. John Baldacci is seeking more areas to cut in the state budget in order to lower taxes, but some lawmakers on the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee said Tuesday they are worried Maine's poorest and neediest will pay the bill.

Effort opposing consolidation moves forwardWednesday, September 05, 2007STONINGTON, Maine - With backing from 28 communities and more expected to join, a grass-roots effort to overturn the state’s school consolidation law will get under way this weekend.

Jail plan a bust with countiesBANGOR, Maine - County officials around the state are girding to battle Gov. John Baldacci over his plan to take over the county jails.

EMMC nurses rally over staffing ratiosWednesday, September 05, 2007BANGOR, Maine - About 30 unionized registered nurses employed by Eastern Maine Medical Center demonstrated outside the Bangor hospital Tuesday morning to draw attention to what they say is chronic understaffing on most patient units.

Today's Editorial:
Making the cutGov. John Baldacci last week presented legislators with $11 million in budget cuts, a relatively tiny percentage of the state budget but an important exercise in budget trimming.

Pat LaMarche: Counties held prisoner to an unfair proposal

Kennebec Journal
Jones is mournedafter sudden death AUGUSTA -- Rep. Deane Jones, described by the governor as "a public servant in the great Maine tradition," died Monday following intensive treatments for lung cancer. He had been in office less than three months.

County commissioners to probe state's jail takeover plan AUGUSTA -- The people who oversee the county budget with its $4.67 million for jail operations will gather Thursday to see how a proposed state takeover of corrections will affect their work.

2 attemptsuicideat the jail AUGUSTA -- Two inmates attempted suicide over a 24-hour period at the Kennebec County jail, one on Monday night and the second around noon on Tuesday.

ummer tourism seasonexperiences strong finish BANGOR (AP) -- With Labor Day marking the unofficial end of summer, Maine's summer tourism season appears to have been a decent one.

GEORGE SMITH : Private solutions to public problemsOne man's answer to state's economic challenges If Peter Vigue has his way, you'll be able to get there from here, and Canadians will be able to get here from there.

Portland Press Herald

Licensing law could help state put collar on puppy mills Tightening the leash on unethical and often-abusive breeders may be more effective soon.

Maine's challenge will include competing for older workers As New England grays, six states will be looking for the same labor force.

Maine Public Radio

Commisioner's Objectivity Questioned In Windpower Talks
Opponents of the Black Nubble windpower project proposed for western Maine near Sugarloaf are raising new questions about fairness and objectivity used by staff and possibly some members of the Land Use Regulation Commission. As Susan Sharon reports, conversations disclosed last month between Department of Conservation Commissioner Pat McGowan and LURC members about how to reverse a wind vote, along with new information have opponents worried that the process is biased against them.
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/070904windpower.asx

Economic Report Offers Mixed Findings
A new report released today finds that Maine and the rest of New England are experiencing slow growth compared to the nation as a whole. The "State of Working Maine" report finds that during the fifth year of the nation's economic recovery, Maine has seen a slight improvement in per capita income, but the state has been plagued by unemployment and an unskilled workforce. Keith McKeen reports..
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/070904report.asx

Canada-Maine News
The Daily Gleaner

N.B., Maine talk power
New Brunswick and Maine say they are making progress on a deal to export electricity from this province to the energy-starved New England states.

Maine News for Tuesday, September 4, 2007

PRESS HERALD:

Puppy mills booming thanks to ads on Web A case in Buxton and an upcoming Maine law focus attention on the problem.

LTE: Bush had lots of company in believing WMD claims

BANGOR DAILY:

Ramona du Houx: When one door closes, others openBaileyville has been all over the news lately. It is a small town in Washington County that is in transition because one of its major employers, Domtar, announced it had to let 150 workers go. The inevitable happened.

KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
Collins, Snowe should support farm bill reform I applaud your Aug. 27th editorial, "You are forgiven for thinking that the federal Farm Bill is all about farms." And agree that we need to reform the 2007 Farm Bill to strengthen nutrition programs that support thousands of Mainers. However, our current agriculture policy not only falls short of meeting the needs of families on food stamps; it also fails our family farmers and rural communities.
THE HILL:

After 12,000 miles, talking points intact

Flying into Baghdad in a military Black Hawk helicopter last month, Rep. Jon Porter (R-Nev.) reached for his camera to snap photos of signs that American policy was working in Iraq.

USA TODAY:

Lawmakers' Iraq visits reinforce opinions
WASHINGTON — As Sen. Mel Martinez and four other members of Congress were flying out of Baghdad last week, their C-130 plane came under fire from three rocket-propelled grenades.

WCSH:

Allen Speaks At Labor Council BreakfastThe keynote speaker was Congressman Tom Allen, who said Labor Day is a time to honor the men and women who work hard and play by the rules, ...

MAIL TRIBUNE:

Older WorkersSusan Collins, R-Maine, introduced a bill that would enable federal agencies to re hire retired workers on a part-time basis without the usual penalty — a ...

ASBURY PARK PRESS:

Hearings on BRAC process called forSusan Collins, R-Maine, last month requested that the Senate's Armed Services Committee take up BRAC hearings, citing the increased costs. ...

NEWS-LEADER:

McCaskill carves role as watchdogSusan Collins, R-Maine, who serves with McCaskill on the Armed Services and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committees.

BLOGS:

Duson Drops Out

Republicans Bolt: Iraq Getting Worse, Not Better

Mark Turek: A Man of Principle, A Man of His Word

Kennebec County's Labor Day Picnic a smashing success!
To those who were there... you know how much fun it was! Over 80 people showed up to attend the gathering with Tom Allen as our main speaker, including five of the six candidates for his House seat (all but Jill Duson). Thanks to the Winthrop Democrats for putting together such a great event!

Happy Labor Day, Grandpa now get back to work
Nice piece on the front page of the Labor Day L.A ... , and part of the year at a store in another, warmer region. Just last month Sen. Susan Collins of Maine

A Semi Comprehensive List of Republican...
From ccmask at Firedoglake: Jack Abramoff -prison Bob Allen -Veteran Park sex scandal George Allen -called an American voter a Macaca Michael Ray ... in Plame affair; said troops would be greeted with flowers Susan Collins - Incorrectly claimed a dem ... Abramoff Affair Lance Dutson - Susan Collins campaign staffer, called FDL a “foul mouth femblog”

The power of the blogosphere
The power of the blogosphere September 2nd, 2007 Bloggers exert influence over editor’s conflict of interest Editor & ... Rep. Tom Allen. The issue isn’t Maine or the senatorial candidates. Rather, it is the growing

Senate Rankings: How high can the Democrats...
It’s the first of the month! That means it’s time for our (first) Senate rankings. It has been obvious for months that the 2008 Senate cycle would favor Democrats. Even before taking into account the anti-GOP national mood that allowed Democrats to prevail in every close Senate race in 2006 but Tennessee, the raw numbers tell the story:

Hsu-Nami Hits New Hampshire
Norman Hsu -- big-time Democratic fundraiser, acquaintance and donor of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and numerous other major Democrats, convicted criminal and (until recently) fugitive, certainly spread his money (from unknown sources) around .