Maine News for Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Portland Press Herald:
Allen's MoveOn funding criticized
Election 2008: Donations raised by the site led Allen to alter a vote on a disputed ad, Susan Collins says.

Bill to tax trusts' land sales panned
State House: Some say imposing the corporate income tax would dampen investors' interest in Maine.

Security, funding woes dog courts
Maine's chief justice sees a need to tighten safety measures and pay the tab for court-appointed attorneys.

Nemitz: Who holds hospitals to error policy?
You can't beat deals like this. The Maine Hospital Association, representing all 39 of the state's hospitals, just announced 28 "adverse health events" that henceforth will cost you, dear patient, not a single dime.

Editorial: There's little to like in Bush's budget blueprint
The president's plan has painful cuts but no meaningful progress toward fiscal responsibility.

Maine Voices: Elderly will be hurt by budget cuts
Gov. Baldacci says the state of Maine must deal with some "hard truths," among them a $95 million revenue shortfall.

LTE: Stimulus package won't build strong economy
The Democrats would do well to keep in mind the story of the Trojan horse.

LTE: Media should inform us of troops' contributions

LTE: Jail system overcrowded, many shouldn't be there


Bangor Daily News:
Governor's veto threat goes against promise, tribe says
INDIAN ISLAND, Maine - Gov. John Baldacci is going against his word by saying he will veto the Penobscot Nation's proposal to operate slot machines on Indian Island and not agreeing to move an amended bill to referendum without a citizen-initiated petition, according to Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis.

Chief justice presents sobering facts on weapons
AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine's chief justice told lawmakers Tuesday that 7,000 knives and lethal weapons, including dozens of guns and ammunition, were stopped at the doors of Maine's courts last year.

Dental care bill targets rural access
AUGUSTA, Maine — If you live off the beaten path and are having a hard time finding a dentist, help may be on the way.

Debate over Medicaid rules hugs party lines
AUGUSTA, Maine — Legislative Democrats criticizing Medicaid rule changes that could prove costly for Maine brandished a letter of support from the National Governors Association.

Bangor: BIA fears crippling effect of use tax repeal
The proposed repeal of a state use tax could cost the city's airport one of its largest revenue makers — international flights and fuel-ups.

Editorial: A money-saving item
As the Legislature tries to fit spending into a tight budget, one small item offers an opportunity for net savings rather than long-term outlays. The issue is restoration of a $150,000 appropriation for the Hancock County drug court.

Editorial: A better stimulus package
As the Senate again turns its attention to an economic stimulus package, the focus should remain on choosing the quickest, most effective financial boost.

G. Dean Crocker: Medicaid changes to hurt poor families
Federal rule changes rarely attract much attention outside the state and federal departments that administer them. But thanks to sudden changes in the Bush administration's approach to family and children's services, Maine faces an unprecedented loss of federal funding just at the time when the state is facing painful cutbacks of its own, thanks to a nationwide economic downturn.

Stefano Tijerina: What are the motives behind the global FARC protest?
Thanks to the miracles of technology, Colombians around the world have been able to organize against the violation of human rights; particularly against the practice of kidnapping civilians as a means to political goals.

LTEs: Ship Romneys to Iraq; Don't privatize center; Global warming for real; Trenton drops recycling


Morning Sentinel:
Maine chief justice sees funding shortfall
AUGUSTA -- An increase in the number of poor defendants has created a $1.5 million hole in the judicial branch budget, Maine Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Leigh Saufley told lawmakers Tuesday.

Customers burned by oil dealer's demise
BIDDEFORD -- After losing more than $1,800 on fuel she bought but never received, Terry Bastarche isn't ready to trust another oil dealer.

McCain taking control; Clinton, Obama in fierce fight
John McCain swept a string of delegate-rich, East Coast primaries Tuesday night, reaching for command of the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Democratic rivals Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama traded victories in an epic struggle from Connecticut to California.

Editorial: Medical pot law goes far enough
Man, these guys are persistent. If your characterization of pot-smoking adults includes the term "laid back," think again.

Column: If we spend vacation money in Maine, aren't we tourists?

LTE: Challenge to Collins on waterboarding as torture
On Nov. 18th, Sen. Susan Collins sent me a letter in response to my criticism of her vote to confirm Michael Mukasey as attorney general. My criticism was based on Mukasey's position that he could not say whether or not waterboarding is torture.

LTE: Possible loss of father's job frustrates student
I am a first-year student at the University of Maine and my dad has been a Verizon employee for more than 25 years. As we all know, job security maintains stability in all families. With the prospective sale of Verizon to FairPoint Communications now becoming more of a possibility, the stability of my father's job has been put in jeopardy, causing an incredible amount of stress on my family.


Kennebec Journal:
Plum Creek's plan won't conserve land for future
My family has been going to the Moosehead area, hiking, camping and fishing for years. The reason: serenity, wildlife, nature at its finest!


MPBN:
Legislative Committtee Approves Slot Machines for Indian Island
Maine voters may have thought they put the issue of slot machines behind them last November when a proposal for a Calais racino was defeated at the polls. But slots have suddenly lept to the forefront of the legislature's agenda after a committee unanimously approved a bill to license up to 400 slot machines for the Penobscot Nation on Indian Island. The governor has promised to veto the measure unless it gives voters a say on the issue. But as AJ Higgins reports, some leading Democrats disagree and are breaking ranks with their party's leader in an effort to help the Penobscots.

Chief Justice Asks for Increased Funding
Maine's court system will need more than a million dollars this year to keep pace with the rapid increase in criminal cases against indigent defendants who need court-appointed lawyers. That was one message from Chief Justice Justice Leigh Sauffley in her annual state of the judiciary address to Maine lawmakers today. As Susan Sharon reports the Chief Justice is also sounding the alarm about the lack of court security and inadequate technology.

Education Commissioner Praises First School Consolidation Plan
The school consolidation plan that includes Cumberland, Yarmouth and Falmouth was applauded today for swiftly reaching a reorganization milestone. The plan is the first to beat a March deadline for receiving conditional approval by the Maine Department of Education. But as Keith McKeen reports, scores of towns in rural areas, are still opposing consolidation requirements.


Portsmouth Herald:
Rep. Allen makes good after losing Super Bowl wager
KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine - Maine Rep. Tom Allen is making good on his Super Bowl wager.


Sun Journal:
State gets $10 million U.S. grant for homeless
AUGUSTA (AP) - Maine will receive federal grants of more than $10 million to help the state's homeless.

LTE: Paging Mr. Exxon
On behalf of myself and the American public, I wish to thank the oil companies for allowing us to assist them in their record profits for the second year in a row. What makes their feat even more impressive this year is that they did not have to receive a $19 billion tax break from the government to break the record, as they did in 2006.


Times Record:
LTE: Demand fuel efficiency
American consumers need to demand better fuel mileage in lieu of more powerful vehicles.


WCSH-6
Collins Tries To Turn Allen's MoveOn Support Against Him
PORTLAND (AP) -- Sen. Susan Collins says her Democratic opponent is the biggest recipient of money from the liberal network MoveOn.org, a claim she's using to energize supporters and raise money for her re-election campaign.

Federal Funds Awarded To Maine Head Start Programs
LEWISOTN (NEWS CENTER) -- More than three million dollars in federal money is coming to Head Start programs in Maine.


keepMEcurrent:
Jail plan raises worries in Augusta
AUGUSTA (Feb 6, 2008): The Legislature's finance committee wants some assurances that the new jail consolidation plan, jointly announced last week by Baldacci administration and county officials, doesn't end up costing the state more money or create an independent board that can't be controlled by the Legislature.


Boston Globe:
Debate over federal aid curbs remains partisan
The Democratic call for congressional intervention drew support from Maine's two Democratic congressman, Michael Michaud and Tom Allen, the US Senate ...


Lexis-Nexis:
SENATOR COLLINS RELEASES STATEMENT ON DHS PRIORITIES IN PRESIDENTS BUDGET
WASHINGTON, DC-Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, Senator Susan Collins has released this statement regarding the Presidents budget proposal for the Department of Homeland Security and other homeland security programs.


Politicker ME:
PENOBSCOT RIVER OFFICIALS LAUD SENATOR COLLINS
In a ceremony this afternoon, officials from the Penobscot Trust, the Nature Conservancy, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, and the Maine Marine Resource Bureau presented Senator Susan Collins with a framed photo of an alewife swimming upstream in the Kennebec River by Maine photographer Doug Watts.


Blogs:
As Maine Goes: Bush Budget: Radical Spending Cuts?
Maine's congressional delegation criticized President Bush's $3.1 trillion budget, which cuts social programs and homeland security funding, increases military spending, and projects a near record deficit this year.

As Maine Goes: Report: Technology Driving Down ME Manufacturing Jobs
State Industrial Directory Reports Maine Manufacturing Jobs Down 2.6%; Plants Down 1%

Turn Maine Blue: Susan Collins, the Belle of Mississippi
(In response to the Portland Press Herald article, it's important to note that Susan Collins recieved money and has yet to return it from someone under investigation for bribing a judge - promoted by Craig)

Turn Maine Blue: George W. Bush: "This government does not torture people."
On 5 October 07, our president, Geroge W. Bush said:

Senate Guru: Super Duper Tuesday Quick Hits
Maine: A week ago today, I sent my open e-mail to Susan Collins' press secretary regarding hearings Collins called for as Chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. She has yet to reply. I wonder if Collins is this slow in responding to constituent concerns.

Maine News for Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Portland Press Herald:
Bush's budget rankles Mainers
The state's Republican senators join Democratic congressmen in decrying social service cuts.

Maine Med, Tufts to form doctor training program
Maine Medical Center and Tufts University today will announce a new physician training program that could increase the state's supply of doctors by reserving spots for Mainers and promoting the state as a good place to practice medicine.

Panel urged to provide more money for veterans
A state fund that helps veterans in emergencies has seen its allocation shrink over the years.

Editorial: Antitrust issues surround Microsoft-Yahoo! deal
If Microsoft didn't dominate operating software, it would still be worrisome.

Editorial: If lottery sales commissions are too high, by all means trim them
Gambling isn't an admirable way to raise state funds, but even it should be efficiently run.

Maine Voices: Local control of education should have its limits
For example, it asserts community prerogatives are more important than students' interests.

Column: State spending study a good start, but it's only a start
The need to align Maine's budget with its limited resources is huge, but nobody's ready to do it.

LTE: Tax conflict requires 20% cut in taxes, spending
Rhetoric verus reality is the principal conflict in tax reform, so John W. Porter might have us believe ("Are taxes really high in Maine?" Jan. 27).

LTE: Elizabeth Levinson Center shouldn't be privatized
The Elizabeth Levinson Center of Bangor cares for children who will never speak, walk, feed or bathe themselves and are medically fragile. Their cognitive abilities are far below a 1-year-old.


Bangor Daily News:
Aroostook County announces caucus schedule
Aroostook County Democratic Chairwoman Virginia Manuel has announced the schedule for the 2008 Democratic caucuses, which will be held Sunday, Feb. 10, for the listed municipalities below in Aroostook County. "The primary purpose of the February 10 caucuses is to vote for our Democratic presidential preferences, which Maine does during these caucuses," Manuel said.

Penobscot slots get panel OK
AUGUSTA - A bipartisan majority of the Legislature's Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee is supporting legislation authorizing the Penobscot Nation to operate slot machines in Old Town. But Gov. John Baldacci says any expansion of slot machine gambling needs voter approval.

Bill aims to protect patients from paying for hospital errors
When a hospital patient is the victim of a preventable complication or accident - a bedsore, a medication error or the wrong surgery, for example - who should pay for the extra care required to restore the patient to health?

Slots panel clarifies tax formula
BANGOR - A special panel created by Gov. John Baldacci has issued its recommendations to amend the state's formula for taxing slot machines in Maine.

Tobin phone-jamming retrial rescheduled by federal judge
A federal judge in Concord, N.H., has rescheduled a new trial for James Tobin, 47, of Bangor on conspiracy and telephone harassment charges over his alleged role in the 2002 get-out-the-vote phone banks run by New Hampshire Democrats and a firefighters union.

Is Maine following foreclosure trend?
Home foreclosures across the country saw a sharp increase in 2007, according to a California-based tracking firm, but the numbers for Maine are a little harder to read.

Editorial: Change in Wind Rules
Maine has great - and measurable - potential to reap electricity from the wind. But without a clear set of rules for the wind power industry to consider before proposing projects, that potential may go unfulfilled.

Editorial: District Decisions
The Legislature is expected to consider changes to the state's school administration consolidation law this week.

Rep. Jon McKane: Common-sense boating cannot be legislated
On Aug. 11, two more people were added to the list of those killed by a drunken driver in Maine. This time the driver wasn't behind the wheel of a car or a truck but was speeding around a lake — at night.

Sarah Miller: Deciding Maine's energy fate
"What can we do here in Maine?" to get cleaner, more dependable and affordable energy?

LTEs: Parental notification; Who is rebate winner?; Border blunder


Morning Sentinel:
Veterans advocate pleads with lawmakers
AUGUSTA -- Vietnam-era veteran Donald Simoneau of Fayette told lawmakers Monday he's tired of being told there isn't enough money in the state budget for veterans.

Touted fund said to advance conservation
Developers who want permission to fill or destroy wetlands in Maine routinely have to preserve or restore similar wildlife habitat nearby.

Planners get apartment plan details Senior housing units would replace old YMCA building
WATERVILLE -- The city will have a new, 21-unit apartment building for senior citizens next year on the old YMCA site on Pleasant Street, if all goes according to plans.

School spending plan endorsed
WINSLOW -- School board members Monday night approved unanimously a $14.8 million 2008-09 spending plan that represents a 5.5 percent increase over the current school budget.

DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CAUCUS: Obama, Clinton seek 'super delegates' vote
WASHINGTON -- Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are wooing an elite group of Maine Democrats as they battle to win the Democratic presidential nomination.

Susan Cover: Dems expect "record breaking turnout"
The Maine Democratic Party is predicting that more people than ever will attend their caucuses on Sunday, a belief based in part on the fact that they have already processed 4,100 absentee ballot requests.

David B. Offer: Maine caucus system unfair, disenfranchises too many
There are presidential primary elections in 22 states today. From California to Massachusetts -- even in American Samoa -- people will have a say in who the major political parties nominate for president.

LTE: Iraq not Vietnam, which was started by Democrat
All I hear is the Democrats talking about the war in Iraq. Why do they conveniently forget about the war in Vietnam? Not only was it started by one Democrat, and continued by another, but was ended by a Republican.

LTE: Inspection system should be mileage-based
It would seem that a better system for automobile inspections would be based on the mileage of a car and not the time since the last one. Typical maintenance intervals are pretty consistent across manufacturers.

LTE: New Jersey's death penalty decision 'refreshing'
The state of New Jersey has problems as do many states, including our own state of Maine. Last month it voted against its death penalty. This was quite a shock to me, as I would have never expected it to do so, as it has its fair share of violent crimes.

LTE: Frary's letter put him on political thin ice
John Frary dishes up his own species of "political hokum" in his risible attempt to deride Mike Michaud's advocacy of a Cheney impeachment.


Kennebec Journal:
LTE: We've been living too long on borrowed money
In an effort to prop up the over-inflated property values and stock market prices, and ensure that the already rich in this country stay rich, our ever-servile politicians are proposing a stimulus package.

LTE: State consolidation should start at top, not bottom
My New Year's resolution has gone out of the window. I swore I would not watch any more political bovine splatter especially from the state of Maine governors' office or the state Legislature.


MPBN:
Governor's Merger Plans Alarm Several Groups
It's been nearly a month since Governor Baldacci announced plans to explore merging four of the state's natural resource agencies into one or, possibly two, larger departments. The proposal sent shock waves through some forestry, farming and sporting groups who depend on the agencies to regulate their activities. Karin Tilberg, a senior policy adviser to the governor, acknowleges the plan has caused anxiety, but she says all her boss wants to do is improve services. A.J. Higgins reports.

Environmental Activists Denounce Nuclear Plant Proposal
A second nuclear power plant in New Brunswick, near the border with Maine, is viable. That's the finding of a study released today in St. John by the provincial government of premier Shawn Graham, which says there are potential markets for nuclear power in both the U.S. and in the Canadian Maritime Provinces. But as Keith Shortall reports, the specter of another nuclear plant in the province is being characterized by environmental activists as "a pipe dream."


Sun Journal:
Maine 'superdelegates' wooed
PORTLAND (AP) - As presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton vie for support in next Sunday's Democratic caucuses, a separate battle is being waged for Maine's so-called "superdelegates."

LTE: Homosexual agendas
I believe that the open promotion of homosexual behavior by the media is causing more homosexuality.

LTE: Deeper cuts needed
I appreciated the Sun Journal editorial Jan. 26, complimenting me for my work to lower the cost of state government by eliminating 50-plus non-essential, upper-level state government supervisory positions.


Times Record:
BNAS closure prompts $2M in workers' aid
BRUNSWICK — State officials hope local work force training boosted by federal Labor Department funding will attract business development here in the still burgeoning information technology field.

Strong interest in Democratic caucuses
AUGUSTA — Looking past the Super Tuesday voting elsewhere toward their own caucuses next Sunday, Maine Democratic Party officials said over the weekend they had already processed 4,100 absentee ballot requests.


Maine Coast Now:
First Energy Challenge set
BELFAST — Citizens will be asked to reduce the temperature in their homes by 5-degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, Feb. 24, in the city's first Energy Challenge.


LA Times:
Google's aggressive defense of MoveOn.org
Susan Collins, R-Maine, had bought on the grounds that they, too, infringed MoveOn's trademarks. The take-down was reported by the San Francisco Examiner, ...


Mainebiz.biz:
Aid for mill workers "critical," say Sens.
Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe are urging the federal government to grant aid for workers displaced by the recent closing of Irving Forest Product's Pinkham Mill in Nashville Plantation.


CQ Politics:
Senate Leaders Jockey for Votes on Competing Stimulus Plans
The Senate appears headed for a close vote on an economic stimulus package, as lobbying efforts focus on undecided moderate Republicans.


BLOGS:
Collin Watch: On Offense
Sen. Collins is, of course, entitled to attack Rep. Allen for accepting donations from participants in a Moveon.org fundraising effort.

Senate Guru: Monday Recap
Maine: Maybe Susan Collins would be better off running for a leadership role in a PAC outside of Maine. I say this because Collins has taken in twice as much money from PACs as she's taken in from Mainers; and, she's raised more than twice as much money from outside Maine than she has from inside Maine.

Turn Maine Blue: John McCain
With Super Duper Tuesday just one day away, and the recent Maine GOP Caucus "victory" for Mitt Romney, it only makes sense that we learn more about the man that both Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe support.

As Maine Goes: Maine's Democrat Superdelegates: Who Are They?
WASHINGTON — Obama/Clinton are wooing 10 delegates they want to win, too. "Superdelegates" can support whomever they choose, whenever they want; and they could determine who wins the nomination.

Maine News for Monday, February 4, 2008

Portland Press Herald:
Maine's superdelegates awash in pitches from Clinton, Obama
Democratic party rules let superdelegates support whomever they want.

Mainers reach out to needy Kenyans
Friends of Kakamega and Childs Hope International raise money for the violence-torn country.

Piscataqua River to get anti-terror system
The plan includes the placement of sonar detectors that could spot threats to local bridges.

Maine Democrats anticipate big turnout
Party rules say delegates must back the candidates they were elected to back.

Romney's big Maine win surprises GOP
More results need to be counted, but the outcome isn't expected to change.

EDITORIAL: Super Tuesday contests won't end races
The 22-state mega-primary does come at the right time in a long and confusing process.

COLUMN: Do poorer college students pay more and get less?
If we limit access to our best schools only to the rich and the well-connected, we will fail.

MAINE VOICES: Agency aids in halting juvenile fire-setting
The Maine Juvenile Fire Safety Collaborative is ready to help communities address this problem.

LTE: Palestinians deserve hope for future
In the Jan. 17 Cal Thomas column ("Bush peace plan another false hope"), Mr. Thomas puts forth the argument that there is not, never has been and never will be any hope for peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis, so why bother?

LTE: Condi's background means she should know better
Responding to Kathleen Parker's Jan. 22 column ("Condi for Veep"), I find her lighthearted tone regarding Condoleezza Rice and the Republican Party disturbing.


Bangor Daily News:
Collins, Allen pledge cooperation
AUGUSTA, Maine — In a small state, every member of the congressional delegation is important in representing the residents, and any lack of cooperation hurts that state in Washington. This year, one member is seeking to oust another.

Rural caucus to meet on consolidation plan
AUGUSTA, Maine — Members of local regional planning committees working to implement the school consolidation law will talk about the process to legislators from rural areas this week.

Maine Dems expect high turnout at caucuses
AUGUSTA, Maine — Looking past the Super Tuesday voting elsewhere toward their own caucuses next Sunday, Maine Democratic Party officials said over the weekend they had already processed 4,100 absentee ballot requests.

GOP hopefuls announce runs for state House, Senate
BANGOR, Maine — Several Republicans including some incumbents from the Penobscot County area announced their bids for seats in the Maine Senate and House of Representatives during Saturday's "Super Caucus" at Husson College.

Deferred sentencing in jeopardy
ELLSWORTH, Maine — A spokesman for the Hancock County Deferred Sentencing Project said he's concerned that if the state doesn't keep a recent promise, the project's future could be in jeopardy.

EDITORIAL: Parental notification
To meddle between parents and teens on matters of sexuality is to tread on dangerous ground. The proof is the outrage many expressed last fall on learning that the health clinic at the King Middle School in Portland may have been prescribing birth control pills to girls as young as 14.

Editorial: America's future in Iraq
With the Iraq war in its fifth year and no end in sight, the Bush administration is putting the final touches on an agreement for a "long-term relationship" there. Its work must be closely watched by Congress.

Jane Weil: Needy lack inclusive health care
The Jan. 28 editorial about preventing special education made several good points that deserve further examination and amplification.

Margo Lukens: 1Other Maine' needs plan for economy now, not later
I work with young people, mostly from Maine, who are learning about the innovation process and principles. Although I have primarily taught liberal arts, three years ago I decided that young people, particularly students like mine, needed to learn innovative ways of shaping their work and their world, and that giving them these skills would help develop the state economy.

LTE: Stimulus – who pays?; Change caucuses; Cure for spending


Morning Sentinel:
Birth-control bill seeks parental OK
AUGUSTA -- A Dover-Foxcroft Republican isn't giving up just yet on a bill that would put the issue of contraception in schools before lawmakers.

Taxpayers may be asked to kick in $115K more this year
PALERMO -- Local taxpayers may have to raise $115,692 more than last year to educate their children, depending on what the state contributes.

Editorial: Resource agency merger protests a bit premature
We're beginning to think that the degree of protest greeting each of Gov. John Baldacci's proposals to consolidate government is directly proportional to the need for that consolidation.

LTE: Jail consolidation equals no savings for counties
I am extremely disappointed with the governor's proposal for jail consolidation.

LTE: Merging of resource agencies a good idea
In my opinion, George Smith's opposition (Jan. 16) to the merging of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife with one or more other state natural resource agencies is based less on his concern for "Maine's economy and heritage" than it is on his concern for his own power and privilege.

LTE: Report misleads on Maine Heritage Policy Center
Susan Cover's report on Maine Heritage Policy Center (Think Tank Names Chief, Jan. 8) does not present an accurate picture of MHPC's origins and activities. The facts show it to have little Maine "heritage." Instead, it is a local repackaging of anti-tax, anti-government pabulum.


Kennebec Journal:
Local churches boost fuel oil funds
GARDINER -- Local churches have been adding their efforts to provide funds for fuel oil assistance.

GARDINER: Waterfront funding approved
GARDINER -- Gardiner's waterfront redevelopment project received a major boost last month with the support of Maine's congressional delegation.


Lewiston Sun Journal:
What hath Brookings wrought?
Only a remarkable government report can be invoked to support and oppose a major policy initiative, at the same time. Such is the power of the Brookings Institution and its magnum opus, "Charting Maine's Future."

LTE: Budget cuts threaten services
In 2007, the Abused Women's Advocacy Project received more than 10,000 calls through its 24-hour Helpline. AWAP serves Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. Victims of domestic violence needed various services, including emergency shelter, court advocacy, support groups, and/or training and education.

Column: World forum delegates enthusiastic about Obama
PARIS - The duel between Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama commanded almost as much attention at the Davos World Economic Forum as it does in America.


Portsmouth Herald:
Kittery, York back the winner
KITTERY, Maine — In a repeat performance of Saturday's Republican caucus victories, Mitt Romney finished first during presidential preference voting in Kittery and York on Sunday. The former Massachusetts governor received 72 percent of the vote during Kittery's caucus and 52 percent during York's.

Temporary Visas Wanted
The York Chamber president said she recently heard that Maine's 1st District Congressman, Democrat Tom Allen, who is running against incumbent Republican Susan Collins for U.S. Senate this year, has a bill pending that will split the existing visa program to offer half to winter businesses and half to those that operate during the summer.


keepMEcurrent:
Romney backed by more than half of Maine Republicans
Maine Republicans backed former governor Mitt Romney by a wide margin in caucuses on Friday and Saturday.

Educators support Cote
SANFORD: Democratic Congressional Candidate Adam Cote announced on Jan. 31 that "Educators for Cote," a group of York County teachers, administrators and other educators who are committed to helping elect Cote to Maine's First Congressional District has formed.



Politicker ME:
Collins criticizes Allen for MoveOn money
Sen. Susan Collins is criticizing Rep. Tom Allen for accepting more money from MoveOn.org then any other candidate in the country.

O Magazine: Collins could be president
A mention in O Magazine came up a couple times in Susan Collins' travels through the Maine caucuses Saturday.

McCain takes Washington County
While most of the state pulled for Mitt Romney yesterday, John McCain won in Washington County.

Snowe: 'We don't want to go back to the future'
After losing control of Congress in 2006, U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe said it is paramount that the Republicans retain control of the presidency.


Blogs:
Turn Maine Blue: Questions for Senator Snowe on telecom immunity
There is an interesting story in the Bangor Daily News this weekend titled "Snowe: Keep telecom immunity in updated bill." Because it does not look like this posted online anywhere, I went ahead and reproduced it at Maine Owl.

Turn Maine Blue: Allen & Michaud Spend 2 Days in Washington County
Let's take a nice break from the candidate wars and come travel with me as I take you inside a Congressional tour. A little background. Washington County is one of Maine's 16 counties. Washington is way up on the coast, a good 6-7 hour drive from Boston. It's the real deal. I helped organize an eco-devo tour (a better term is community sustainable enterprises) for both of Maine's Congressmen: Tom Allen & Mike Michaud. It was quite a trip, come on along.

Turn Maine Blue: Maine Democratic Caucus: Absentee Ballots
The Maine Democratic Caucus will be held this Sunday, 10 February, in cities and towns across the state. The list of times and places of the 372 caucuses can be found here, organized by county.

Senate Guru: Sunday Items
Maine: Not only did John McCain overwhelmingly lose the Maine caucuses to Mitt Romney, but he barely edged out Ron Paul. Given that Susan Collins is McCain's state co-Chair, it certainly doesn't bode well for her ability to get out the vote.

Collins Watch: On the Ground
Here's an account from a Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) supporter of his GOP caucus experience yesterday:

Collins Watch; The Collins Bump?
Gerald beat me to this post--about Mitt Romney's triumph in the Maine Republican caucus, and the rejection of Collins endorsee Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) by the vast majority of Maine Republicans.

Maine News for Friday, February 1, 2008

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD:
State urged to set rules for new-home energy efficiency
Maine is the only New England state without mandatory energy-efficiency standards for new homes, but that may change soon as lawmakers take up two proposals aimed at reducing the financial and environmental costs of heating houses.

New border rules, few problems
Despite tighter rules on documents to come into the U.S. from Canada, traffic flows smoothly.

Paul likes his Maine prospects
Republicans caucus this weekend, and unenrolled voters can play an important role.

EDITORIAL: Widen I-295 only after exhausting alternatives
It's especially important that the Maine Turnpike Authority change its toll scheme.

EDITORIAL: Natural resource agency merger plan is in trouble
A strong group of opponents has lined up to fight a policy that would save money.

MAINE VOICES: Ban smoking in homes with kids
Worries about a 'slippery slope' ignore the dangers that secondhand smoke presents to the young.

LTE: Assessing progress in Iraq
Candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton was interviewed by Tim Russert on "Meet the Press" on Jan 13. Mr. Russert stated that the surge in Iraq was showing signs of progress and that the Iraqi Parliament had approved a law that allows Sunnis to resume jobs within the new government.

LTE: Include food-stamp boost in current stimulus plan
As the economic stimulus bill moves to the Senate, it's important that it add a boost in food stamps, an unemployment compensation extension and state fiscal relief.

LTE: Change laws pertaining to sexual abuse of children
I am writing in response to the article about the assistant principal admitting to the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old ("Assistant principal admits sexual abuse," Jan. 23).


BANGOR DAILY NEWS:
Average high school tuition rate up $421
AUGUSTA, Maine — The state Department of Education has set the dollar amounts school districts can charge for nonresidents to attend their high schools, and most schools now can charge more.

Proposed budget cuts threaten state's pool of foster, adoptive parents
ORONO, Maine - Some longtime foster parents are threatening to stop taking displaced children into their homes if Maine lawmakers adopt proposed cuts in the stipends they receive.

Access No. 1 on Maine bar to-do list
ROCKLAND, Maine — Access to legal services hasn't changed much in the past 17½ years, lawyers attending the annual meeting of the Maine Bar Association on Thursday were told. Just one in five of the poor people who qualify for legal aid are able to get legal assistance because there simply aren't enough providers, an 18-month-long study concluded.

Collins, Allen fundraising nears record
The general election is still more than nine months away, but the combined fundraising total for the candidates running for Susan Collins' U.S. Senate seat already is closing in on the record set six years ago.

Editorial: A better stimulus bill
By adding an extension of unemployment benefits and including more low-income people in its tax rebate, the stimulus package passed by the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday will do more to boost the economy than the plan passed by the House of Representatives.

Michael Eckardt: Invest in research, development, our future
Maine has a lot to be proud of in its recent investments in research and development, and the message is clear that the state must maintain its momentum in this area in order to best help its residents. That's why now, more than ever, Maine policymakers must look at the strategic research and development priorities they have set and ensure that they make the most sense for the residents they are charged to serve and protect.

Jane Irving: Mainers should stick to values during crisis
The national news is replete with stories about low consumer confidence and the subprime mortgage crisis. But the local story isn't quite so bleak.


MORNING SENTINEL:
Bridge engineer deems Maine spans safe
AUGUSTA -- Few Maine bridges will see intensive review in the wake of investigations ordered after a major interstate bridge collapse in Minnesota last year, Maine's top bridge engineer said.

GOP CAUCUS Underdog may have a shot in Maine
AUGUSTA -- With a band of highly motivated supporters and a natural appeal to a mass of like-minded independents, Ron Paul's prospects at this weekend's Maine Republican caucuses are rated very high by party officials and other political observers.

COLUMN: Everyone wants change, we don't agree on how to do it
I listened to the State of the Union address and the Democratic reply. I listened to Sen. Ted Kennedy's (D-Mass) raucous endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama. And I have listened endlessly to candidates' calls for "change," and their assertions that they are the real change agents.

PROSPERITY COMMITTEE REPORT Legislative panel takes its vision beyond Brookings
Maine needs a compelling and comprehensive vision for the future if it is to realize its full potential. An inspiring vision can serve both as a call to action and as a foundation for the strategies needed to realize a better, more prosperous future.

LTE: Has the surge in Iraq really been a success?
How can anyone believe that the president's surge in Iraq has been a success?

LTE: To heal, America must turn from Republicans
As the approval ratings of President Bush continue to slide, threatening to dip below those of Richard Nixon at the height of Watergate, Republicans in Maine and nationally are calling for bipartisanship. In Maine, Republicans are urging voters to "consider the individual, not the party."

LTE: Where's tax rebate for Maine's small businesses?
It was wonderful to see that the toothpick factory is being converted to one in which wood pellets are being manufactured.

LTE: Brief thoughts about Maine topics of interest


KENNEBEC JOURNAL:
CONSOLIDATION New district prompting creativity
READFIELD -- When Maranacook Schools lost its full-time transportation director, Winthrop offered its transportation director's services.

LTE: Let's try consolidation in a few school districts first
I would like to suggest that all Regional Planning Committees (RPCs) working on school consolidation cease operations until we know whether we have the support of a majority of Maine citizens.

LTE: Video incident example of anti-Iran propaganda
Your Another View "Monkey's tricks in Persian Gulf not funny" (Jan. 17) managed to miss the real story. Someone in the Pentagon made a conscious decision to have an inflammatory audio track of unknown origin spliced to an edited video shot by the U.S. Navy which showed Iranian speedboats near American ships.


MPBN:
Effort Aimed At Promoting Unused Tax Credits
Each year thousands of Mainers fail to receive sizeable checks from the federal government simply because they do not apply for earned income tax credits. This Saturday, the Internal Revenue Service, the governor's office and a coalition of agencies are promoting a statewide earned income tax credit awareness program at various locations across the state. Free tax preparation services will be offered along with information about how to apply for the tax credit benefits. As A.J. Higgins reports, it a deal that many Mainers can't afford to pass up.

Lawmakers Consider Pay Raise For Regulatory Board Members
They're the volunteer members of what could easily be called Maine's largest planning and zoning board. Lately their workload has been immense. And now some say it's time that the seven members of the Land Use Regulation Commission get a pay raise. As Susan Sharon reports, a legislative committee is considering granting the citizen members of both LURC and the Board of Environmental Protection a per diem rate increase for their regulatory efforts, and so far, there's no organized opposition.

Report Offers Help To Mainers Who Represent Themselves In Court
A growing number of Mainers aren't getting access to the legal help they need. That's the conclusion of a report released today at the annual Maine Bar Association meeting at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. Among the report's recommendations--increasing funding for legal aid, expanding so-called "pro-bono" service, and providing more help for Mainers who represent themselves in court. Keith Shortall has more.

More Mainers Turning To Alternative Fuel For Home Heat
Four in five Maine homes use oil as a primary heating source. But as oil prices rise, many Mainers are searching for alternatives. As Murray Carpenter reports, a new twist on an age-old heat source is getting lots of attention.


SUN JOURNAL:
Acadia park bill moves forward
PORTLAND (AP) - The full U.S. Senate is poised to take up a bill that Maine's two senators say would set the stage for improvements to Acadia National Park.

Democrats slate presidential caucus
AUBURN - The Auburn City Democratic Committee will hold its presidential caucus at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, at Auburn Middle School. Doors will open at noon for the city's registered Democrats to check in.

COLUMN: What nation needs is a leader, not a politician

LTE: Who controls whom?
There appears to be a small group that has the idea that common people have limited vision and even more limited minds, and, therefore, need to be "guided." Members of that group are expert at playing psychological games.


TIMES RECORD:
BREAKING NEWS: Labor department antes $2 million for BNAS workers
BRUNSWICK — The U.S. Department of Labor announced this afternoon that $2 million in National Emergency Grant Funds has been designated to help workers displaced by the 2011 closure of Brunswick Naval Air Station.

Federal aid curbs looming
AUGUSTA — Changes in Medicaid rules coming out of Washington could mean a cut of $186 million in federal funds used for services provided to the elderly, special needs students and people with mental and physical disabilities in Maine.

Local supporters of Kenyan orphanage watch with horror
DURHAM — An orphan care center in Kakamega, Kenya funded, in part, by a local Quaker group, remains in jeopardy today amid politically charged violence in the developing Afri-can nation.

COMMENTARY: Maine's turbulent utility market
As it turns out, the takeover by FairPoint Communications of the old New England Telephone system that's been neglected by Verizon may be as good a deal as we'll get.

LTE: Don't blame Bush
There are a slew of ridiculous comments in the Jan. 22 editorial ("Recession, rhetoric vs. reality") that are just plain wrong. Whoever wrote this ought to go back to school and get an education in economics.

LTE: Reject liberal fascism
In the midst of all of the furor and confusion surrounding this presidential election, it would be wise to stop and analyze the dangerous direction that all of the candidates except one are pointing.


PORTSMOUTH HERALD:
Seniors who volunteer may be taxed less
KITTERY, Maine — Legislative leaders recently approved for consideration by the full Legislature a bill proposed by Rep. Walter Wheeler, D-Kittery, to provide property tax relief to senior citizens in town.

Department of Labor awards grants to help displaced workers
PORTLAND — The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $2 million in emergency grants to help workers who will lose their jobs when the Brunswick Naval Air Station shuts down.


keepMEcurrent:
'I'm terrified' - Fear grips seniors threatened by cuts to services
WELD (Jan 31, 2008): In the three years that Don Bodin has lived at Larrabee Village in Westbrook, the 88-year-old has had two close encounters with death.


CQPOLITICS:
Senate Candidates Show Strength Through Dollars
Mark Warner is living up to his billing as a formidable Senate candidate by raising $2.7 million in the last three months of the year to succeed the retiring John W. Warner , R-Va (no relation). The former Democratic governor's campaign announced raising $3.8 million total in 2007 after getting into the race in September, with $2.9 million cash on hand.



BLOGS:
As Maine Goes: Snowe Adds Disabled Vet Rebate Checks to Stimulus Pkg
The Senate Finance Committee voted 14-7 Wednesday to send a roughly $157 billion economic stimulus package to the floor, adding tax breaks for alternative energies and homebuilders and disqualifying upper-income taxpayers -- including members of Congress -- from getting rebate checks.

As Maine Goes: Adam Cote on Education, Illegal Immigration, Stem Cells
Cote...wants to go to Congress to...fight for increased funding to create smaller class-size ratios, a federal fund to make it easier for children to attend quality preschool, for better availability of Pell grants to college-bound students in middle-class families.

As Maine Goes: Karl Rove: The New Rules of Politics
In the aftermath of the Florida primary, some new rules for winning the nomination have emerged and some old rules have been ratified. As we head toward the 23 contests next Tuesday, it's worth considering a few of them.

As Maine Goes: Live/Work in ME after Graduation - Get a $55K Tax Credit
PORTLAND — Beginning on Feb. 1, any student attending a Maine college can sign-up for the Opportunity Maine Program by visiting www.opportunitymaine.org, or their financial aid office and completing a simple contract. By signing up, anyone who lives and works in Maine after graduation will receive a tax credit – as much as $55,000 for some students over 10 years — to help pay their student loans.

As Maine Goes: Sen. Smith Tries Again with Parental Consent Bill
I know that most of you have been following the circuitous path of this bill in the Maine State Legislature. If you are not familiar with it, please visit our website. Click here to read the original "action alert" .

Maine Web Report: Charlie Summers campaign update
Here's a campaign update from the Charlie Summers for Congress campaign:

Turn Maine Blue: Fed to cut State share of Medicare by $45M
Thousands of Maine children, disabled adults and entire communities will feel the sting of pending federal changes in Medicaid rules. The new rules could also expand a projected gap in the current state budget by another $45 million dollars. Commissioners of the Education and Health and Human Services departments met with reporters this morning to outline the effect of the changes on state programs and services. Congressional efforts are underway to postpone the federal action. But as AJ Higgins reports, in the absence of intervention, the outlook from the state capitol is bleak

Politico: Collins Gets Chummy With Rove
Last weekend, the prestigious black-tie, closed-to-press Alfalfa Club dinner featured former Secretary of State Colin Powell, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, a host of members of Congress and, of course, President Bush. But we hear it wasn't the campaign digs of Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) that raised eyebrows, but rather Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and her chumminess with GOP Svengali Karl Rove.

Senate Guru: Massive Thursday Rundown
Maine: And one last item on Q4-2007. We see another tight fundraising quarter between Democratic Congressman Tom Allen and Republican Susan Collins. Allen brought in $813,000 while Collins brought in $963,000. Meanwhile, Susan Collins and Karl Rove really are thick as thieves:

Collins Watch: Old Friends
Last weekend, the prestigious black-tie, closed-to-press Alfalfa Club dinner featured former Secretary of State Colin Powell, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, a host of members of Congress and, of course, President Bush. But we hear it wasn't the campaign digs of Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) that raised eyebrows, but rather Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and her chumminess with GOP Svengali Karl Rove.

Maine News: By Senator Collins on The Hill's Congress Blog - White House Failure to Appoint New Board Unacceptable (Sen. Susan Collins)
"The White House's failure to move forward with appointing the new board is unacceptable, and I call on the Administration to do so as quickly as possible to prevent a gap in this vital mission."

How Senator Collins Got Her Groove Back? - By Alex Hammer
Update: It's probably obvious, but just to clarify, title of this post references film title of similar name (I've always thought the title was pretty catchy) but not any content from the film (I haven't seen the film).

Blog4President: John McCain 2008 Announces Maine Leadership Team
US Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will serve as co-chairs, former Governor John McKernan as Honorary Chair, and State Representative Josh Tardy as Vice-Chair of John McCain's growing grassroots organization in the Pine Tree ...

MAINE OWL: Susan Collins on patrol
With some fine spade work begun by Gerald at Turn Maine Blue, Senator Collins's reputation as Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is getting some well-deserved detailed scrutiny. Thanks to Gerald for the link-back to the piece I posted a few weeks ago on the double standard held by Collins concerning Iraq corruption in the U.S./CPA versus in the U.N. Oil-for-Food program.


BOSTON GLOBE:
Tighter border threatens to distance US, Canadian towns
HOULTON, Maine - Canadians are among the best customers in this small town on the Canadian border, where Interstate 95 links to the Trans Canada Highway. On frequent visits fueled by a stronger Canadian dollar, they fill up their tanks at gas stations near the highway and pile their shopping carts high with milk and butter at the local IGA grocery.


WASHINGTON POST:
Fences, Sensors and Money
"Properly managing and overseeing such a complex technology development effort requires that DHS have a sufficient number of skilled acquisition and oversight personnel," said the letter signed by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman (ID-Conn.), ranking member Susan Collins (R-Me.), Sen.r Daniel Akaka, (D-HI) and Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH).