Maine News for Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Portland Press Herald

Tire with retractable studs gains support
State House: A businessman asks lawmakers to partially lift Maine's ban on using studded tires year-round.

Big project begs big questions
Developers believe that if they build a complex with high-end retailers in Westbrook, plenty of people will come.

Maine to consider tracking toxins in toys, products
Two bills would require manufacturers to flag the use of certain chemicals.

Scontras says waterboarding is justified
The Republican candidate for Congress says he struggles with it morally, but we're in 'a new world.'

Baldacci: New taxes would be last resort

Portland District Court

State strains to pay lawyers
To cover the court-appointed lawyer program's $1.2 million deficit, Maine may limit courts' hours or close courthouses.

Big project begs big questions
Developers believe that if they build a complex with high-end retailers in Westbrook, plenty of people will come.

Candidate seeks to 'indict' Bush, Cheney
A Senate hopeful wants fellow Kennebunkport residents to weigh having them arrested if either is in town.

Snowe, Collins agree to Senate Iraq debate
Republicans, thwarting a Democratic strategy, plan to highlight military progress in the country.

Editorial: Delegates should not get cash from candidates
Clinton and Obama have donated $904,200 to the people who could decide their race.

Editorial: Officials offer warnings on energy-efficient bulbs
While they remain a wise choice for many, their use should not be made mandatory.

Column: Transit policy: If you lived here you'd be home now
More housing options on the Portland peninsula would help ease road congestion elsewhere.

Column: Picking Obama keeps faith with youth
Democrats need to rein in their superdelegates' power and respect the will of the people.

Column: Clinton would forestall reprise of Carter
Democrats know what an inexperienced candidate leads to, so they should choose Hillary instead.

LTE: Don't expect Mideast peace soon

LTE: Putting inmates to work productive, meaningful

LTE: Superdelegates should support voters' preference

Bangor Daily News

Bills tackle new school districts’ budgets
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine — Proposed legislation dealing with the budgetary process for consolidated regional school units received a mixed reception at public hearings Tuesday.

Senate OKs bill for Indian health care
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
WASHINGTON - The Senate on Tuesday passed an act aimed at improving health care programs and facilities for American Indians, bringing help to more than 7,000 in Maine alone.

Voice of the students
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Ellsworth High School students Kara Beal and Dominique Keefe concede they don't know everything about the state's school consolidation plan, but as students who stand to be affected, they wonder why their input wasn't solicited.

Mainers still paying for N-plant
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - More than a decade after Maine Yankee stopped generating power, Mainers are still paying for storage of the nuclear waste generated at the plant - and will likely continue doing so for years to come.

Patient protection bill, hospital spending discussed
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine residents would be protected against hospital charges for care related to medical errors, complications or accidents under the provisions of a proposal under consideration in the Legislature.

Bill eyes change in dental care for rural areas
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
AUGUSTA, Maine — In some parts of Aroostook County, residents must drive 50 miles or more for dental care, Rep. Patricia Sutherland said Tuesday.

Editorial: CFLs and safety
OK, so you've finally decided to make a go of being green. First on the to-do list is substantially limiting your carbon footprint. So you purchase compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs, and put them in your most used light fixtures.

Editorial: Stormy economic forecast
The report Monday from the state’s Revenue Forecasting Committee confirmed what had long been feared: State revenue collections are expected to continue to lag through 2009.

Opinion: George Smith: Governor, keep your hands off DIF&W
The road to consolidation of natural resource agencies is paved with broken promises. The Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine asked this question in its 2006 gubernatorial candidate survey: Will you oppose any proposal to merge the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife into a large natural resource department?

Opinion: Kathleen Parker: Promises of the Church of Obama
Much has been made of the religious tenor of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. Reports of women weeping and swooning — even of an audience applauding when The One cleared his proboscis (blew his nose, for you mortals) — have become frequent events in the heavenly realm of Obi-Wan Obama.

Wednesday's Letters to the Editor

Kennebec Journal

VERIZON-FAIRPOINT DEAL Union says opposition made for better future

Report warns of major economic challenges for Maine
AUGUSTA -- A group that follows economic trends in Maine raised red flags in five areas Tuesday, including per capita income and tax burden.

Providing justice for all puts added fiscal strain on state
BIDDEFORD -- He doesn't want to be here, in this small office in District Court, clutching the paperwork that will determine whether that old American promise -- justice for all -- applies to a guy with only $14 in his checking account.

Waterville schools seek alternative to consolidation talks
WATERVILLE -- School Superintendent Eric Haley envisions a school system that shares costs with other schools, without having to be part of a regional school unit.

Editorial: Allowing phone, Web wine buys good for Maine
Unlike the Maine State Police, we're not all hot and bothered about a proposal to allow Mainers to buy wine directly from out-of-state wineries.

Columns: Maine can't afford not to offer tax breaks for businesses
Maine has lost 35,000 manufacturing jobs since 1990; 44,000 since 1970. Our economic-development programs have been ineffective, with poor accountability. Our business climate is regularly rated among the worst in the nation.

LTE: 2008 election simply about damage control
As a fellow Democrat, I have to disagree with the basic assumption behind Buddy Doyle's debut column in the Feb. 20 issue of the newspaper.

LTE: Candidate Nader
I want to thank George Trask for his recent compliment to my leadership in a letter (Feb. 3) to this paper, as he was asking us to think about the city's accomplishments while I was mayor.

LTE: Money for Iraq war should be spent in U.S.
I work for the Department of Health and Human Services and receive weekly e-mails from our commissioner about the budget crunch and how it will affect citizens of the state of Maine. We are facing cuts in services to economically deprived Mainers and job layoffs are forthcoming.

LTE: Nuclear energy not viable power option for Maine
Larry Davis (letters, Feb. 17) suggests that we turn to nuclear power here in Maine to lower energy costs.

LTE: Parental rights are lost when they're not asserted
Parents have the right and responsibility to know what prescription drugs are given to their child. The Senate agreed, twice, to send a parental consent bill sponsored by Sen. Doug Smith, R-Dover-Foxcroft, to committee to hear from parents and others in the community.

LTE: No added teen drinkers in direct to consumer sales
The direct to consumer wine shipping bill is once more being debated in Maine, and I would like to emphasize to the state police and others who oppose this legislation that it does not increase underage drinking.

LTE: MoveOn members regular people, not anarchists
The recent attack ad being run by Susan Collins attempts to score some cheap points with Maine voters by grossly mischaracterizing who is a member of MoveOn, the group that has been supporting Tom Allen.

LTE: No rights for Americans without responsibility
Woman's rights, men's rights, equal rights and inalienable rights!

Morning Sentinel

Law enforcement, health officials decry planned cuts
FARMINGTON -- A forum Tuesday at Franklin Memorial Hospital gave the community, medical providers and social service agencies a chance to tell state officials what they think of the proposed cuts in services.

LTE: Embden voting process inspires absentee ballots
My mother always said "It only takes a few rotten apples to make the whole barrel spoil."

Sun Journal

Baldacci resistant to new taxes
AUGUSTA (AP) - One day after nudging open the door to new taxes, Gov. John Baldacci returned Tuesday to his standard line of emphasis in saying that generating new revenue to help cover a widening state budget gap would be only a last resort.

Report lists red flags in Maine economy
AUGUSTA (AP) - A report released by a study panel shows persistent weaknesses in Maine's economy in the areas of income, transportation costs and taxes.

Revenue projections take 2nd big hit
AUGUSTA (AP) - With an existing budget gap already set at $95 million, a state panel Monday affirmed another $95 million downward revenue adjustment.

Mayors: Urban centers need to combine forces
AUBURN - When it comes to telling their stories, Maine's big communities have taken a back seat to their rural cousins.

$1M on its way to New Beginnings
LEWISTON - A local agency that helps young people live on their own has received a million-dollar grant, money it worried might never come.

CMP plans massive line update, property purchases
Central Maine Power has started asking Lewiston-area property owners to sell pieces of their land so the electric company can complete a massive update to its power lines and equipment - the backbone of the system that supplies power to CMP's entire service area.

Mill No. 5 panel told to find options
LEWISTON - Two options are not enough for the Bates Mill building No. 5, task force members were told Tuesday night.

City Council hears 'rain tax' complaints
LEWISTON - If the city continues assessing its storm water fee, Robert Gladu figures he'll be forced to sell his properties.

The Times Record

Alewife harvesters fighting against recommendations for closures...(full story)

School merger law changes approved in Senate...(full story)

Revenue forecast deepens budget gap...(full story)

Proposed Arleigh Burke life span extension good news for BIW...(full story)

Commentary: If Americans don't unite, we'll fail...(full story)

Portsmouth Herald

Campaign 2008 news brief

CLEVELAND (AP) — Sen. Christopher Dodd endorsed one-time presidential rival Barack Obama on Tuesday and said it is time for Democrats to join forces to defeat the Republicans in the fall campaign.

Memorial Bridge to close April 21

KITTERY, Maine — Town Manager Jon Carter said dates for the anticipated closure of the Memorial Bridge over the Piscataqua River have been set for April.

Editorial: Flap over surveillance mainly about politics There is plenty to criticize Congress about these days, but here's one issue we hope most Seacoast residents — and other Americans — can agree on: We shouldn't be stampeded into bad legislation just because the Bush administration says...

KeepMECurrent.com

State must climb out of $190M budget hole

Sex-offender registry law could be modified

House holds fate of school merger amendment

Maine gets mixed grades on economic report card

As Maine Goes

Bob Stone: What Budget Cuts?

This biennium's spending increase: $450 million. Estimated shortfall: $200 million. Net increase in spending: $250 million.

WSJ Editors Vindicating Treasurer Lamoine?

Why were the bond insurers facing downgrades? In part because they believed faulty ratings S&P/Moody's once assigned to mortgage-backed securities.

Medicare Spending Double by 2017?

Two main factors are driving up costs: the aging population -- especially baby boomers -- and the rising price of new drugs and medical technology.

House Speaker Cummings to Maine House Dems: Blame Everyone Else, No

‘The combination of high energy prices, a mismanaged national economy, and devastating Medicaid cuts by the Bush Administration are crippling state revenues here and all across the country.’

Baldacci Lightbulbs Hurt Kids' Brains, Nervous Systems

So we have Ethan Strimling, state/fed government mandating lightbulbs while advising against using the lightbulbs near children?

ME's $10M for Wildlife/Fish Restore/Hunter Education FY08

Maine News

Governor Baldacci is Incompetent

Governor Baldacci is Incompetent - By Alex Hammer

Maine Owl

Haynes resigns

Judicial nominee once was deemed so provocative even the Democrats blocked him, to return to Cardassia

Senate Guru

Who Helps Democratic Senate Candidates More - Obama or Clinton?

It appears to me that Barack Obama will offer significantly longer coattails to Democratic Senate candidates around the country than Hillary Clinton will.

Turn Maine Blue

The Green Nanny State

Yesterday's Bangor Daily News had this opinion piece by Jon Reisman about two bills before the Legislature that would requires manufacturers to dixclose toxic chemicals in their products, and in some cases, remove them (LD 2210 by Rep. Ted Koffman, and LD 2048 by Rep. Hannah Pingree).

Pentagon & Senate to investigate 2 yr delay in the fielding of blast-resistant vehicles.

In a Jan. 22 internal report, Franz Gayl, a civilian Marine Corps official, accused the service of "gross mismanagement" that delayed deliveries of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected trucks.

Senate: It's time to end the occupation

"While the administration is discussing a 'pause' in its drawdown of troops from Iraq, Americans are continuing their call for an end to this war," Feingold said. "Congress needs to end the president's failed strategy in Iraq, so that we can focus on improving our homeland security and denying al Qaeda a safe haven in Pakistan, Afghanistan and elsewhere."

White Noise Insanity

Even Rep. Stephanie Tubb-Jones (D-OH) is smearing Barack Obama

Was Rep. Stephanie Tubb-Jones the one who released the photo of Barack Obama in Somalian clothing? I’m starting to think so.

Senator Chris Dodd to support Barack Obama!

Yep, the guy who is a champion of the US Constitution and who supports the rights of Americans to not be wiretapped illegally by the Bush Regime or any other Regime is coming out in support of Barack Obama.

Maine News for Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Portland Press Herald

Spare services for elderly, seniors urge lawmakers
Proposed budget cuts could eliminate help for 2,460 senior-citizen clients, according to an AARP estimate.

DEP sheds light on bulb dangers
In groundbreaking research, state employees urge new precautions for compact fluorescents.

Departments looking for savings large and small
Proposed cuts range from delaying veterans' burials to eliminating state jobs.

Big plans for Westbrook site
Stroudwater Place would be built on 61 acres near the Maine Turnpike at a cost of $300 million.

Lawmaker's bill pits police vs. consumers
Would allowing wine drinkers to buy through the mail lead to more underage drinking?

Man's lawsuit says jail withheld medical care

CORRECTIONS

Panel predicts doubling of deficit
The governor is thinking of using a state budget stabilization fund to help cover a $190 million gap.

FairPoint sale clears last hurdle
With New Hampshire approving the sale of Verizon's lines, the deal should close next month.

Editorial: Domestic wiretap law needlessly hung up
The foreign surveillance dispute is more about internal politics than national security.

Editorial: Time to free Mainers from legal wrath at grapes
Why require a trip to sip? Protectionism only restricts choices and drives up prices.

Editorial: Ocean Gateway is Portland's new chance to make a first impression
The ferry and cruise-ship facility offers a glimpse at the developing eastern waterfront.

Column: We all have ordinary heroes in our lives, and are grateful to them
Greely Middle School teachers did a great thing by recognizing student nominees.

Column: Theraputic foster care no easy task
That's why it's unconscionable to cut already-low levels of state financial support.

LTE: Would budget cuts hurt our economy?

LTE: Invest time in questioning how REITs affect state

LTE: Global perspective overrides drawbacks to CFLs

LTE: Procrastinator pushed to his limit by Democrats

Bangor Daily News

Augusta: Hearing set today on bill to boost dental care access
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
AUGUSTA - A bill submitted by an Aroostook County legislator that aims to increase access to dental care in underserved areas of the state is scheduled for a public hearing today.

Midcoast lobstermen to vote on trap tag rules
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
ROCKLAN, Maine - Maine's lobster fishermen are being asked to vote on a new system designed to reduce the number of traps in the water.

DEP revises advice on cleanup for CFLs
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Maine environmental officials have revised their recommendations for cleaning up shattered compact fluorescent lights based on new studies that examined the amount of mercury released when the popular energy-saving bulbs break.

Editorial: Alewives Return
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
At a time when Maine is removing dams and returning rivers to a more natural state, in part to boost local fish populations, it is odd that the state continues to intentionally block native fish from returning to the St. Croix River.

Editorial: Nuclear Future
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Many environmentalists - and some Wiscasset residents - breathed a sigh of relief when Maine Yankee, the state’s only nuclear power plant, closed in 1997. The plant began operating in 1972 and produced 119 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity over its life.

Opinion: Robert Casimiro : Maine license proposal inadequate
Six years. It has been six long years since Sept. 11 and the Maine Legislature is only now taking up a bill to require that someone be a Maine resident to get a driver's license.

Tuesday's Letters to the Editor

Kennebec Journal

Many state agencies to face budget pain

Elders rally at Statehouse
AUGUSTA -- Barbara Jordan of West Gardiner came to the Statehouse Monday to ask lawmakers not to cut home-based services for the elderly.

Augusta Council debates hotel proposal
AUGUSTA -- The developer who wants to put a new hotel just off Western Avenue says the project wouldn't need the zone change he's requesting if the city had not changed zoning nearby to allow the Augusta Crossing shopping center to be built.

School consolidation bills to have hearings
AUGUSTA -- Two bills meant to clarify aspects of Maine's school district consolidation legislation will be up for public hearings before the legislature's Education Committee this afternoon.

Fairfield officials block access to sand pile
FAIRFIELD -- Like many communities budgeting for storm cleanup in Maine this winter, Fairfield is on a strict, low-salt diet.

Litchfield Selectmen to look into fund's red ink
LITCHFIELD -- Selectmen will decide tonight how best to handle a general assistance account that is in the red this year.

Homeowner worried about dam removal plan
WINSLOW -- Scott Hermey is a bit on edge these days and for good reason: He's been told there's a chance his home could slide into the Sebasticook River this summer.

Editorial: LD 1 funding to schools may not be realistic now
LD 1 may have a small name, but its impact has been huge.

Column: In 1948, Truman's support in Maine hinged on party platform
If anyone has a copy of the Maine Democratic Party platform adopted at the state convention in 1948, Waldo Proffitt would like a copy.

Column: Laws strangle individual insurance market
Maine needs to save the individual insurance market.

Morning Sentinel

Channel 11 interlocal agreement possible
MADISON -- Public access station Channel 11 on Monday night advanced closer to an interlocal agreement its board members have long sought.

Waterville awaits school plan fallout
WATERVILLE -- School Superintendent Eric Haley has formally notified the state of the School Board's decision to stop exploring a merger with School Administrative District 47 and School Union 52.

LTE: Oil companies could help with rising gas prices
Ouch! Hopefully I'm not the only one that was blown away by the (nearly) $0.20 increase in gas prices this week!

Sun Journal

DEP revises cleanup guidelines on compact fluorescent bulbs
AUGUSTA (AP) - The Maine Department of Environmental Protection on Monday issued a study on the health risks of compact fluorescent light bulbs and the best way to clean up the bulbs when they break.

State's red ink getting deeper
AUGUSTA - With an existing budget gap already set at $95 million, a state panel Monday affirmed another $95 million downward revenue adjustment.

Bill would allow wine deliveries
AUGUSTA (AP) - Maine adults would be allowed to have wine shipped to their homes if a bill up for legislative review Monday becomes law.

DHHS sees budget cuts raising costs
AUGUSTA - As state officials rush to cut the budget by more than $200 million by mid-April in order to comply with Maine law, they run the risk of placing further economic burden on taxpayers.

Verizon, FairPoint deal gets key OK
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - New Hampshire regulators on Monday approved the sale of Verizon's landline phone and Internet service in northern New England to North Carolina-based FairPoint Communications, saying they believe FairPoint has shown that the proposed deal is for the public good.

Vermont Yankee clears key hurdle on license extension
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The staff of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff on Monday gave its blessing to the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's request to extend its license for 20 years beyond its currently scheduled 2012 expiration date.

Pentagon concludes Navy missile fired at satellite destroyed toxic chemicals
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Pentagon said Monday it has a "high degree of confidence" that the missile fired at a dead U.S. spy satellite in space destroyed the satellite's fuel tank as planned.

Spending on health care expected to hit $4 trillion
WASHINGTON (AP) - By 2017, consumers and taxpayers will spend more than $4 trillion on health care, accounting for one of every $5 spent, the federal government projects.

McCain's goal: Convince country Iraq policy is succeeding to win White House
ROCKY RIVER, Ohio (AP) - John McCain said Monday that to win the White House he must convince a war-weary country that U.S. policy in Iraq is succeeding. If he can't, "then I lose. I lose," the Republican said.

A Noah's Ark for seeds, in case of calamity
LONGYEARBYEN, Norway - It's been dubbed a Noah's Ark for plant life and built to withstand an earthquake or a nuclear attack.

Bloomberg: Nader should run if he wants
NEW YORK (AP) - A day after Ralph Nader announced he is running for president, potential independent candidate Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared there's no such thing as a spoiler and said time is running out for third-party contenders to get into the race.

Photo of Obama in tribal garb causes stir
WASHINGTON (AP) - A photograph circulating on the Internet of Democratic Sen. Barack Obama dressed in traditional local garments during a visit to Kenya in 2006 is causing a dustup in the presidential campaign over what constitutes a smear.

AP Poll: Obama takes big leads among white men and liberals
WASHINGTON (AP) - Barack Obama has taken clear leads over Hillary Rodham Clinton among white men, middle-income earners and liberals, allowing him to catch his faltering rival in their race for the Democratic presidential nomination, a national poll showed Monday.

While others talk, Justice Thomas keeps on listening
WASHINGTON (AP) - Two years and 144 cases have passed since Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas last spoke up at oral arguments. It is a period of unbroken silence that contrasts with the rest of the court's unceasing inquiries.

Our View: Clarification
A sentence in Rick Batt's op-ed "Putting a straight face on MaineCare payments" (Feb. 24) incorrectly referred to Enron's accounting practices as "technically legal." The correct sentence should have read:

Our View: Serving those who served
By hiking the Appalachian Trail, Jarad Greeley of Jay and Marshall Berry of New Hampshire are extending a hand to help homeless veterans. It's what needs to be done.

LTE: Help the elderly
During the bad storm of Feb. 13-14, many people lost power. The elderly, sick and frail people in an Auburn mobile home park were told they were a priority and power would be restored in another 24 hours. After 15 hours without power, calls were made to Augusta. Various officials told of shelters in Augusta, Sabattus and Yarmouth, but nothing in Lewiston or Auburn at that time.

LTE: I don't understand
I must be stupid, because there are too many things I don't understand. Could somebody please help me understand? A senator or congressman, perhaps?

LTE: Decisions, decisions
It seems to me that Rep. Troy Jackson is way behind the times (Feb. 21). Is his new legislation suggesting that minors cannot make educated, informed decisions for themselves? Is he trying to say that they should not have the "right to choose" what they will drink?

American loyalty
I am taking a break from reading about various things and am wondering…can our elected officials assure the people of Maine that politicians will not impose Sharia law as the law of the state or country? After all, Sharia law is not permitted by the Constitution.

Column: Pakistan election presents new chance for U.S. input
The most important elections this year next to our own took place in Pakistan on Monday. The news is good.

Column: Castro's praises sung; rights abuses ignored
The Left's favorite dictator, Fidel Castro, is "resigning" as Cuba's president of the Council of State. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., who was born in Cuba and, at the age of 15, along with his brother, was evacuated from Cuba during Operation Pedro Pan, observed: "Castro has resigned from a position he was never elected to in the first place."

MPBN

School Consolidation Bill Amendment Draws Fire

A bill aimed at removing barriers for towns grappling with the state's school administration consolidation law has now been amended, and the change, according to opponents, could undermine the intent of the original effort. The amendment would allow communities to create a "superunion of governance" which supporters say would provide more local control for taxpayers. But those communities would also still have the option of remaining in consolidated regional districts governed by regional school boards. A.J. Higgins reports.

Windows

Downeast Sherriff Orders Halt To Work With MDEA

The sheriff of Washington county in eastern Maine has issued an unusual order. Sherriff Donnie Smith says he doesn't want any of his staff to work with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. The dispute is not about the drug interdiction work the MDEA does, but instead revolves around a video recording that allegedy shows a MDEA agent drinking, driving and firing off guns. Murray Carpenter reports.

Windows

Bill Would Allow Direct Shipments Of Wine In Maine

Last week the U.S. Supreme Court dealt a blow to a Maine law that prohibits internet sales of tobacco to minors. The court struck down the state's law, which places restrictions on home tobacco deliveries, ruling that such requirements are trumped by federal interstate shipping law. Today, a bill that would open the door to at-home delivery of wine in Maine was on the table in Augusta. Tom Porter has more.

Windows

Portsmouth Herald

S. Berwick bridge tonight's topic

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — The state Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting tonight at 6 at Town Hall to discuss the future replacement of the Great Works Bridge over the Great Works River on Route 236, one quarter-mile north of...

Pay hikes at Marshwood/SAD 35 schools raise eyebrows

ELIOT, Maine — With mounting pressure to reduce costs under school consolidation and the recent failed attempt to cap taxes — the citizens tax referendum — some people are wondering why several of the highest-paid SAD 35...

Development that helps the environment?

PORTSMOUTH — Discussion of new developments often includes information about the negative impacts they would have on the environment. However, at a recent Pease Development Authority workshop, Michael Kane of the Kane Management Group LLC,...

FCW.com, VA

Lawmakers ask agencies for data security update
Susan Collins (R-Maine), ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Norm Coleman (R-Minn. ...

The Hill, DC

Dems juggle Iraq, economy

... and plans also to target Republican senators up for reelection, including Susan Collins (Maine), John Sununu (NH), Norm Coleman (Minn. ...

The Associated Press

Iraq Back in Political Ads
Susan Collins of Maine, John Sununu of New Hampshire, Norm Coleman of Minnesota and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Brad Woodhouse, head of Americans United ...

MSNBC

Liberal group previews tactics
The group’s “top-tier” targets, he said, are four senators -- Maine’s Susan Collins, New Hampshire John Sununu, Minnesota’s Norm Coleman, and Kentucky’s ...

As Maine Goes

MHPC CEO Proposes Maine Medicaid Budget Saving Options

‘State government has an opportunity, and a duty, to make the changes to Medicaid that need to be made so our most needy and vulnerable neighbors will be protected and receive adequate services and funding,’ Bragdon said.

DNC Asks FEC to Investigate McCain Financing

Well, this should be easy to resolve. Sen. McCain can simply reach across to Howard Dean on the other side, explain the situation, and resolve it in a bipartisan manner.

Councilor Reed: Why Aren't People Paying the Rain Tax?

The city is owed $77,881.24 in unpaid storm water utility fees.

Senate Guru

Monday Evening Round-Up

A $20 million anti-war campaign headlined by John & Elizabeth Edwards, MoveOn.org, SEIU, VoteVets.org, and the Center for American Progress will target several Republican Senators including Susan Collins, John Sununu, Norm Coleman, and Mitch McConnell.

Turn Maine Blue

Elizabeth and John Edwards to join call to end the occupation

The Huffington Post has this news that Elizabeth and John Edwards have lent their names to a group calling for the end of the occupation of Iraq. The Edwardses joined a conference call on Monday to discuss their efforts with the group, which includes MoveOn.org, the Service Employees International Union, VoteVets.org, and the Center for American Progress.

In other news

Scruggs, you'll remember, and his family, have also been generous donors to the Collins campaign. Collins was also instrumental in returning the disgraced Trent Lott back to the GOP Senate leadership in 2006.

In which I eat crow

Tom, a friend, and I had a ten to fifteen minute conversation about the state of the race. He is running as a Democrat, which means I can like him, unlike Crazy Laurie Dobson. While Ledue challenges Allen on the issues, he knows that Allen is better than Collins in the Senate. So even if he doesn't succeed, he brings his issues to the forefront while not harming our chances in November. I respect that.

Maine News for Monday, February 25, 2008

Portland Press Herald:

Ocean Gateway 'just beautiful'
The new cruise ship-and-ferry terminal is attracting attention as it nears completion.

Neighbors pitch in to help needy stay warm
Bottle drives, concerts and dedicated parking fines are used to raise money to fill fuel tanks.

No reason to fear these IRS notices
Maine taxpayers soon will receive letters with details on the tax rebates passed to stimulate the economy.

STATE HOUSE NOTES: Candidates line up for legislative races

Other fuels in greater demand
Firewood, wood pellets and coal are now less expensive to use than oil, propane and natural gas.

Legislative Hearings

Education funds to shrink
School officials prepare for state's deficit-induced budget cuts.

Editorial: Developers' interest bodes well for Bayside
City officials should carefully choose which plan would best shape the new neighborhood.

Editorial: Domestic terror study is not an invitation to 'big brother'
Groups are usually right to be skeptical about government, but not necessarily this time.

Column: Is our government 'fence-sitting' on immigration reform?
A border fence is being built under questionable contracts, while little else is happening.

Column: Who wants looser gun laws?
Most of Maine's delegation, apparently -- even though the administration disagrees.

LTE: How should we get there from here?
Widening I-295 is just another unnecessary way to spend money that no level of government seems to have.

LTE: Legislation would make waterways, roadways safer
I applaud Bill Nemitz for encouraging the Legislature to pass the mandatory boater-education bill. As he correctly put it, "It's about time" (Jan. 20).

LTE: Tobin Tax proposal won't fly with swing investor
The column by Laurie Dobson regarding the Tobin Tax is, in my opinion, absurd ("Major source of revenue goes untaxed," Feb. 14).

Bangor Daily News

Sheriff cuts ties with MDEA
MACHIAS, Maine - Sheriff Donnie Smith of the Washington County Sheriff's Department has ordered his staff members not to work with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency until further notice.

Baldacci sees $200M budget gap in wake of new revenue forecast
AUGUSTA, Maine - As the state revenue forecasting team sits down to update its budget-governing estimates today, Gov. John Baldacci already has penciled in a number.

Obama gleans most from Maine donors
PORTLAND, Maine - Sen. Barack Obama has raised more money in Maine for his presidential bid than any other candidate, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Forum focuses on religion, politics
CAMDEN - In the 400 years before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the impact of religion on world politics has largely been ignored.

Editorial: Driver's License Fix
Maine may have lost some footing in its resistance to initiatives such as the federal Real ID plan with the recent embarrassing news that revealed the ease with which one can secure a state-issued driver's license.

Editorial: Better Land Use Oversight
A bill to raise the stipends of the members of the Land Use Regulation Commission and the Board of Environmental Protection offers lawmakers an opportunity to have an overdue conversation of the changed roles of these panels and whether updates in their structure and mandate are necessary.

Opinion: Maggie Drummond: Preserve historic neighborhood schools
As Maine struggles to compete in a new and more competitive economy, among the things we need to relearn is how to do more with less and how to do everything more efficiently. Just as generations of Mainers have done before us, we need to rediscover frugality and common sense.

Opinion: Jon Reisman: Pingree, Koffman bills toxic to Maine
Gov. John Baldacci, Rep. Ted Koffman, D-Bar Harbor, and Rep. Hannah Pingree, D-North Haven, have a legacy they wish to bestow on Maine: the green nanny state. And it looks like they have a pretty good chance of getting their wish.

Opinion: Waldo Proffitt: Truman and a Maine reporter's helpful whisper
Stories about the Democratic caucuses in Maine earlier this month caused me to look back to 1948, the year Harry Truman famously defeated Tom Dewey, and to recall my small but arguably critical contribution to that result.

Monday's Letters to the Editor
Clinton, not Obama, Store blocking, No hope for Hillary care, Where are the rabbits? Thanks, refs, Safe boating sense, Grateful for R.K. Warren

Kennebec Journal:

Flu near peak State officials see increase in cases
AUGUSTA -- Maine thus far has dodged widespread cases of the flu, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Plenty of races shaping up for House and Senate seats
AUGUSTA -- With the deadline to file for legislative seats just three weeks away, it's fun to look at who's lining up to run.

Tough going for Maine loggers Industry being squeezed by high fuel costs, low prices
MOOSE RIVER -- Logger Dan Melcher has seen plenty of downturns in the 34 years since he first drove a skidder into the woods.

State's fiscal crunch may hit students
SOUTH PORTLAND --Justin Anthony, 21, said he would not be enrolled in college if there was no culinary arts program at Southern Maine Community College.

Editorials: Times has journalistic lapse in McCain story
Just about everyone is on the The New York Times' case for its John McCain story.

Columns: Corn can't save us: Debunking the biofuel myth
Dwindling foreign oil, rising prices at the gas pump, and hype from politically well-connected U.S. agribusiness have combined to create a frenzied rush to convert food grains into ethanol fuel. The move is badly conceived and ill advised. Corporate spin and pork barrel legislation aside, here, by the numbers, are the scientific reasons why corn won't provide our energy needs:\

LTE: Bill of Rights protects from tyranny of majority
Albert Boynton, Christian, responded to Naomi Schalit's account of discrimination she experienced as a Jew (Jan. 7). "Majority Christian culture shouldn't alter for 1 person" echoes thinking that justified 1,500 years of religious persecution and made Auschwitz possible.

LTE: Books have information, much safer than snakes
Lewiston resident JoAn Karkos, who believes that "children's sex education book has no place in a public library," should turn in her library card and take up knitting. ("Lone Ranger keeps up fight," Kennebec Journal, Tuesday, Feb. 12).

Morning Sentinel

LTE: Time for Maine to have primaries, not caucuses
I just attended the Democratic caucus at Waterville High School this afternoon -- and it did take the whole afternoon, 2-5 p.m. I realize they had many more people than they had expected -- which is great -- but I feel that a caucus that made sense in the 19th or 20th century just doesn't fit in 2008.

Sun Journal:

Angry Clinton rips Obama
CINCINNATI (AP) - Hillary Rodham Clinton angrily accused her Democratic rival Saturday of deliberately misrepresenting her positions on NAFTA and health care in mass mailings to voters, adding, "Shame on you, Barack Obama."

Nader announces his bid for White House Many Democrats feel he lost Gore 2000 election
WASHINGTON (AP) - Ralph Nader on Sunday announced a fresh bid for the White House, criticizing the top contenders as too close to big business and dismissing the possibility that his third-party candidacy could tip the election to Republicans.

Obama accuses Clinton of trying to walk away from NAFTA support
LORAIN, Ohio (AP) ­- Barack Obama accused Democratic presidential rival Hillary Rodham Clinton on Sunday of trying to walk away from a long record of support for NAFTA, the free trade agreement that he said has cost 50,000 jobs in Ohio, site of next week's primary.

Forecast brings new budget debate
AUGUSTA (AP) - As the state revenue forecasting team sits down Monday to update its budget-governing estimates, Gov. John Baldacci has already penciled in a number.

Obama leads in cash from Mainers
PORTLAND (AP) - Sen. Barack Obama has raised more money in Maine for his presidential bid than any other candidate, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Maine getting more in heating assistance
AUGUSTA (AP) - Maine is in line to receive nearly $4 million more in federal heating assistance.

Bill proposes to allow home wine deliveries
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -For the fourth time in as many years, Maine lawmakers will take up the question of whether to allow consumers to have wine shipped to their homes.

Note: The editorial page of the Sun Journal is not loading correctly this morning; I will check back later to see if there is anything of note. If you wish to check yourself, the link is: http://www.sunjournal.com/EditorialPage/1/7/10/index.html

Waldo County Citizen

League of Conservation Voters applauds Sen Collins

WASHINGTON (Feb 25): The League of Conservation Voters, an independent group devoted to environmentally sound public policy, has announced that Sen. Susan Collins has received a perfect score of 100 percent on LCV-monitored votes in the U.S. Senate over the past year.

Seacoast Online

Maine political roundup

PORTLAND, Maine — The future of the U.S. Constitution and the role of Congress will be discussed by the candidates for Congress vying to replace Tom Allen representing Maine's 1st Congressional District.

As Maine Goes:

Maine Might Turn Into New Jersey After All
Gov. King tried to scare us into thinking rural Maine development would turn Maine into New Jersey. Looks like he was half-right. He should have warned about Maine's spending habits.

Maine Owl:

Why is Thomas Friedman advising the nation's governors on energy? States and energy independence (with clip of Governor Baldacci)

Turn Maine Blue:

Minimum wage, maximum stimulus

Here in Maine, we're experiencing a very tough winter. Across the state, thousands of people are unable to heat their homes because of increases in fuel costs (it's gotten so bad that a number of landlords are simply not buying heating oil for their tenants, because the expense is now so great they fear they'd be bankrupted and lose their properties while their tenants would be evicted).

Another Bush promise to Military personnel being broken.

In 2002 President Bush signed a bill to put citizenship applications of non US citizens who serve in the military on "the fast track". In addition, fees for citizenship are waived. Like many other promises made to military personnel this one is not being kept.