PRESS HERALD:
Congress works on help with heating If the spending bill passes, low-income Mainers could be getting millions to help them pay for heating fuel.
Baldacci targets toxic chemicals Recommendations from the governor's task force will be included in his 2008 legislative package.
County officials want a new jail authority The proposal is a response to the governor's plan for the state to take over jails.
EDITORIAL: Farm Bill enriches those who don't need help Sensible caps on aid didn't make it into this budget-busting, $286 billion monstrosity.
EDITORIAL: Augusta can't put too many limits on marching for a cause Charging thousands for a parade permit makes free speech unaffordable.
EDITORIAL: Easier access to pills wrong way to combat heart disease Experts at the FDA wisely advise against making a statin available over-the-counter.
A. Robert Casimiro: Control immigration to control growth While transformation here is slower than in other locations, it's still happening too quickly.
LTE: Consolidation a political shell game
LTE: Remember soldiers killed in Iraq, Afghanistan
LTE: Congress should respond to public, act on impeachment
LTE: Animal abusers should face harsher punishment
LTE: Develop nuclear sources as energy alternatives
BANGOR DAILY:
Indian Island: Penobscot Nation receives $35000 development grant
INDIAN ISLAND, Maine — The Penobscot Indian Nation has received more than $35,000 in grant money from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
Fallen soldier to be buried in HoultonTuesday, December 18, 2007HOULTON, Maine - A 38-year-old Houlton native and decorated career soldier who was killed in Iraq on Friday will be laid to rest in a Houlton cemetery Saturday.
Chemical panel hands in reportTuesday, December 18, 2007AUGUSTA, Maine - Gov. John Baldacci said Monday he would incorporate into his 2008 legislative package some of the recommendations of a task force on reducing toxic chemicals in consumer products.
Panel says state faces more red inkTuesday, December 18, 2007AUGUSTA, Maine - The state revenue forecasting committee is warning there could be more red ink in the months ahead. Meanwhile, members of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee say revenues are only part of the budget problem facing the state. Another is increased costs.
EDITORIAL: Mileage milestoneTuesday, December 18, 2007What a difference two years - and $3 per gallon gasoline - make. In 2005, when gasoline cost an average of $2.27 a gallon, the Senate rejected an increase in vehicle gas mileage standards by a vote of 67-28. Last week, it approved a 10-mile-per-gallon boost by an overwhelming 86-8.
Editorial: Invest in 'quality of place'Tuesday, December 18, 2007A report issued this month by the Governor's Council on Maine's Quality of Place confirms what most already knew: Maine is not Anywhere, U.S.A.
Tuesday's Letters to the Editor … Project a net loss … Suspicious spending … Who cares? … Sex abuse in military
KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
The proud, the few AUGUSTA -- A bunch of old Marines could use some help breathing life back into a service organization with a declining membership.
Jail plan bill eyes savingsCounty officials proposing authority with oversight AUGUSTA -- County sheriffs and commissioners want to create a jail authority to oversee local and regional jails as part of a two-step response to the governor's call for a state takeover of county jails.
Governor receives final report on toxic chemicals More than a dozen Maine environmental and business officials said Monday they will continue to work with the federal government to promote the purchase and use of nontoxic chemicals.
Congress pushing to boost heat aid WASHINGTON -- Congressional Democrats have added $409 million to a program to help the poor pay for heating oil as part of a massive spending bill that Congress is expected to pass this week to keep the government running.
No fanfare with Clinton endorsement
As endorsement announcements go, this was a low-key affair.
At 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sen. Hillary Clinton’s campaign sent out a press release announcing that Gov. John Baldacci would support her bid for president.
EDITORIAL: Farm Bill:One step forward, two steps back Where can you find Republicans sounding like Socialists, farmers from Zip Code 90210 getting million dollar taxpayer subsidies and talk of poor people who are supposed to get by on a little more than a dollar a meal in food stamps?
LTE: Dec. 20, rotary vigil for peace and war dead As we approach the fifth Christmas season at war in Iraq, we are quickly nearing 4,000 dead American men and woman. We also have close to 30,000 casualties. If you multiply these numbers by many family members per soldier, then you have many thousands of victims of this terrible war.
LTE: Go back to your 'idyllic life' and leave us alone Concerning Lynda Martin's letter of Dec. 4, stating she was starving since she moved back to Maine because of "family" and that the state of Maine was going under back in 1987 and she moved out.
LTE: Collins is an independent choice for U.S. Senate The 2008 election comes at a critical time in the history of the United States and the world. I strongly endorse Susan Collins for U.S. Senate because I believe she is the candidate best able to address the profound challenges we face as a country. I trust her integrity and independent voice, moving outside the partisan politics of the current Congress.
MORNING SENTINEL:
LTE: Prohibition didn't work then and won't work now In response to the call for a second shot at prohibition (pun intended) I want to remind letter writer Jeffrey Green (Dec. 12) of the reasons why prohibition was repealed.
LTE: Here's one answer to immigration problems Well Mainers are finally starting to understand what our crazy governor did years ago.
SUN JOURNAL:
Baldacci receives report on toxinsAUGUSTA (AP) - Gov. John Baldacci said Monday he will incorporate into his 2008 legislative package some of the recommendations of a task force on reducing toxic chemicals in consumer products.Maine may get more heating aidAUGUSTA (AP) - A $500 billion catchall spending bill that was near final approval in Congress includes hundreds of millions more in home heating assistance, which would come as a relief to Mainers who depend on the federal program to keep their homes warm.Heating oil price up 4 cents a gallonAUGUSTA (AP) - After a one-week reprieve, heating oil prices have gone up again in Maine.
LTE: Waiting for oilI have noted the many articles about the Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP), but I have not seen any articles about how many people are very cold because they haven't received any funds to date.
TIMES RECORD:
OP/ED: Posting Commandments in schools won't make this a Christian nation...(full story)
BAR HARBOR TIMES:
Consolidation plan rejected
BAR HARBOR — Mount Desert Island’s school Reorganization Planning Committee received written notice this weekend from Commissioner Susan Gendron that the Department of Education is not approving the local reorganization plan.
MPBN:
Changes Proposed for School Consolidation Law A legislative committee has proposed changes to the state's school consolidation law in an effort to remove some of the perceived financial barriers to communities as they form new school districts. The governor hopes to achieve long-term administrative savings by merging the state's existing 290 school districts into 80 districts. As A.J. Higgins reports, key changes include delaying the local referendum requirement on school budgets until 2009 and addressing cost shifts that could arise among some communities through local cost-sharing agreements.
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/071217schools.asx
Congressman Allen Says No-Child Law Needs Reform Maine First District Congressman Tom Allen is taking aim at President Bush's signature education initiative, No Child Left Behind. Barbara Cariddi reports.
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/071217allen.asx
Task Force Says Maine Needs Chemical Safety System A state task force has concluded that the federal safety system for chemicals in commerce is badly broken and too many hazardous chemicals are still on the market. As a result the Governor's Task Force to Promote Safer Chemicals in Consumer Products is recommending that Maine establish its own comprehensive policy requiring safer alternatives. Keith McKeen reports.
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/071217chemicals.asx
Federal Farm Bill Offers Good News and Bad News for Maine Farmers The Senate on Friday passed a nearly $300 billion dollar farm bill covering spending for items ranging from food stamps to manure management to crop subsidies. Maine’s Senators split their votes on the legislation, and as Murray Carpenter reports, the two have very different views about what the bill does and does not do for Maine farmers.
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/071217farms.asx
Truckers Continue to Face Diesel Woes Truckers, loggers and others concerned about the skyrocketing cost of diesel fuel held the third in a series of meetings in Skowhegan over the weekend. The Coalition to Lower Fuel Prices is searching for ways to prevent the forest products industry, truckers and customers who rely on home heating oil from going out of business or going cold this winter. As Susan Sharon reports the prices are already beginning to imperil business owners.
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/071217truckers.asx
WCSH:
Maine Could Get More Heating Assistance Under Budget BillUS Senator Susan Collins says Maine's likely to get between $10 million and $20 million more, but she's confident the state will get a significant increase.
WMTW:
Maine Could Get More Heating Assistance Under Budget BillUS Sen. Susan Collins said Maine's likely to get between $10 million and $20 million more, but she's confident the state will get a significant increase.
POLITICKERME.COM:
Lewiston Mayor to seek House seat
Lewiston Mayor Laurent Gilbert Sr. will run for the Maine House of Representatives in 2008.
Strimling blasts Scontras again, this time in the blogosphere
The debate over illegal immigration remains heated between First Congressional District candidates Ethan Strimling, a Democrat, and Dean Scontras, a Republican.
Collins takes on Saudi laws
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins is pushing judicial reform and action to address the issue of violence against women in Saudi Arabia.
Baldacci endorses Clinton
Gov. John Baldacci has officially endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination.
PORTSMOUTH HERALD:
Maine could get more heating assistance under budget bill
AUGUSTA, Maine - A $500 billion catchall spending bill that was near final approval in Congress includes hundreds of millions more in home heating assistance, which would come as a relief to Mainers who depend on the federal program to keep their homes warm.
GOVEXEC.COM:
Slip-Sliding Away
But retirements aren't the GOP's only Senate problem. New Hampshire's John Sununu is very vulnerable. And incumbents Susan Collins of Maine and Norm Coleman of Minnesota will face stiff challenges in fairly blue states.
THE TRUCKER:
Truckers bemoan high fuel costs
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, is participating in U.S. Senate hearings examining the impact of energy market speculation on prices. On Thursday senators passed legislation co-sponsored by Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, to close the "Enron loophole" by tightening energy market investment oversight. In development for about two years, the measure now must pass the House.
CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY:
Both Parties Recruiting War Vets As Candidates
One of them, Maine Republican Charlie Summers, is in the midst of a one-year deployment to Iraq as a Navy Reserve lieutenant commander. … The House contest in Maine’s 1st District stands out because two candidates with Iraq War experience are vying for the Democratic and Republican nominations.
… In addition to Republican Summers, whose wife Ruth is running his campaign while he serves in Iraq, Adam Cote, a veteran of Iraq and Bosnia is one of a pack of five anti-war candidates scrambling to win the Democratic nomination.
BLOGS:
[MoveOn] Call Sens. Snowe and Collins: No immunity for illegal spying
Progressive Senators Chris Dodd and Russ Feingold are pledging to block any legislation that includes "telecom immunity." 2 And presidential candidates Joe Biden and Barack Obama have said they'll support a filibuster.3
It is critical that other senators support Senators Dodd and Feingold . Can you call Sens. Snowe and Collins today and tell them to join progressives in the Senate in blocking any bill that includes immunity for lawbreaking phone companies? Tell them voters want accountability and oversight—not immunity.
2005 Tax Numbers Released: The Rich Got Soaked
The richest 1% paid about 39% of all income taxes. The richest 5% paid just less than 60%. The richest 10% paid 70%.
Dems Surrender 80% Final Spending Plans
The giant federal spending bill will dominate the political stage in closing days. Every corner of government is affected by the package.
Bali Aims To Share Weight Of Emissions Cuts
The agreement calls on developing nations to take "actions" to mitigate climate change in a "measurable, reportable, verifiable" manner.
The Council for a Livable World is supporting Tom Allen…
Well, of course The Council for a Livable World is supporting Maine’s great Congressman! When you stand Tom Allen’s record next to Sen. Susan Collins’ record, you find that Suzie-Q is a warmonger who loves war, loves big ole weapons of mass destruction, and who has gone out of her way to make sure George Bush and his Band of Warmongering Liars get what they want when it comes to killing people needlessly.
Bush: Can You Hear Me Now? No? Good!
President George W. Bush’s demand for immunity for telephone companies that participated in his warrantless (read: illegal/unconstitutional) domestic spying program won an initial victory on Monday in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 76-10. Voting in favor of more government surveillance and less accountability were Maine’s senators Collins and Snowe.
Candidate questions
Update: I'm shooting these questions off tomorrow night to the campaigns, so this is your last chance to get your question answered by one of the many great candidates for the CD-1 seat currently held by Tom Allen.
It's time to stop talking and complaining. It's time for action.
I am tired. So tired. I usually use an editor for my diaries because of my head injury and poor organization, grammar, repeating myself and essays that are generally too long. Those take me 10 hours or more and then an editor.
Allen Video Up and Running
The Council for a Livable World recently published a video of Allen on their website. Check it out here: http://www.clw.org/elections/2... Feel free to repost! You can find the embed link on You Tube.
Open Thread
Sen. Chris Dodd is now on the Senate Floor filibustering a cloture vote that would bring the new FISA bill up for a vote. This bill would grant retroactive immunity to the telecom industry that illegally gave personal information to the Fed without a warrant being issued.
The Kennebek County Dem's were on this last October, as Eddie made clear in this diary:
Council for a Livable World endorses Tom Allen
Tom Allen is campaigning to unseat Maine's junior senator, Susan Collins, and last week received the endorsement from the Council for a Livable World:. Rep. Allen has opposed the Iraq war in both word and deed.
LIHEAP Recipient Describes Importance of Support
AUGUSTA-- Lawmakers and Community Action Agency officials were calling on President Bush and Congress to increase funds for heating assistance for Maine people this winter in advance of expected votes in Washington, DC, in the coming week.
Lieberman Endorses McCain
Don't ever forget that Joe Lieberman is the man who stabs his former party (the Democrats) in the back every chance he gets, hes the man who supports and endorsed Susan Collins for Senate, he's the man who STILL wants to attack/invade ...
Maine News Headline Animator
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Maine News for Monday, December 17, 2007
PRESS HERALD:
Houlton High graduate dies in Iraq Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan A. Lowery, 38, dies of wounds from a gunbattle in Mosul.
School officials like the idea of delaying votes on budgets Lawmakers will consider putting off by a year the rule requiring public votes.
EDITORIAL: Federal climate change action will help Maine A new energy bill and a ruling by a federal court in California move in the right direction.
Leigh Donaldson: Hispanic growth will change America's cultural fabric Americans shouldn't forget that all kinds of immigrants have made us stronger, not weaker.
Sen. Bill Diamond: Tasers only legal under strict circumstances While they offer a safer alternative to guns, the law strongly penalizes any misuse.
LTE: End public discourse about personal religious beliefs
LTE: Use anti-hate policies to combat terrorism, violence
BANGOR DAILY:
Soldier killed in Iraq had Houlton ties Monday, December 17, 2007HOULTON, Maine - A 38-year-old soldier with ties to Maine was killed in Iraq on Friday when his unit was attacked by small-arms fire, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Plum Creek hearing shows great divisionMonday, December 17, 2007PORTLAND, Maine — State regulators wrapped up the first leg of their marathon review of Plum Creek’s development proposal Saturday as the largest crowd to date voiced hopes and concerns about the future of the Moosehead Lake region.
Fuel costs imperiling businessesMonday, December 17, 2007SKOWHEGAN, Maine — After 33 years, high diesel fuel prices have driven John Harriman out of the construction trade. His eight trucks have been parked for two weeks and 16 people laid off because he can’t afford to stay in business.
Budget-fixing efforts put Maine business leaders on edgeMonday, December 16, 2007AUGUSTA, Maine — With lawmakers looking to cut at least $111 million in spending over the next 18 months, business leaders are worried they may be hit with new fees and taxes or both to balance the budget. And that is just one area of concern.
Editorial: Buying the Presidency Monday, December 17, 2007Sponsors of a new bill to fix the system for public financing of presidential campaigns are right that the present system has collapsed. Their plan for fixing it deserves careful consideration but has some problems.
Benjamin Schaefer: LD4 to benefit physicians and patientsIn recent days, two OpEd pieces have discussed LD 4, a bill intended to reduce health care costs by curbing the pharmaceutical industry’s aggressive marketing of expensive drugs. Dr. Lisa Marrache and Sharon Treat support the law "LD 4 a step in the right direction" (BDN, Dec 4). Tarren Bragdon’s piece, "A bad pill for health care reform in Maine" (BDN, Nov. 30) is very misleading. We would like to offer a third perspective.
Monday's Letters to the Editor … State undoes fed raise … In support of Plum Creek
KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
2006 CONSENT DECREE AGREEMENTFormer judge: State not obeying law AUGUSTA -- Daniel Wathen, charged by the courts with overseeing Maine's mental health system, said the state violated a court-ordered agreement when it awarded a contract to an outside firm without his permission.
Schoolplandelaybacked Some school officials support what could be a reprieve from holding local votes on their budgets next year.
UMaineexpandsaccess toresearchMiddle schoolers cantap supercomputer ORONO -- Maine middle school students will be able to tap into world-class research tools next year as part of a giant leap forward in access to the most powerful class of computers.
Gas pricesite abig help While visiting the Midwest last week, the Kennebec Commuter found a pleasant surprise (besides a Starbucks): Gas was under $3 per gallon.
EDITORIAL: Revised FairPoint deal heads in right direction We'll never know what the Maine Public Utility Commission would have done about the proposed Verizon-FairPoint acquisition.
RICHARD BARRINGER OF PORTLAND : Maine's quality of place linked to our economic challenges So, how is it that the New England Patriots remain the only undefeated team in the NFL and now approach professional football's most cherished record -- an undefeated season, achieved just once in history?
LTE: Farm subsidies vote a major embarrassment for Democratic Party I enjoyed Mary Anne Libby's commentary (Dec. 9). It harkened back to childhood.
LTE: Bush misleading country about Iran This week, we have learned that George W. Bush has been actively misleading all by lying about Iran. More lies to get us into another terrible war.
SUN JOURNAL:
High oil prices cause crisis for some MainersPORTLAND (AP) - With heating oil prices 37 percent higher than they were a year ago, some of Maine's social service agencies are being bombarded with requests for home heating assistance.Soldier from Houlton dies in IraqAUGUSTA (AP) - A career soldier from Houlton has died in Iraq, Gov. John Baldacci said Sunday.
LTE: Who is the real enemy?With the release of the National Intelligence Estimate on Iran, the Bush administration and those who supported him in his quest for war with Iraq, such as Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Olympia Snowe, have been made to look even more foolish than previously.LTE: Conscience, be their guideWhen did it become acceptable in America for those in government to lift themselves up on the backs of the American people? To give themselves all the benefits of a comfortable lifestyle when the needs of others are so great?
PORTSMOUTH HERALD:
Houlton, Maine, soldier killed in Iraq
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A career soldier from Houlton has died in Iraq, Gov. John Baldacci said Sunday
Some Mainers in 'panic' over fuel
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — With heating oil prices 37 percent higher than they were a year ago, some of Maine's social service agencies are being bombarded with requests for home heating assistance.
Authority lobbies for Downeaster funding
PORTLAND, Maine — As Amtrak's Downeaster marks its sixth anniversary, the rail authority that runs the Portland-to-Boston service is preparing to roll into the Legislature to lobby for funding to keep the trains running in July 2009.
PORTLAND PHOENIX:
TALKING POLITICSTear me apart: Politics and other mistakesAre people in southern Maine finally smartening up?
ALL AMERICAN PATRIOTS:
Senate Gives Final Approval of mccaskill Provisions in Defense Bill
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 included the following provisions sponsored by McCaskill: … An amendment sponsored with Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) providing whistleblower protections for employees of Defense Department contractors and grantees. The amendment provides for expanded contractor accountability and is an improvement over current law.
BLOGS:
Senate Rankings: December 2007
10) (10) Maine (Collins-R) Compared to the Senators ranked ahead of her, Collins' 20 point lead looks pretty impressive. Sure, Democratic Rep. Tom Allen is doing just about everything right so far, Collins' support is a little soft given Maine's Democratic lean, and Allen will almost certainly close the gap to some extent between now and Election Day. But you don't often see incumbents who start off in the mid-50s lose without making some major mistakes.
Bob Hastings on Treasurer Lemoine- “Blame it on the dog”
Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob Hastings has a great post over at his No Pecksniffery blog, titled ‘Blame it on the dog‘:
Susan Collins' BFF Joe Lieberman to endorse John McCain
Startling news, I know. From McCain's own campaign site:
I get (xenophobic) letters
by: Ethan Strimling
Cross-posted at DailyKos
On Wednesday, Republican congressional candidate Dean Scontras sent a letter to me and my fellow Democratic Congressional candidates, asking us to join him in calling on Maine Governor Baldacci to rescind the April 2004 executive order that bars state employees from inquiring about people's immigration status.
Sunday Tidbits
Thank you so much! On the Expand the Map! ActBlue page, Tom Allen has reached the 10 contribution plateau and Rick Noriega has reached the 20 contribution plateau. My last ask for a while: Larry LaRocco is just one contribution away from the 25 contribution plateau. Can we get Larry LaRocco one more contribution?
One Way Street
The junior senator has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with President Bush these last seven years: On Iraq, tax cuts for the super-rich, smashing habeas corpus, Samuel Alito and corrupt defense contracting.
And part of the unspoken justification for her alliance with the President is that it serves Maine to have the ear of the White House. When crisis strikes, Mainers want representatives with clout and influence.
Bride of Joementum
You know, there is one bright spot to the spectacle of Joementum trying to make himself relevant again by endorsing McCain in NH tomorrow.
It does wonders to remind me how much stronger our field of candidates is this time around.
First Susan Collins, now John McCain; can John E. Sununu be far behind?
Southern Captivity
If you're Gordon Smith or Susan Collins or Norm Coleman the difference between the Republican nominee being Romney/Rudy/McCain or being Huckabee is enormous. Whenever the Republican Party is in trouble, it's always worth revisiting ...
Bush and the surge and the status of the Iraq war
Following some intense questioning by Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton about the lack of political reconciliation, General Petraeus conceded that he would be “hard-pressed” to justify America’s presence in Iraq if there is no political progress in Iraq over the next year.
Senators Launch New Effort To Put CRS Reports Online
Introduced Tuesday by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Lieberman and ranking member Susan Collins, R-Maine; Judiciary Chairman Leahy; Agriculture Chairman Harkin; Senate Armed Services ranking member John ...
LIEBERMAN COMES OUT OF THE CLOSET
Sometimes some of the candidates Blue America endorses ask me how we managed to raise so much money for Donna Edwards, Darcy Burner and Tom Allen (and, last year, for Ned Lamont-- over $70,000). All of our endorsees stand for the same progressive values and principles so why do some inspire so much generosity from our community?
Allen votes for $189.4 for wars; Michaud votes against...Please ...
It sure wouldn't do any harm to call Mike and thank him for his vote on this. And call or email Tom and express your disappointment in his vote. Congress still must pass a separate appropriations bill before that money can be spent. So there is still work to do on this. (See the bottom of this email for the vote count...G)
embracing your native english speaker
A) Based on the compilation of links I am showing you below, I have drafted an open letter to Senator Susan Collins and Representative Jane Harmon which I am posting to the web, making a clear statement that when using the word ...
Houlton High graduate dies in Iraq Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan A. Lowery, 38, dies of wounds from a gunbattle in Mosul.
School officials like the idea of delaying votes on budgets Lawmakers will consider putting off by a year the rule requiring public votes.
EDITORIAL: Federal climate change action will help Maine A new energy bill and a ruling by a federal court in California move in the right direction.
Leigh Donaldson: Hispanic growth will change America's cultural fabric Americans shouldn't forget that all kinds of immigrants have made us stronger, not weaker.
Sen. Bill Diamond: Tasers only legal under strict circumstances While they offer a safer alternative to guns, the law strongly penalizes any misuse.
LTE: End public discourse about personal religious beliefs
LTE: Use anti-hate policies to combat terrorism, violence
BANGOR DAILY:
Soldier killed in Iraq had Houlton ties Monday, December 17, 2007HOULTON, Maine - A 38-year-old soldier with ties to Maine was killed in Iraq on Friday when his unit was attacked by small-arms fire, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Plum Creek hearing shows great divisionMonday, December 17, 2007PORTLAND, Maine — State regulators wrapped up the first leg of their marathon review of Plum Creek’s development proposal Saturday as the largest crowd to date voiced hopes and concerns about the future of the Moosehead Lake region.
Fuel costs imperiling businessesMonday, December 17, 2007SKOWHEGAN, Maine — After 33 years, high diesel fuel prices have driven John Harriman out of the construction trade. His eight trucks have been parked for two weeks and 16 people laid off because he can’t afford to stay in business.
Budget-fixing efforts put Maine business leaders on edgeMonday, December 16, 2007AUGUSTA, Maine — With lawmakers looking to cut at least $111 million in spending over the next 18 months, business leaders are worried they may be hit with new fees and taxes or both to balance the budget. And that is just one area of concern.
Editorial: Buying the Presidency Monday, December 17, 2007Sponsors of a new bill to fix the system for public financing of presidential campaigns are right that the present system has collapsed. Their plan for fixing it deserves careful consideration but has some problems.
Benjamin Schaefer: LD4 to benefit physicians and patientsIn recent days, two OpEd pieces have discussed LD 4, a bill intended to reduce health care costs by curbing the pharmaceutical industry’s aggressive marketing of expensive drugs. Dr. Lisa Marrache and Sharon Treat support the law "LD 4 a step in the right direction" (BDN, Dec 4). Tarren Bragdon’s piece, "A bad pill for health care reform in Maine" (BDN, Nov. 30) is very misleading. We would like to offer a third perspective.
Monday's Letters to the Editor … State undoes fed raise … In support of Plum Creek
KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
2006 CONSENT DECREE AGREEMENTFormer judge: State not obeying law AUGUSTA -- Daniel Wathen, charged by the courts with overseeing Maine's mental health system, said the state violated a court-ordered agreement when it awarded a contract to an outside firm without his permission.
Schoolplandelaybacked Some school officials support what could be a reprieve from holding local votes on their budgets next year.
UMaineexpandsaccess toresearchMiddle schoolers cantap supercomputer ORONO -- Maine middle school students will be able to tap into world-class research tools next year as part of a giant leap forward in access to the most powerful class of computers.
Gas pricesite abig help While visiting the Midwest last week, the Kennebec Commuter found a pleasant surprise (besides a Starbucks): Gas was under $3 per gallon.
EDITORIAL: Revised FairPoint deal heads in right direction We'll never know what the Maine Public Utility Commission would have done about the proposed Verizon-FairPoint acquisition.
RICHARD BARRINGER OF PORTLAND : Maine's quality of place linked to our economic challenges So, how is it that the New England Patriots remain the only undefeated team in the NFL and now approach professional football's most cherished record -- an undefeated season, achieved just once in history?
LTE: Farm subsidies vote a major embarrassment for Democratic Party I enjoyed Mary Anne Libby's commentary (Dec. 9). It harkened back to childhood.
LTE: Bush misleading country about Iran This week, we have learned that George W. Bush has been actively misleading all by lying about Iran. More lies to get us into another terrible war.
SUN JOURNAL:
High oil prices cause crisis for some MainersPORTLAND (AP) - With heating oil prices 37 percent higher than they were a year ago, some of Maine's social service agencies are being bombarded with requests for home heating assistance.Soldier from Houlton dies in IraqAUGUSTA (AP) - A career soldier from Houlton has died in Iraq, Gov. John Baldacci said Sunday.
LTE: Who is the real enemy?With the release of the National Intelligence Estimate on Iran, the Bush administration and those who supported him in his quest for war with Iraq, such as Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Olympia Snowe, have been made to look even more foolish than previously.LTE: Conscience, be their guideWhen did it become acceptable in America for those in government to lift themselves up on the backs of the American people? To give themselves all the benefits of a comfortable lifestyle when the needs of others are so great?
PORTSMOUTH HERALD:
Houlton, Maine, soldier killed in Iraq
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A career soldier from Houlton has died in Iraq, Gov. John Baldacci said Sunday
Some Mainers in 'panic' over fuel
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — With heating oil prices 37 percent higher than they were a year ago, some of Maine's social service agencies are being bombarded with requests for home heating assistance.
Authority lobbies for Downeaster funding
PORTLAND, Maine — As Amtrak's Downeaster marks its sixth anniversary, the rail authority that runs the Portland-to-Boston service is preparing to roll into the Legislature to lobby for funding to keep the trains running in July 2009.
PORTLAND PHOENIX:
TALKING POLITICSTear me apart: Politics and other mistakesAre people in southern Maine finally smartening up?
ALL AMERICAN PATRIOTS:
Senate Gives Final Approval of mccaskill Provisions in Defense Bill
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 included the following provisions sponsored by McCaskill: … An amendment sponsored with Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) providing whistleblower protections for employees of Defense Department contractors and grantees. The amendment provides for expanded contractor accountability and is an improvement over current law.
BLOGS:
Senate Rankings: December 2007
10) (10) Maine (Collins-R) Compared to the Senators ranked ahead of her, Collins' 20 point lead looks pretty impressive. Sure, Democratic Rep. Tom Allen is doing just about everything right so far, Collins' support is a little soft given Maine's Democratic lean, and Allen will almost certainly close the gap to some extent between now and Election Day. But you don't often see incumbents who start off in the mid-50s lose without making some major mistakes.
Bob Hastings on Treasurer Lemoine- “Blame it on the dog”
Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob Hastings has a great post over at his No Pecksniffery blog, titled ‘Blame it on the dog‘:
Susan Collins' BFF Joe Lieberman to endorse John McCain
Startling news, I know. From McCain's own campaign site:
I get (xenophobic) letters
by: Ethan Strimling
Cross-posted at DailyKos
On Wednesday, Republican congressional candidate Dean Scontras sent a letter to me and my fellow Democratic Congressional candidates, asking us to join him in calling on Maine Governor Baldacci to rescind the April 2004 executive order that bars state employees from inquiring about people's immigration status.
Sunday Tidbits
Thank you so much! On the Expand the Map! ActBlue page, Tom Allen has reached the 10 contribution plateau and Rick Noriega has reached the 20 contribution plateau. My last ask for a while: Larry LaRocco is just one contribution away from the 25 contribution plateau. Can we get Larry LaRocco one more contribution?
One Way Street
The junior senator has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with President Bush these last seven years: On Iraq, tax cuts for the super-rich, smashing habeas corpus, Samuel Alito and corrupt defense contracting.
And part of the unspoken justification for her alliance with the President is that it serves Maine to have the ear of the White House. When crisis strikes, Mainers want representatives with clout and influence.
Bride of Joementum
You know, there is one bright spot to the spectacle of Joementum trying to make himself relevant again by endorsing McCain in NH tomorrow.
It does wonders to remind me how much stronger our field of candidates is this time around.
First Susan Collins, now John McCain; can John E. Sununu be far behind?
Southern Captivity
If you're Gordon Smith or Susan Collins or Norm Coleman the difference between the Republican nominee being Romney/Rudy/McCain or being Huckabee is enormous. Whenever the Republican Party is in trouble, it's always worth revisiting ...
Bush and the surge and the status of the Iraq war
Following some intense questioning by Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton about the lack of political reconciliation, General Petraeus conceded that he would be “hard-pressed” to justify America’s presence in Iraq if there is no political progress in Iraq over the next year.
Senators Launch New Effort To Put CRS Reports Online
Introduced Tuesday by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Lieberman and ranking member Susan Collins, R-Maine; Judiciary Chairman Leahy; Agriculture Chairman Harkin; Senate Armed Services ranking member John ...
LIEBERMAN COMES OUT OF THE CLOSET
Sometimes some of the candidates Blue America endorses ask me how we managed to raise so much money for Donna Edwards, Darcy Burner and Tom Allen (and, last year, for Ned Lamont-- over $70,000). All of our endorsees stand for the same progressive values and principles so why do some inspire so much generosity from our community?
Allen votes for $189.4 for wars; Michaud votes against...Please ...
It sure wouldn't do any harm to call Mike and thank him for his vote on this. And call or email Tom and express your disappointment in his vote. Congress still must pass a separate appropriations bill before that money can be spent. So there is still work to do on this. (See the bottom of this email for the vote count...G)
embracing your native english speaker
A) Based on the compilation of links I am showing you below, I have drafted an open letter to Senator Susan Collins and Representative Jane Harmon which I am posting to the web, making a clear statement that when using the word ...
Friday, December 14, 2007
Maine Political News for Friday, December 14, 2007
PRESS HERALD:
Verizon decision delayed till '08 A PUC vote on the sale is postponed to allow parties time to settle remaining differences.
Rep. Larry Bliss, Rep. Jon Hinck and Rep. Seth Berry: Column missed the facts on energy reform Maine's future will be found in conservation and new technologies, not older ones.
LTE: Heath to Nemitz: We'll see who gets last laugh
BANGOR DAILY:
Verizon decision postponedFriday, December 14, 2007A wrench was thrown into the Maine Public Utility Commission's plans to deliberate and perhaps come to a decision on the proposed Verizon-FairPoint land line acquisition Thursday.
Education panel OKs law changes Friday, December 14, 2007AUGUSTA, MAINE - Despite concerns that the amendment favored wealthy communities, a legislative panel Thursday approved changes to the school consolidation law that are designed to eliminate financial barriers to consolidation.
EDITORIAL: A Vision SharedFriday, December 14, 2007Some believe environmentalists want to turn Maine's North Woods into a vast tree museum. Others think hunters, snowmobilers and ATV enthusiasts see the North Woods as something like an amusement park.
EDITORIAL: Flicking The Switch Friday, December 14, 2007Trying to understand Maine's place in the ISO-New England electricity grid, and to then consider how to improve the state's position, is like trying to think 10 moves ahead in a game of chess.
Hannah Pingree: Take the next step in toxic product reformThe holiday season is in full swing, but the spirit of giving has become tainted by headline news of toxic chemicals in children’s toys.
Friday's Letters to the Editor … Let diversity rule … Relief Down East … $3 windfall … Oil and spending … Collins and oil costs … Shrink the legislators … A way to help with heat … State of emergency
KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
City reels in $145160 grant
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said $594,798 was awarded to four Maine fire departments; the others are Gouldsboro, Sedgwick and Detroit.
Briefs AUGUSTA -- Lynn Duby, former commissioner of Maine's Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services, was appointed chief executive officer for Crisis & Counseling Centers -- a position she previously held from 1984 to 1996.
VERIZON-FAIRPOINT LAND-LINE SALEUtilities Commission delays final decision AUGUSTA -- Representatives from organized labor and FairPoint Communications resumed meeting on Thursday, after the Maine Public Utilities Commission put off deliberations on the proposed sale of Verizon's telephone network and asked parties in the case to try again to settle their differences.
JOSEPH R. REISERT : No clear candidate because GOP not united in its vision As the 2008 primary season approaches, the Republican Party has an unlikely problem -- me. I shouldn't be a source of trouble for the GOP: I've been registered Republican since I've been eligible to vote, I'm a reliable Republican voter and occasional Republican donor.
REP. JILL CONOVER, D-OAKLAND, REPRESENTS PART OF O : Concerns about safety of toys taint holiday season The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us once again. We are all a little busier with shopping, preparations, gatherings with family and friends and letters to Santa filled with wishes for toys. Like most parents, I love seeing my son's eyes light up when his wishes are answered and one of those toys is uncovered under the Christmas tree.
LTE: Many may soon share vet's abysmal situation I'm not quite sure where this response is leading me, but I feel compelled to comment on the letter by veteran Scott Whittier published on Nov. 28. Was no one else appalled by George Smith's column juxtaposed above Whittier's description of his miserable existence?
LTE: Collins deserves thanks for her efforts on FRESH Your editorial from last week (Dec. 7), "Maine's GOP Senators Must Help Farm Bill" was correct that one of the most important things we can do to help hungry people right now is to weigh in with our senators to urge broad reform of the farm bill. However, when we call Sen. Susan Collins' office, we also should be thanking her for her leadership in being a co-sponsor of the FRESH amendment, the only comprehensive reform amendment currently on the table.
MORNING SENTINEL:
LTE: We're not confounded at Sen. Collins' performance The latest polls for Maine's U.S. Senate race have simply confirmed what voters have known for years: that Susan Collins is doing a fantastic job serving the people of Maine. Several polls have shown Collins leading her challenger, Tom Allen, by more than 20 percentage points and her approval ratings remain sky high. This is not all that surprising considering that Collins is a diligently hard worker, has proven an ability to get things done, and has exhibited a moderate, pragmatic streak during her time in the Senate.
SUN JOURNAL:
Budget panel hits savings targetAUGUSTA (AP) - Legislative budget writers all but wrapped up an extended effort Thursday to come up with $10.1 million in savings to complete a $6.3 billion two-year state spending plan, but fell short of unanimity.
Panel backs bill to ease school shiftAUGUSTA (AP) - A legislative committee is endorsing a bill aimed at removing financial barriers to Maine school districts as they attempt to consolidate.
Brunswick base-closing savings questionedBRUNSWICK - Next week, the panel overseeing the redevelopment of Brunswick Naval Air Station will vote on a master plan designed to economically prepare communities affected by the base's 2011 closure.
EDITORIAL: Protection, or a piece of the action?Gift cards are a $100 billion business, Consumer Reports has found, yet 27 percent go unredeemed. This leaves billions as "unclaimed property" to which states, like Maine, have staked claims, in the name of consumer protection.
LTE: No papers, no licenseI offer my appreciation to Josh Tardy of Newport, the minority leader of the Maine House of Representatives. He is one of the few in the House who are trying to stop illegal aliens from getting drivers licenses in Maine.
MPBN:
Hurdles Remain in Verizon-FairPoint DealA recent compromise has brought parties involved in the proposed Verizon-FairPoint merger closer to agreement than at any point during the lengthy negotiation process. But there are still significant hurdles for the corporations to clear before they can get the deal approved by the state's Public Uitlities Commission. As A.J. Higgins reports, organized labor representatives still have serious concerns about the implications for service and jobs if FairPoint is allowed to purchase Verizon's landline telephone operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/071213fairpoint.asx
Report on Base Closures critical of Pentagon Funding EstimatesLawmakers, including members of Maine's Congressional delegation are upset that the Pentagon and the Base Realignment and Closure Commission overstated the amount of money that would be saved in the 2005 round of military base closings. For example, The General Accounting Office finds that the cost of closing the Brunswick Naval Air Station has risen by 27 percent, from 193 million to nearly 246 million over the six year implementation period. A spokesman for the Brunswick Local Redevelopment Authority says the report could mean limited funding for environmental remediation and that cleanup of the bases will become even more competitive. Keith McKeen reports.
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/071213pentagon.asx
Governor Says Train Service Between Freeport and Brunswick On TrackPassenger train service to Freeport and Brunswick..it's been talked about for a long time but under a plan being pushed by Governor John Baldacci, it could become a reality by the year 2010. And as Irwin Gratz reports, the proposal would use existing tacks to lower the cost of the project by tens of millions of dollars.
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/071213trains.asx
CAMDEN HERALD:
School district consolidation repeal petition over half way complete
STONINGTON — The organizer of a statewide effort to repeal the Maine school district consolidation law said he is confident that enough signatures will be collected to force a statewide public referendum on repealing the law next fall.
POLITICKERME.COM:
New Web site for CRs
The Maine College Republicans have announced the launch of their new Web site, which uses new media capabilities and interactive features.
The site has video hosting capabilities and direct links to social networking sites.
Scontras, Strimling face off on immigration
They’re not quite opponents in the race for the First Congressional District. Yet candidates Dean Scontras, a Republican, and Ethan Strimling, a Democrat, are going head to head over immigration laws.
Strimling slams Scontras on immigration
Democrat Ethan Strimling, who is running for the U.S. Congress in the First District, has released a sharp-tongued letter addressed to Republican rival Dean Scontras, who yesterday called for a tough stand on driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants.
Free at Last?
Well, the folks at Verizon took one step closer in their continued efforts to escape from behind the "maple curtain" of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
ELLSWORTH AMERICAN:
Senate President: Minimum Wage Proposal “a Stretch”
AUGUSTA — The Labor Committee is continuing its review of legislation to raise the minimum wage by $1.40 over two years, but Senate President Beth Edmonds says she believes a more modest increase is all the current Legislature can support.
LACONIA CITIZEN:
GAO: Cost of closing Brunswick Naval Air Station, other bases ...
Sen. Susan Collins, who sits on the Armed Services Committee, said the GAO report confirms her suspicions that the Defense Department underestimated potential costs and overestimated savings to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.
THE HILL:
Energy cloture vote fails, Reid to strip taxes
Republicans voting for cloture included Sens. Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Orrin Hatch (Utah), John Thune (S.D.), Norm Coleman (Minn.), Susan Collins (Maine) and Richard Lugar (Ind.). Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), who faces a tough reelection bid next year, voted against cloture.
REAL CLEAR POLITICS:
A Second Democratic Year in '08?
Maine: Two-term Senator Susan Collins (R) is still the favorite for reelection, but if a Democrat wins Maine by a wide margin, the coattail effect could work in favor of Congressman Tom Allen (D). We will be carefully monitoring this one, but Collins is holding up well so far. LEANS REPUBLICAN.
ALL AMERICAN PATRIOTS:
Barack Obama, Susan Collins Bill Creates Financial Aid and Scholarship Database ...
December 13, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) was joined by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) to introduce the National STEM Scholarship Database Act (S. 2428), which would launch an innovative online database to coordinate information on financial aid opportunities available in science and technology through the federal government and public or private resources.
BLOGS:
The Collins Record - Big Oil before Mainers
Yesterday, the Maine Democratic Party put forth this commentary entitiled The Collins Record - Big Oil before Mainers:
Letter from Hannah Pingree
"People ask me all the time how I got involved in politics at such a young age. Then of course, later in the conversation, they ask me why on earth I would want to be a politician in these crazy times. The answer to both is simple: I watched my mom."
The Guru's 600th Post
In honor of the Guru's 600th post in just over a year, give a few bucks to Tom Allen. That'd be swell.
Length of time since Maine candidates last YouTube Video Channel post
Alex: This is kind of a quick post, but I thought it would be interesting. Some candidates post videos on their website but don't have a YouTube channel. Some may have a YouTube channel that I've missed (if they do and you're aware of it please let me know).
Verizon, Maine PUC, Governor Baldacci and Fairpoint
A timeline:
Two Faced Susan
MyDD has a good reminder of why Susan Collins of Maine should be defeated in 2008 by Congressman Tom Allen. Lies about term limits, unquestioning support for Bush's Iraq War, ethical lapses, and a failure to uphold the Constitution and ...
CT-04: Get Your Blograiser On For Jim Himes
CT-04 is my home district so I'm particularly vested in booting Chris Shays. He used to actually represent the district, but during the Bush years his independent streak such as it was gave way to partisan loyalty during which he stood up to Bush, much like his fellow faux-moderate and Lieber-ally, Susan Collins, only when it didn't matter.
Chertoff: Terror threat has not abated
Susan Collins, R-Maine, said improvements to FEMA have been evident in the agency’s good response to the California wildfires in October and other natural disasters this past year. Collins is the top Republican on the Senate homeland ...
Maine College Republicans launch new website
The Maine College Republicans have launched a great new website, www.MaineCR.org, built on the open-source CMS Drupal. I had some fun helping with a few parts of this, and it’s great to see the Maine CRs ahead of the curve in yet another venue.
Merry Christmas, America’s children! George Bush has given you another veto!
Great, huh? Well, aren’t you the luckiest little children on the planet to have such a nice reich wing Santa tell you that healthcare is off the table this year. Merry Christmas from the White House once again!
Budget Panel Creates $10M in Savings
Including $1.8M from competitive bidding for therapeutic foster care, $1.2M from increased placement of children in state custody in family settings.
Dean Scontras to Debate Ethan Strimling on Illegal Immigration
Friday, December 14th, 7:00AM, WLOB 1310AM/96.3FM
Strimling to Scontras on Immigration
The Republican Party’s frenzy over immigration seeks to divide our nation, not bring it together. Instead of engaging in demagoguery for short-term political gain, you should look at the facts.
Words to Describe $20M Loss?
I'm troubled by the word "indicated." Did Merrill Lynch tell Lemoine this was a good investment? Or did Lemoine hear/read in what Merrill Lynch said that this was a good investment?
Maine College Republicans Launch Groundbreaking New Website!
Intraparty Feuds Dog Democrats, Stall Congress
Unfinished work is piling up. Two months into the new fiscal year, Democrats are still scrambling just to keep the government open.
Final Defense Authorization Bill Includes Allen Provision that ...
Washington, DC (Wednesday, December 12, 2007)---US Representative Tom Allen announced today that the House-Senate conference report on the defense authorization bill for Fiscal Year 2008 includes his amendment directing the Department ...
Verizon decision delayed till '08 A PUC vote on the sale is postponed to allow parties time to settle remaining differences.
Rep. Larry Bliss, Rep. Jon Hinck and Rep. Seth Berry: Column missed the facts on energy reform Maine's future will be found in conservation and new technologies, not older ones.
LTE: Heath to Nemitz: We'll see who gets last laugh
BANGOR DAILY:
Verizon decision postponedFriday, December 14, 2007A wrench was thrown into the Maine Public Utility Commission's plans to deliberate and perhaps come to a decision on the proposed Verizon-FairPoint land line acquisition Thursday.
Education panel OKs law changes Friday, December 14, 2007AUGUSTA, MAINE - Despite concerns that the amendment favored wealthy communities, a legislative panel Thursday approved changes to the school consolidation law that are designed to eliminate financial barriers to consolidation.
EDITORIAL: A Vision SharedFriday, December 14, 2007Some believe environmentalists want to turn Maine's North Woods into a vast tree museum. Others think hunters, snowmobilers and ATV enthusiasts see the North Woods as something like an amusement park.
EDITORIAL: Flicking The Switch Friday, December 14, 2007Trying to understand Maine's place in the ISO-New England electricity grid, and to then consider how to improve the state's position, is like trying to think 10 moves ahead in a game of chess.
Hannah Pingree: Take the next step in toxic product reformThe holiday season is in full swing, but the spirit of giving has become tainted by headline news of toxic chemicals in children’s toys.
Friday's Letters to the Editor … Let diversity rule … Relief Down East … $3 windfall … Oil and spending … Collins and oil costs … Shrink the legislators … A way to help with heat … State of emergency
KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
City reels in $145160 grant
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said $594,798 was awarded to four Maine fire departments; the others are Gouldsboro, Sedgwick and Detroit.
Briefs AUGUSTA -- Lynn Duby, former commissioner of Maine's Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services, was appointed chief executive officer for Crisis & Counseling Centers -- a position she previously held from 1984 to 1996.
VERIZON-FAIRPOINT LAND-LINE SALEUtilities Commission delays final decision AUGUSTA -- Representatives from organized labor and FairPoint Communications resumed meeting on Thursday, after the Maine Public Utilities Commission put off deliberations on the proposed sale of Verizon's telephone network and asked parties in the case to try again to settle their differences.
JOSEPH R. REISERT : No clear candidate because GOP not united in its vision As the 2008 primary season approaches, the Republican Party has an unlikely problem -- me. I shouldn't be a source of trouble for the GOP: I've been registered Republican since I've been eligible to vote, I'm a reliable Republican voter and occasional Republican donor.
REP. JILL CONOVER, D-OAKLAND, REPRESENTS PART OF O : Concerns about safety of toys taint holiday season The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us once again. We are all a little busier with shopping, preparations, gatherings with family and friends and letters to Santa filled with wishes for toys. Like most parents, I love seeing my son's eyes light up when his wishes are answered and one of those toys is uncovered under the Christmas tree.
LTE: Many may soon share vet's abysmal situation I'm not quite sure where this response is leading me, but I feel compelled to comment on the letter by veteran Scott Whittier published on Nov. 28. Was no one else appalled by George Smith's column juxtaposed above Whittier's description of his miserable existence?
LTE: Collins deserves thanks for her efforts on FRESH Your editorial from last week (Dec. 7), "Maine's GOP Senators Must Help Farm Bill" was correct that one of the most important things we can do to help hungry people right now is to weigh in with our senators to urge broad reform of the farm bill. However, when we call Sen. Susan Collins' office, we also should be thanking her for her leadership in being a co-sponsor of the FRESH amendment, the only comprehensive reform amendment currently on the table.
MORNING SENTINEL:
LTE: We're not confounded at Sen. Collins' performance The latest polls for Maine's U.S. Senate race have simply confirmed what voters have known for years: that Susan Collins is doing a fantastic job serving the people of Maine. Several polls have shown Collins leading her challenger, Tom Allen, by more than 20 percentage points and her approval ratings remain sky high. This is not all that surprising considering that Collins is a diligently hard worker, has proven an ability to get things done, and has exhibited a moderate, pragmatic streak during her time in the Senate.
SUN JOURNAL:
Budget panel hits savings targetAUGUSTA (AP) - Legislative budget writers all but wrapped up an extended effort Thursday to come up with $10.1 million in savings to complete a $6.3 billion two-year state spending plan, but fell short of unanimity.
Panel backs bill to ease school shiftAUGUSTA (AP) - A legislative committee is endorsing a bill aimed at removing financial barriers to Maine school districts as they attempt to consolidate.
Brunswick base-closing savings questionedBRUNSWICK - Next week, the panel overseeing the redevelopment of Brunswick Naval Air Station will vote on a master plan designed to economically prepare communities affected by the base's 2011 closure.
EDITORIAL: Protection, or a piece of the action?Gift cards are a $100 billion business, Consumer Reports has found, yet 27 percent go unredeemed. This leaves billions as "unclaimed property" to which states, like Maine, have staked claims, in the name of consumer protection.
LTE: No papers, no licenseI offer my appreciation to Josh Tardy of Newport, the minority leader of the Maine House of Representatives. He is one of the few in the House who are trying to stop illegal aliens from getting drivers licenses in Maine.
MPBN:
Hurdles Remain in Verizon-FairPoint DealA recent compromise has brought parties involved in the proposed Verizon-FairPoint merger closer to agreement than at any point during the lengthy negotiation process. But there are still significant hurdles for the corporations to clear before they can get the deal approved by the state's Public Uitlities Commission. As A.J. Higgins reports, organized labor representatives still have serious concerns about the implications for service and jobs if FairPoint is allowed to purchase Verizon's landline telephone operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/071213fairpoint.asx
Report on Base Closures critical of Pentagon Funding EstimatesLawmakers, including members of Maine's Congressional delegation are upset that the Pentagon and the Base Realignment and Closure Commission overstated the amount of money that would be saved in the 2005 round of military base closings. For example, The General Accounting Office finds that the cost of closing the Brunswick Naval Air Station has risen by 27 percent, from 193 million to nearly 246 million over the six year implementation period. A spokesman for the Brunswick Local Redevelopment Authority says the report could mean limited funding for environmental remediation and that cleanup of the bases will become even more competitive. Keith McKeen reports.
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/071213pentagon.asx
Governor Says Train Service Between Freeport and Brunswick On TrackPassenger train service to Freeport and Brunswick..it's been talked about for a long time but under a plan being pushed by Governor John Baldacci, it could become a reality by the year 2010. And as Irwin Gratz reports, the proposal would use existing tacks to lower the cost of the project by tens of millions of dollars.
http://www.mpbn.net/asx/071213trains.asx
CAMDEN HERALD:
School district consolidation repeal petition over half way complete
STONINGTON — The organizer of a statewide effort to repeal the Maine school district consolidation law said he is confident that enough signatures will be collected to force a statewide public referendum on repealing the law next fall.
POLITICKERME.COM:
New Web site for CRs
The Maine College Republicans have announced the launch of their new Web site, which uses new media capabilities and interactive features.
The site has video hosting capabilities and direct links to social networking sites.
Scontras, Strimling face off on immigration
They’re not quite opponents in the race for the First Congressional District. Yet candidates Dean Scontras, a Republican, and Ethan Strimling, a Democrat, are going head to head over immigration laws.
Strimling slams Scontras on immigration
Democrat Ethan Strimling, who is running for the U.S. Congress in the First District, has released a sharp-tongued letter addressed to Republican rival Dean Scontras, who yesterday called for a tough stand on driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants.
Free at Last?
Well, the folks at Verizon took one step closer in their continued efforts to escape from behind the "maple curtain" of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
ELLSWORTH AMERICAN:
Senate President: Minimum Wage Proposal “a Stretch”
AUGUSTA — The Labor Committee is continuing its review of legislation to raise the minimum wage by $1.40 over two years, but Senate President Beth Edmonds says she believes a more modest increase is all the current Legislature can support.
LACONIA CITIZEN:
GAO: Cost of closing Brunswick Naval Air Station, other bases ...
Sen. Susan Collins, who sits on the Armed Services Committee, said the GAO report confirms her suspicions that the Defense Department underestimated potential costs and overestimated savings to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.
THE HILL:
Energy cloture vote fails, Reid to strip taxes
Republicans voting for cloture included Sens. Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Orrin Hatch (Utah), John Thune (S.D.), Norm Coleman (Minn.), Susan Collins (Maine) and Richard Lugar (Ind.). Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), who faces a tough reelection bid next year, voted against cloture.
REAL CLEAR POLITICS:
A Second Democratic Year in '08?
Maine: Two-term Senator Susan Collins (R) is still the favorite for reelection, but if a Democrat wins Maine by a wide margin, the coattail effect could work in favor of Congressman Tom Allen (D). We will be carefully monitoring this one, but Collins is holding up well so far. LEANS REPUBLICAN.
ALL AMERICAN PATRIOTS:
Barack Obama, Susan Collins Bill Creates Financial Aid and Scholarship Database ...
December 13, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) was joined by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) to introduce the National STEM Scholarship Database Act (S. 2428), which would launch an innovative online database to coordinate information on financial aid opportunities available in science and technology through the federal government and public or private resources.
BLOGS:
The Collins Record - Big Oil before Mainers
Yesterday, the Maine Democratic Party put forth this commentary entitiled The Collins Record - Big Oil before Mainers:
Letter from Hannah Pingree
"People ask me all the time how I got involved in politics at such a young age. Then of course, later in the conversation, they ask me why on earth I would want to be a politician in these crazy times. The answer to both is simple: I watched my mom."
The Guru's 600th Post
In honor of the Guru's 600th post in just over a year, give a few bucks to Tom Allen. That'd be swell.
Length of time since Maine candidates last YouTube Video Channel post
Alex: This is kind of a quick post, but I thought it would be interesting. Some candidates post videos on their website but don't have a YouTube channel. Some may have a YouTube channel that I've missed (if they do and you're aware of it please let me know).
Verizon, Maine PUC, Governor Baldacci and Fairpoint
A timeline:
Two Faced Susan
MyDD has a good reminder of why Susan Collins of Maine should be defeated in 2008 by Congressman Tom Allen. Lies about term limits, unquestioning support for Bush's Iraq War, ethical lapses, and a failure to uphold the Constitution and ...
CT-04: Get Your Blograiser On For Jim Himes
CT-04 is my home district so I'm particularly vested in booting Chris Shays. He used to actually represent the district, but during the Bush years his independent streak such as it was gave way to partisan loyalty during which he stood up to Bush, much like his fellow faux-moderate and Lieber-ally, Susan Collins, only when it didn't matter.
Chertoff: Terror threat has not abated
Susan Collins, R-Maine, said improvements to FEMA have been evident in the agency’s good response to the California wildfires in October and other natural disasters this past year. Collins is the top Republican on the Senate homeland ...
Maine College Republicans launch new website
The Maine College Republicans have launched a great new website, www.MaineCR.org, built on the open-source CMS Drupal. I had some fun helping with a few parts of this, and it’s great to see the Maine CRs ahead of the curve in yet another venue.
Merry Christmas, America’s children! George Bush has given you another veto!
Great, huh? Well, aren’t you the luckiest little children on the planet to have such a nice reich wing Santa tell you that healthcare is off the table this year. Merry Christmas from the White House once again!
Budget Panel Creates $10M in Savings
Including $1.8M from competitive bidding for therapeutic foster care, $1.2M from increased placement of children in state custody in family settings.
Dean Scontras to Debate Ethan Strimling on Illegal Immigration
Friday, December 14th, 7:00AM, WLOB 1310AM/96.3FM
Strimling to Scontras on Immigration
The Republican Party’s frenzy over immigration seeks to divide our nation, not bring it together. Instead of engaging in demagoguery for short-term political gain, you should look at the facts.
Words to Describe $20M Loss?
I'm troubled by the word "indicated." Did Merrill Lynch tell Lemoine this was a good investment? Or did Lemoine hear/read in what Merrill Lynch said that this was a good investment?
Maine College Republicans Launch Groundbreaking New Website!
Intraparty Feuds Dog Democrats, Stall Congress
Unfinished work is piling up. Two months into the new fiscal year, Democrats are still scrambling just to keep the government open.
Final Defense Authorization Bill Includes Allen Provision that ...
Washington, DC (Wednesday, December 12, 2007)---US Representative Tom Allen announced today that the House-Senate conference report on the defense authorization bill for Fiscal Year 2008 includes his amendment directing the Department ...
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Maine Political News for Thursday, December 13, 2007
PRESS HERALD:
Newfound scrutiny for state agencies State House: Findings of possible fraud and misuse of funds show the need for strict oversight, many say.
Verizon-FairPoint settlement reached State officials who had advised against the $2.7 billion phone deal now support it – after days of negotiations.
Gift cards focus for budget writers State House: Lawmakers criticize themselves for counting on unused-card revenue from chain stores.
Maine still No. 1 at deterring smoking Only Maine and two other states are properly funding programs to keep kids away from tobacco, the CDC says.
EDITORIAL: In 2008, it may be the 'economy, stupid' again Economic concerns surpass the war in Iraq as the most important issue for voters.
LTE: Debating role of military in political endorsements
LTE: Should Maine raise minimum wage?
BANGOR DAILY:
Fuel price coalition to rally in SkowheganThursday, December 13, 2007Al and Belinda Raymond of Kingman decided early last month to form a group to help truckers, the connective tissue of the state’s $11.5 billion forest products industry, keep skyrocketing diesel prices from driving them into bankruptcy.
State officials wrap up audit of cultural agenciesThursday, December 13, 2007AUGUSTA, Maine — The state controller wants to "close the book" on an audit of four Maine cultural agencies.
Lawmakers get earful on consolidationThursday, December 13, 2007AUGUSTA, Maine — Skepticism about the state’s school consolidation law was in the air Wednesday as the Legislature’s education panel conducted a public hearing on proposed changes to the measure.
EPA cleaning up Freedom storeThursday, December 13, 2007Cleanup crews with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are in the central Maine town of Freedom this week working to remove potentially hazardous chemicals from the site of a former salvage store.
Editorial: Thermostat bluesThursday, December 13, 2007The letter reads: "As winter’s grip takes hold, heating costs for all Americans are going up. Seniors and low-income families are particularly vulnerable to these price increases. … [H]omes that use heating oil are likely to pay 23 percent more on average this winter than last.
EDITORIAL: Sidelining shareholdersThursday, December 13, 2007A recent Securities and Exchange Commission vote to weaken shareholder rights should, as the board's chairman has promised, soon be reconsidered to ensure that stockholders retain a needed voice.
George Will: Regulation of politics is peverseThe Post, dismayed by the prospect, in effect asks: What if we had deregulated politics — including the sort of presidential campaigns that produced 33 presidents (including some pretty good ones — Lincoln, TR, the sainted Coolidge, FDR, Truman, Ike) before the Federal Election Commission was created in 1975?
Thursday's Letters to the Editor … FairPoint insults Maine … Impeach Bush … Suport Citgo …
KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
'Baggler' on international stage AUGUSTA -- Local businessman Mark Eichenbaum is hopeful sales will more than double in the next few months, thanks in part to his participation in a gubernatorial trade mission to South Korea and Japan.
Treasurer explains investment
Lemoine remains optimistic about state recovering funds AUGUSTA -- State Treasurer David Lemoine drew sympathy and criticism from lawmakers Wednesday as he explained the rationale behind the investment of $20 million of state money in a fund that rapidly went from highly rated to junk status.
State cultural agencies say most problems fixed AUGUSTA -- The leaders of the state's cultural agencies responded Wednesday to a review of their accounting systems by saying they've already addressed most of the problems and are ready to move ahead.
Phone sale deal reachedPublic Utilities Commission starts deliberations today Key parties in the proposed Verizon-FairPoint Communications sale reached a settlement late Wednesday on terms designed to convince state utility regulators to approve the deal.
On Maine Politics
Dems get semi-secret training
DAVID LEMOINE : Law allows Maine share of unused gift cardsSome issuing corporations try to avoid paying state percentage Gift cards are in the news as Maine works to collect a share of the windfall profits now being taken by some out-of-state corporations from their gift card sales in Maine. Nearly $28 million is in dispute over the next two years.
JIM BRUNELLE : Legislators should use 2nd session to tighten ethics When legislators reconvene next month for the second regular session, they'll face a heavy agenda of sticky issues, including consolidation of school districts, corrections reforms and filling a multimillion-dollar revenue gap in the next half of the budget cycle.
LTE: Bush creates own reality, even when facts oppose it Recently, President Bush told reporters during a White House news conference that he was "not told the details of the new assessment until last week" and he said "the new report, which found that Iran had halted its nuclear weapons work in 2003, will not change U.S. policy toward Iran." So not only does the White House create its own reality, now it is refusing to accept the reality of, well, reality?
LTE: Truckers need a reprieve to keep industry afloat The letter to the editor criticizing truckers for attacking Gov. John Baldacci was a little off base. Understand first, that as the highest-elected official in Maine, he has every reason to listen to the people. He has listened and acted. As such, for this we are grateful.
SUN JOURNAL:
Major Maine law firm fires partnerPORTLAND (AP) - A longtime partner in Verrill Dana LLP, one of Maine's largest and most prestigious law firms, has been fired after allegedly stealing money from clients and the firm.
EDITORIAL: Wishing for winter warmth from WashingtonAll this political fiddling in Washington could be tolerable, if Maine and other northern states were actually burning. Then, all those eligible for low-income heating assistance might actually stay warm.
LTE: Alien enablersSecretary of State Matthew Dunlap says his office is not in the business of chasing illegal aliens. His office is in the business of enabling illegal aliens by providing them with drivers' licenses.LTE: Finding peaceI read with great interest the editorial on Dec. 5, "Finding and fighting the enemy within." It was a well-defined and educated piece, to say the least.LTE: Single payer does workThe major presidential candidates often talk about universal health care, but most of them ignore the best solution. The time has come to expand Medicare to cover all Americans. We need universal single-payer health care now, and H.R. 676 would do just that.
TIMES RECORD:
Rep. Percy named to water toxins board...(full story)
GAO finds '05 BRAC savings shrinking...(full story)
LTE: What's so absurd?...(full story)
MPBN:
Treasurer Says Budget Gap Created by Unused Gift Cards State Treasurer David Lemoine spent a good portion of the morning trying to explain to a legislative commitee why a 28 million dollar budget gap has been created by...unused gift cards. Maine law requires that retailers hand over a certain percentage of dormant gift cards. But as A.J. Higgins reports, many national retailers have been reluctant to comply.
YORK COUNTY COAST STAR:
CEEK urges calls to reps
KENNEBUNK — Peter Hanson, chairman of Citizens for Electrical Equality in Kennebunk (CEEK), spoke before the board of selectmen Tuesday, thanking them for the town's support and calling on residents to make their opinions known on LD 1221 to...
YORK WEEKLY:
New state, fed towers in town?
YORK — The Coast Guard wants to build a 150- to 250-foot lattice tower at the Public Works building, and there's nothing the town can do about it.
PORTLAND PHOENIX:
TALKING POLITICSTear me apart: Politics and other mistakesAre people in southern Maine finally smartening up?
REPUBLICAN JOURNAL-WALDO INDEPENDENT:
Options offered for jail woes
AUGUSTA — State lawmakers will look at several proposals for dealing with a corrections system that an official says is “breaking” when the legislature convenes next month.
ELLSWORTH AMERICAN:
Options offered for jail woes
AUGUSTA — State lawmakers will look at several proposals for dealing with a corrections system that an official says is “breaking” when the legislature convenes next month.
State Audit Reveals Misuse
AUGUSTA — An audit of the state Bureau of Rehabilitation Services has found there was misuse of an estimated $100,000 and apparent fraud involving three employees largely because there were not adequate internal controls to monitor how money was spent to help people with disabilities get employment skills.
Maine’s Energy Future
Editorials
Governor John Baldacci’s well-intentioned but ill-conceived plans to consolidate Maine school districts and place county jails under a state framework are receiving plenty of deserved condemnation as 2007 winds its way down. But on another front, the Governor is right on target. Baldacci took sharp issue last week with Maine’s treatment at the hands of ISO-New England, the agency that coordinates the electricity markets and transmission systems in Maine and its five Northeastern neighbors.
Internet2
Editorials
Representatives from a variety of eastern Maine research and educational institutions announced recently that they had secured millions of dollars in funding for installation of Internet2, the next generation on the information superhighway. In fact, if the present Internet can be thought of as a four-lane highway, Internet2 is equal to having 32 lanes — in each direction.
LETTERS:
MedNow Deserves Support
Written by John Kalkow
The treatment of the MedNow medical facility is another example of the influence that the huge and powerful corporations have over local small business and the control that they have over local government and individuals. A good example of this is what the MedNow clinic has gone through over the past several months.
Questioning the Greatness of War
Written by Craig Idlebrook
While I’ve enjoyed the stories in “The Greatest Generation” series, I’m troubled by its title.
Congress Must Draw the Line on Iran
Written by Suzanne Anderson
It sounds so eerily familiar, the White House claiming a Middle Eastern country is threatening America and freedom in general. This time that country is Iran.
An Approach Worth Trying
Written by Richard E. Faust
From the dawn of human history war has been a dominant force in resolving conflicts, often those concerned with religious and cultural differences. From early tribal disputes and the wars of the Greeks and Romans on through to a host of devastating confrontations in Europe, Africa and the Far East characterized by various crusades and territorial claims up to the world wars of the 20th century and those we currently face, there seems to be something inherent in the human approach to reality that fosters such horrendous destruction and loss of life.
LINCOLN COUNTY NEWS:
Approval of Modest Minimum Wage Increase Possible
The Labor Committee is continuing its review of legislation to raise the minimum wage by $1.40 over two years, but Senate President Beth Edmonds ... State Focuses on Health Care Costs to Fill Hole
Mental health care providers, who treat the state's Medicaid patients, are facing tough budget times and things are only expected to get worse ... From the Legislature -- New Website on Toy Safety
Just in time for the holidays, a new website has been established to report chemical testing results on popular children's toys. The site, www.healthytoys.org, ... Lincoln County Democrats to Honor Rines
On Tues., Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. the Lincoln County Democrats will gather at Le Garage in Wiscasset to honor Representative Peter Rines of Wiscasset ... Rep. McKane Serves on Legislative Panels
State Rep. Jon McKane, (R-Newcastle) serving his second term on the Legislature's Insurance and Financial Services (IFS) Committee, participated ...
Letter to the Editor -- Canadians Like Their Healthcare System To the Editor: I'm a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, a group of artists who, among other activities, trade ideas and information ...
Letter to the Editor -- Not Just a Maine Problem To the Editor: David Kolodin's letter to LCN's Editor, Dated Nov. 29, and titled 'Health Care unaffordable for many Mainers', was altruistic ...
POLITICKERME.COM:
While we were gone
This PolitickerME reporter has returned from Washington, D.C. In between a day-long forum on voting reform and taking the tour ‘de the Maine delegation’s congressional offices, it was a productive trip. Expect some related stories in the near future.
Je ne sais pas
Gosh, it must be tough being the Treasurer of the State. After a day of testimony before the appropriations committee, David Lemoine, our State Treasurer, blurted out enough “I don’t knows” to make the average teenager blush during a parental interrogation.
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE:
GOP to Lose More SeatsOn the Democratic side, three of the five are running for Senate (the two Udalls, Mark of Colorado and Tom of New Mexico, as well as Maine's Tom Allen), ...
BLOGS:
Wednesday Night Items
Maine: Need more reason to contribute to Tom Allen? While Susan Collins did jack-squat as Chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security to investigate Halliburton's no-bid contracts and war profiteering in Iraq, Congressman Tom Allen is actually demonstrating leadership on the issue and working to establish an independent Commission on Wartime Contracting to "investigate Iraq and Afghanistan wartime contracts and the contracting processes." You know, the work that Susan Collins was supposed to do, but didn't. When we look back on this decade, I have no doubt that Susan Collins will be considered Halliburton's best friend in the U.S. Senate.Oh, and do you remember Susan Collins' laughable op-ed this past weekend paying lip service to energy independence? Well, her disingenuous sentiments run in stark contrast to her record, courtesy of a Maine Democratic Party press release:
Highlights of the Collins Record* Allow market manipulation. Senator Collins opposed closing the Enron Loophole. In 2003, she voted against an amendment to regulate online trading of energy derivatives and impose stringent penalties for market manipulation. [S14, Vote 218, 6/11/03; Oil Daily, 6/11/03]* Allow price gouging. Senator Collins voted against imposing windfall profits tax on oil companies. In 2005, Collins voted against an amendment that would impose a temporary windfall profit tax on crude oil and to rebate the tax collected back to the American consumer. [S2020, Vote 331, 11/17/05]* Support Bush-Cheney Big Oil Giveaway. Senator Collins voted to preserve $14 billion in energy tax incentives, including breaks for Big Oil and Gas. In 2002, Collins voted against prohibiting any of the approximately $14 billion in the energy bill's tax incentives, until new tax hikes or spending cuts were enacted to offset the revenue loss that would come from that $14 billion in tax relief. [S 517, 4/25/02, #93]
Of course, Democratic Congressman Tom Allen is an original co-sponsor of the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act who also supports The Close Enron Loophole Act and opposed the Bush-Cheney Big Oil Giveaway legislation. Seriously, contribute to Tom Allen if you can.
Rep. Tom Allen bill will look into wartime contracting
Cross posted at Daily Kos
Susan Collins was the first chair of the Senate's Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, whose duties include oversight of Federal contracting. But despite repeated requests from her colleagues to look into numerous media reports about cost over-runs, graft, theft and mismanagement, Collins refused to do so. She did not call even one hearing to look into what has cost our Treasury billions of dollars (to be fair, neither has Joe Liebermen).
Today, Tom Allen (ME-1) announced:
Open Thread - the S&L Bailout Redux
Younger readers may not remember or know much about the Savings and Loan Crisis, which has cost our Treasury over $200 BILLION since the bailout planned sailed through Congress almost no discussion.
I am not an expert on high finance, but from what I am reading it seems another bailout is in the works for those investors caught with their pants down by their bad sub-prime mortgages they hold:
Bangor Daily News on Moving the Goal Posts
Today's Bangor Daily News has this editorial in which it explains how the Bush administration has moved the goal posts in Iraq:
Choices
Give credit to the Bangor Daily News for taking the Bushies to task for moving the goal posts on Iraq.
Still, it's telling that even in a critical editorial, there's no discussion about what our goal in Iraq is, or how America's continued occupation of the country might be thought to advance our national interests.
War Funders in Congress Leave us a $100,000. per Person Cost for War
Iraq and Climate Change
Michael T. Klare December 7, 2007
Foreign Policy In Focus
Dobson's Call to Conscience
Dear People of Maine:Margaret Chase Smith would have a lot to say if she returned to Maine and saw what was going on today.
$700B Defense Bill: Allen, Yea/Michaud/ Nay
The bill includes $189 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Pressure mounts as Senate war votes loom
Susan Collins, R-Maine, was one of 50 senators who voted against a resolution calling for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq by next March. On Tuesday, she said she’ll vote to recommend a spring pullout Д and may back a measure to ...
Hillary: Say No to Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Bill
1959 was introduced by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) Aug. 2. If the bill makes it out of committee, then Clinton will be presented with the opportunity to vote on the proposed legislation.
Chertoff: Terror threat has not abated
Susan Collins, R-Maine, said improvements to FEMA have been evident in the agency's good response to the California wildfires in October and other natural disasters this past year. Collins is the top Republican on the Senate homeland ...
[catapult] Digest Number 7365
Obama is on the 17-member Senate Committee for Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, where S. 1959 was introduced by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) Aug. 2. "I will keep your important comments in mind as I work with my colleagues on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. I will work to ensure that this legislation helps to achieve our domestic security objectives while protecting civil liberties and constitutional rights," Obama stated in his email to Justin.
Congress Set to Pass Defense Contractor Whistleblower Protections
The measure, championed by Senators Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Armed Services Chair Carl Levin (D.-MI.) and Susan Collins (R-ME), adopts a version of the "best practices" whistleblower rights model that already has been signed into law once by President Bush this Congress for ground transportation employees.
Newfound scrutiny for state agencies State House: Findings of possible fraud and misuse of funds show the need for strict oversight, many say.
Verizon-FairPoint settlement reached State officials who had advised against the $2.7 billion phone deal now support it – after days of negotiations.
Gift cards focus for budget writers State House: Lawmakers criticize themselves for counting on unused-card revenue from chain stores.
Maine still No. 1 at deterring smoking Only Maine and two other states are properly funding programs to keep kids away from tobacco, the CDC says.
EDITORIAL: In 2008, it may be the 'economy, stupid' again Economic concerns surpass the war in Iraq as the most important issue for voters.
LTE: Debating role of military in political endorsements
LTE: Should Maine raise minimum wage?
BANGOR DAILY:
Fuel price coalition to rally in SkowheganThursday, December 13, 2007Al and Belinda Raymond of Kingman decided early last month to form a group to help truckers, the connective tissue of the state’s $11.5 billion forest products industry, keep skyrocketing diesel prices from driving them into bankruptcy.
State officials wrap up audit of cultural agenciesThursday, December 13, 2007AUGUSTA, Maine — The state controller wants to "close the book" on an audit of four Maine cultural agencies.
Lawmakers get earful on consolidationThursday, December 13, 2007AUGUSTA, Maine — Skepticism about the state’s school consolidation law was in the air Wednesday as the Legislature’s education panel conducted a public hearing on proposed changes to the measure.
EPA cleaning up Freedom storeThursday, December 13, 2007Cleanup crews with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are in the central Maine town of Freedom this week working to remove potentially hazardous chemicals from the site of a former salvage store.
Editorial: Thermostat bluesThursday, December 13, 2007The letter reads: "As winter’s grip takes hold, heating costs for all Americans are going up. Seniors and low-income families are particularly vulnerable to these price increases. … [H]omes that use heating oil are likely to pay 23 percent more on average this winter than last.
EDITORIAL: Sidelining shareholdersThursday, December 13, 2007A recent Securities and Exchange Commission vote to weaken shareholder rights should, as the board's chairman has promised, soon be reconsidered to ensure that stockholders retain a needed voice.
George Will: Regulation of politics is peverseThe Post, dismayed by the prospect, in effect asks: What if we had deregulated politics — including the sort of presidential campaigns that produced 33 presidents (including some pretty good ones — Lincoln, TR, the sainted Coolidge, FDR, Truman, Ike) before the Federal Election Commission was created in 1975?
Thursday's Letters to the Editor … FairPoint insults Maine … Impeach Bush … Suport Citgo …
KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
'Baggler' on international stage AUGUSTA -- Local businessman Mark Eichenbaum is hopeful sales will more than double in the next few months, thanks in part to his participation in a gubernatorial trade mission to South Korea and Japan.
Treasurer explains investment
Lemoine remains optimistic about state recovering funds AUGUSTA -- State Treasurer David Lemoine drew sympathy and criticism from lawmakers Wednesday as he explained the rationale behind the investment of $20 million of state money in a fund that rapidly went from highly rated to junk status.
State cultural agencies say most problems fixed AUGUSTA -- The leaders of the state's cultural agencies responded Wednesday to a review of their accounting systems by saying they've already addressed most of the problems and are ready to move ahead.
Phone sale deal reachedPublic Utilities Commission starts deliberations today Key parties in the proposed Verizon-FairPoint Communications sale reached a settlement late Wednesday on terms designed to convince state utility regulators to approve the deal.
On Maine Politics
Dems get semi-secret training
DAVID LEMOINE : Law allows Maine share of unused gift cardsSome issuing corporations try to avoid paying state percentage Gift cards are in the news as Maine works to collect a share of the windfall profits now being taken by some out-of-state corporations from their gift card sales in Maine. Nearly $28 million is in dispute over the next two years.
JIM BRUNELLE : Legislators should use 2nd session to tighten ethics When legislators reconvene next month for the second regular session, they'll face a heavy agenda of sticky issues, including consolidation of school districts, corrections reforms and filling a multimillion-dollar revenue gap in the next half of the budget cycle.
LTE: Bush creates own reality, even when facts oppose it Recently, President Bush told reporters during a White House news conference that he was "not told the details of the new assessment until last week" and he said "the new report, which found that Iran had halted its nuclear weapons work in 2003, will not change U.S. policy toward Iran." So not only does the White House create its own reality, now it is refusing to accept the reality of, well, reality?
LTE: Truckers need a reprieve to keep industry afloat The letter to the editor criticizing truckers for attacking Gov. John Baldacci was a little off base. Understand first, that as the highest-elected official in Maine, he has every reason to listen to the people. He has listened and acted. As such, for this we are grateful.
SUN JOURNAL:
Major Maine law firm fires partnerPORTLAND (AP) - A longtime partner in Verrill Dana LLP, one of Maine's largest and most prestigious law firms, has been fired after allegedly stealing money from clients and the firm.
EDITORIAL: Wishing for winter warmth from WashingtonAll this political fiddling in Washington could be tolerable, if Maine and other northern states were actually burning. Then, all those eligible for low-income heating assistance might actually stay warm.
LTE: Alien enablersSecretary of State Matthew Dunlap says his office is not in the business of chasing illegal aliens. His office is in the business of enabling illegal aliens by providing them with drivers' licenses.LTE: Finding peaceI read with great interest the editorial on Dec. 5, "Finding and fighting the enemy within." It was a well-defined and educated piece, to say the least.LTE: Single payer does workThe major presidential candidates often talk about universal health care, but most of them ignore the best solution. The time has come to expand Medicare to cover all Americans. We need universal single-payer health care now, and H.R. 676 would do just that.
TIMES RECORD:
Rep. Percy named to water toxins board...(full story)
GAO finds '05 BRAC savings shrinking...(full story)
LTE: What's so absurd?...(full story)
MPBN:
Treasurer Says Budget Gap Created by Unused Gift Cards State Treasurer David Lemoine spent a good portion of the morning trying to explain to a legislative commitee why a 28 million dollar budget gap has been created by...unused gift cards. Maine law requires that retailers hand over a certain percentage of dormant gift cards. But as A.J. Higgins reports, many national retailers have been reluctant to comply.
YORK COUNTY COAST STAR:
CEEK urges calls to reps
KENNEBUNK — Peter Hanson, chairman of Citizens for Electrical Equality in Kennebunk (CEEK), spoke before the board of selectmen Tuesday, thanking them for the town's support and calling on residents to make their opinions known on LD 1221 to...
YORK WEEKLY:
New state, fed towers in town?
YORK — The Coast Guard wants to build a 150- to 250-foot lattice tower at the Public Works building, and there's nothing the town can do about it.
PORTLAND PHOENIX:
TALKING POLITICSTear me apart: Politics and other mistakesAre people in southern Maine finally smartening up?
REPUBLICAN JOURNAL-WALDO INDEPENDENT:
Options offered for jail woes
AUGUSTA — State lawmakers will look at several proposals for dealing with a corrections system that an official says is “breaking” when the legislature convenes next month.
ELLSWORTH AMERICAN:
Options offered for jail woes
AUGUSTA — State lawmakers will look at several proposals for dealing with a corrections system that an official says is “breaking” when the legislature convenes next month.
State Audit Reveals Misuse
AUGUSTA — An audit of the state Bureau of Rehabilitation Services has found there was misuse of an estimated $100,000 and apparent fraud involving three employees largely because there were not adequate internal controls to monitor how money was spent to help people with disabilities get employment skills.
Maine’s Energy Future
Editorials
Governor John Baldacci’s well-intentioned but ill-conceived plans to consolidate Maine school districts and place county jails under a state framework are receiving plenty of deserved condemnation as 2007 winds its way down. But on another front, the Governor is right on target. Baldacci took sharp issue last week with Maine’s treatment at the hands of ISO-New England, the agency that coordinates the electricity markets and transmission systems in Maine and its five Northeastern neighbors.
Internet2
Editorials
Representatives from a variety of eastern Maine research and educational institutions announced recently that they had secured millions of dollars in funding for installation of Internet2, the next generation on the information superhighway. In fact, if the present Internet can be thought of as a four-lane highway, Internet2 is equal to having 32 lanes — in each direction.
LETTERS:
MedNow Deserves Support
Written by John Kalkow
The treatment of the MedNow medical facility is another example of the influence that the huge and powerful corporations have over local small business and the control that they have over local government and individuals. A good example of this is what the MedNow clinic has gone through over the past several months.
Questioning the Greatness of War
Written by Craig Idlebrook
While I’ve enjoyed the stories in “The Greatest Generation” series, I’m troubled by its title.
Congress Must Draw the Line on Iran
Written by Suzanne Anderson
It sounds so eerily familiar, the White House claiming a Middle Eastern country is threatening America and freedom in general. This time that country is Iran.
An Approach Worth Trying
Written by Richard E. Faust
From the dawn of human history war has been a dominant force in resolving conflicts, often those concerned with religious and cultural differences. From early tribal disputes and the wars of the Greeks and Romans on through to a host of devastating confrontations in Europe, Africa and the Far East characterized by various crusades and territorial claims up to the world wars of the 20th century and those we currently face, there seems to be something inherent in the human approach to reality that fosters such horrendous destruction and loss of life.
LINCOLN COUNTY NEWS:
Approval of Modest Minimum Wage Increase Possible
The Labor Committee is continuing its review of legislation to raise the minimum wage by $1.40 over two years, but Senate President Beth Edmonds ... State Focuses on Health Care Costs to Fill Hole
Mental health care providers, who treat the state's Medicaid patients, are facing tough budget times and things are only expected to get worse ... From the Legislature -- New Website on Toy Safety
Just in time for the holidays, a new website has been established to report chemical testing results on popular children's toys. The site, www.healthytoys.org, ... Lincoln County Democrats to Honor Rines
On Tues., Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. the Lincoln County Democrats will gather at Le Garage in Wiscasset to honor Representative Peter Rines of Wiscasset ... Rep. McKane Serves on Legislative Panels
State Rep. Jon McKane, (R-Newcastle) serving his second term on the Legislature's Insurance and Financial Services (IFS) Committee, participated ...
Letter to the Editor -- Canadians Like Their Healthcare System To the Editor: I'm a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, a group of artists who, among other activities, trade ideas and information ...
Letter to the Editor -- Not Just a Maine Problem To the Editor: David Kolodin's letter to LCN's Editor, Dated Nov. 29, and titled 'Health Care unaffordable for many Mainers', was altruistic ...
POLITICKERME.COM:
While we were gone
This PolitickerME reporter has returned from Washington, D.C. In between a day-long forum on voting reform and taking the tour ‘de the Maine delegation’s congressional offices, it was a productive trip. Expect some related stories in the near future.
Je ne sais pas
Gosh, it must be tough being the Treasurer of the State. After a day of testimony before the appropriations committee, David Lemoine, our State Treasurer, blurted out enough “I don’t knows” to make the average teenager blush during a parental interrogation.
AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE:
GOP to Lose More SeatsOn the Democratic side, three of the five are running for Senate (the two Udalls, Mark of Colorado and Tom of New Mexico, as well as Maine's Tom Allen), ...
BLOGS:
Wednesday Night Items
Maine: Need more reason to contribute to Tom Allen? While Susan Collins did jack-squat as Chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security to investigate Halliburton's no-bid contracts and war profiteering in Iraq, Congressman Tom Allen is actually demonstrating leadership on the issue and working to establish an independent Commission on Wartime Contracting to "investigate Iraq and Afghanistan wartime contracts and the contracting processes." You know, the work that Susan Collins was supposed to do, but didn't. When we look back on this decade, I have no doubt that Susan Collins will be considered Halliburton's best friend in the U.S. Senate.Oh, and do you remember Susan Collins' laughable op-ed this past weekend paying lip service to energy independence? Well, her disingenuous sentiments run in stark contrast to her record, courtesy of a Maine Democratic Party press release:
Highlights of the Collins Record* Allow market manipulation. Senator Collins opposed closing the Enron Loophole. In 2003, she voted against an amendment to regulate online trading of energy derivatives and impose stringent penalties for market manipulation. [S14, Vote 218, 6/11/03; Oil Daily, 6/11/03]* Allow price gouging. Senator Collins voted against imposing windfall profits tax on oil companies. In 2005, Collins voted against an amendment that would impose a temporary windfall profit tax on crude oil and to rebate the tax collected back to the American consumer. [S2020, Vote 331, 11/17/05]* Support Bush-Cheney Big Oil Giveaway. Senator Collins voted to preserve $14 billion in energy tax incentives, including breaks for Big Oil and Gas. In 2002, Collins voted against prohibiting any of the approximately $14 billion in the energy bill's tax incentives, until new tax hikes or spending cuts were enacted to offset the revenue loss that would come from that $14 billion in tax relief. [S 517, 4/25/02, #93]
Of course, Democratic Congressman Tom Allen is an original co-sponsor of the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act who also supports The Close Enron Loophole Act and opposed the Bush-Cheney Big Oil Giveaway legislation. Seriously, contribute to Tom Allen if you can.
Rep. Tom Allen bill will look into wartime contracting
Cross posted at Daily Kos
Susan Collins was the first chair of the Senate's Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, whose duties include oversight of Federal contracting. But despite repeated requests from her colleagues to look into numerous media reports about cost over-runs, graft, theft and mismanagement, Collins refused to do so. She did not call even one hearing to look into what has cost our Treasury billions of dollars (to be fair, neither has Joe Liebermen).
Today, Tom Allen (ME-1) announced:
Open Thread - the S&L Bailout Redux
Younger readers may not remember or know much about the Savings and Loan Crisis, which has cost our Treasury over $200 BILLION since the bailout planned sailed through Congress almost no discussion.
I am not an expert on high finance, but from what I am reading it seems another bailout is in the works for those investors caught with their pants down by their bad sub-prime mortgages they hold:
Bangor Daily News on Moving the Goal Posts
Today's Bangor Daily News has this editorial in which it explains how the Bush administration has moved the goal posts in Iraq:
Choices
Give credit to the Bangor Daily News for taking the Bushies to task for moving the goal posts on Iraq.
Still, it's telling that even in a critical editorial, there's no discussion about what our goal in Iraq is, or how America's continued occupation of the country might be thought to advance our national interests.
War Funders in Congress Leave us a $100,000. per Person Cost for War
Iraq and Climate Change
Michael T. Klare December 7, 2007
Foreign Policy In Focus
Dobson's Call to Conscience
Dear People of Maine:Margaret Chase Smith would have a lot to say if she returned to Maine and saw what was going on today.
$700B Defense Bill: Allen, Yea/Michaud/ Nay
The bill includes $189 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Pressure mounts as Senate war votes loom
Susan Collins, R-Maine, was one of 50 senators who voted against a resolution calling for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq by next March. On Tuesday, she said she’ll vote to recommend a spring pullout Д and may back a measure to ...
Hillary: Say No to Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Bill
1959 was introduced by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) Aug. 2. If the bill makes it out of committee, then Clinton will be presented with the opportunity to vote on the proposed legislation.
Chertoff: Terror threat has not abated
Susan Collins, R-Maine, said improvements to FEMA have been evident in the agency's good response to the California wildfires in October and other natural disasters this past year. Collins is the top Republican on the Senate homeland ...
[catapult] Digest Number 7365
Obama is on the 17-member Senate Committee for Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, where S. 1959 was introduced by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) Aug. 2. "I will keep your important comments in mind as I work with my colleagues on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. I will work to ensure that this legislation helps to achieve our domestic security objectives while protecting civil liberties and constitutional rights," Obama stated in his email to Justin.
Congress Set to Pass Defense Contractor Whistleblower Protections
The measure, championed by Senators Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Armed Services Chair Carl Levin (D.-MI.) and Susan Collins (R-ME), adopts a version of the "best practices" whistleblower rights model that already has been signed into law once by President Bush this Congress for ground transportation employees.
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