Portland Press Herald
Election gives Democrats firm control of state Senate
The party's margin over the Republicans rises from one seat to five -- the biggest since 1999.

Election 2008 briefs

Casino backers: Mainers have lost their chance
After Question 2's defeat, developers will turn to other states, the proposal's supporters say.

After defeat, harness track may relocate
The owner of Scarborough Downs may seek a place more receptive to slot machines.

Obama skips spotlight, gets down to work
The president-elect forms a transition team and courts U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel to be chief of staff.

Hope stays high after cheering fades
Barack Obama supporters Wednesday say his victory inspires the feeling that the U.S. has turned a corner.

New Congress turning much more Democratic
They capture GOP-held House seats in all regions, adding at least 19 to the 30 they took in 2006.

Results don't alter political landscape
Analysis: Obama's win laid the groundwork for a major shift, but he needs re-election to assure it.

Editorial

Charter commission opens a path for change
Electing a mayor would have a bigger impact than replacing the names on the City Council.

Scarborough glitch shows that the system worked
Clear paper ballots that can be optically scanned work well on Election Day.

PETER H. JOYWood-pellet purchases display not 'panic' but serious forethought
If buying stock when it is cheap is selfish behavior, then so is laying in fuel for the future.

Time to trust the kids on ways to create a greener world
With Barack Obama as president, there’s nothing that can’t be hoped for on their behalf.

Bangor Daily News

Bangor employer faces 'Fear of the unknown' in keeping workers healthy

Bangor restaurateur Peter Geaghan offers health insurance to 10 of his employees through DirigoChoice. But on Wednesday, the day after Maine’s voters resoundingly overturned the new beverage tax that would have helped fund the state’s health insurance program, Geaghan already was looking for other options to keep his workers healthy.

Dems gain: Party intensifies grip on Legislature

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine Democrats touted Election Day results Wednesday that they said show them expanding an already large margin of control in the state House of Representatives and the bare one-vote edge they have held in the state Senate.

Tribes reject Oxford casino

Last November, Washington County residents were stinging over voters’ rejection of a Passamaquoddy petition to bring gambling — and therefore jobs and tourists — to their economically depressed corner of Maine.

5 consolidation plans rejected , 12 OK’d

Of the 18 school reorganization plans up for votes around the state during Tuesday’s balloting, voters in affected districts approved 12 plans and rejected five, including three in Aroostook.

Tobin faces new charges

PORTLAND, Maine — A former Republican strategist pleaded not guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Portland to charges that he lied to federal investigators five years ago about his role in jamming phone lines in New Hampshire Democrats’ get-out-the-vote effort in 2002.

Baldacci orders agencies to cut $150M

AUGUSTA, Maine — Gov. John Baldacci has told state agencies they have a week to come up with ways to cut $150 million from current state spending as state revenues fall further behind projections.

Knox County votes out veteran commissioners

ROCKLAND, Maine — Knox County residents Tuesday voted out two veteran county commissioners and elected their replacements.

Time for change: Canadians express hope

ST. STEPHEN, New Brunswick — Anyone but Bush seemed to be the consensus among Maine’s Canadian neighbors as they woke up Wednesday morning to learn that U.S. voters had elected Sen. Barack

Maine, nation hit record turnout

Maine election officials have declared a record voter turnout but it’ll be days before a final tally is released, the secretary of state’s office said Wednesday.

Editorial

A Faith Restored

At several points in his improbable, inspiring and historic run for the White House, Barack Obama told voters his faith in America was restored by the electoral success he saw along the way. Pundits

Hope in the White House

As monumental as Barack Obama’s resounding victory in Tuesday’s election were the large, cheering, crying crowds that gathered in cities across the country to celebrate his win.

Kennebec Journal

Democrats take firm control of Maine Senate
AUGUSTA -- Richmond selectman and attorney Seth Goodall defeated an incumbent Republican Tuesday to help give his party firm control of the state Senate, according to election- night results.

Obama's long journey to White House
President-elect started with little beyond true believers

Activist from area returns to Chicago
Local attorney and Statehouse lobbyist Severin Beliveau said watching Sen. Barack Obama's acceptance speech Tuesday in Chicago is now at the top of his list of awe-inspiring political memories.

Voters' choices emerge in aftermath of election
Sen. Earle McCormick, R-West Gardiner, won re-election to his state Senate seat by defeating Democrat Sharon Benoit, of Monmouth, according to unofficial results.

On Maine Politics

Election upsets

Sun Journal
Senate 15 race heads for recount
After nearly 20,000 votes were cast, merely 102 ballots separated candidates in the race for state Senate District 15. Democrat Deborah Simpson upset Republican incumbent Lois Snowe-Mello by 0.5 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results.

Maine Democrats retain House, Senate
AUGUSTA (AP) - Maine Democrats touted Election Day results Wednesday that they said show them expanding an already large margin of control in the state House of Representatives and the bare one-vote edge they have held in the state Senate.

Mills keeps House seat

Saviello keeps House seat

Knight re-elected in District 81

Gilbert wins House District 87 seat

Editorial
A trend toward gambling
This may sound strange, but in defeating Question 2, voters signaled support for casino gambling in Maine.

Credibility of major media melts away like early snow
More than the economy has melted down. What remains of big media credibility has also liquefied and won't recover anytime soon, if it ever does.

GOP's Summers concedes defeat in 1st District race
PORTLAND (AP) - Republican Charlie Summers congratulated Democrat Chellie Pingree Wednesday for her victory in their race for the open congressional seat in Maine's 1st District.

What's next for casino?
AUGUSTA - Gambling opponents said Wednesday that voters' refusal to allow a casino in Oxford County should close the door to more legalized gaming in Maine. But it looks like a safe bet that Mainers haven't heard their last gaming pitch.

Voters reject plan to close airport
BIDDEFORD (AP) - Voters in Biddeford have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal that would have closed the city's airport.

Obama victory inspires Jenkins
AUBURN - Mayor John Jenkins won't forget there was a time in the nation's history when a black man might have been lynched for whistling at a white woman.

Collins thanks Lewiston backers at hot dog stand
LEWISTON - When Republican Sen. Susan Collins learned she had beaten her Democratic opponent Tom Allen in the heavily Democratic city of Lewiston, she said it was the "highlight of the evening."

MPBN
Governor Prepares Sobering Revenue Message

November 5, 2008 Reported By: A.J. Higgins

While Democratic leaders in the Maine House and Senate were celebrating expanded majorities as the result of yesterday's election, Gov. John Baldacci was preparing a sobering congratulatory message. State revenues are expected to dip sharply below projections over the winter and the Governor is now signalling his intention to cut current state spending by $150 million dollars over the next eight months. The situation is so critical, Gov. Baldacci may have to call the current legislature back into session within the next 30 days.

Mill Workers Anxious To Get Back On The Job

November 5, 2008 Reported By: Anne Ravana

The New York-based firm that purchased the Red Shield Environmental pulp mill in Old Town has announced it will put the 160 laid-off Red Shield employees back to work starting next week. Almost two weeks after the court-approved sale of Red Shield, Patriarch Partners closed on the deal on Tuesday and its CEO paid a visit to Governor Baldacci and mill managers on Wednesday.

Small Tech Company Proud Of Employee Healthcare Coverage

November 5, 2008 Reported By: Josie Huang

Elizabeth Harvey runs a small technology company in Portland's Old Port. She helps clients boost the rankings of their web sites on search engines like Google. It's a small operation with just five employees, but Harvey takes pride in the fact that she offers health coverage through the state's DirigoChoice insurance program.

Casino Backers May Look Elsewhere For Opportunity

November 5, 2008 Reported By: Tom Porter

The defeat yesterday of Question 2 - the proposed casino in Oxford County - has left the project's supporters rueing what they describe as a missed economic opportunity. Pat LaMarche, spokeswoman for Olympia Group of Las Vegas, which is the company behind the casino, says backers could now turn their attention to Maine's neighboring New England states.

Three Women And A Man To Represent Maine On Capitol Hill

November 5, 2008 Reported By: Keith McKeen

Democrat Chellie Pingree's victory over Republican Charlie Summers means Democrats continue to control Maine's first district congressional seat. But it also means that three fourths of Maine's congressional delegation will soon be women. That's a rarity on Capitol Hill.

Question One Wins

November 5, 2008 Reported By: Josie Huang

Maine voters overwhelmingly supported Question One and repealed a beverage tax passed by the legislature earlier this year. According to unofficial returns, Question One nabbed 64% of the vote with 78% of precincts reporting. The beverage tax would have gone toward funding Dirigo, a state-sponsored health insurance program. But those who called for the repeal said the issue was not about health care, but about Mainers' high tax burden.

Question Two Defeated

November 5, 2008 Reported By: Tom Porter

Perhaps the most hotly contested issue on the Maine ballot yesterday was Question 2 - the referendum proposal to allow a casino resort in Oxford county. The question was headed for defeat by a margin of 8% with 479 of 613 precincts reporting.

Collins Wins

November 5, 2008 Reported By: A.J. Higgins

What was supposed to be a closely fought Senate race ended in lopsided win for Republican incumbent Susan Collins who dealt a stunning defeat to her Democratic challenger, Congressman Tom Allen. According to unofficial returns from the Bangor Daily News, Collins captured 61% of the vote with 479 of 613 precincts reporting. Collins told MPBN's A.J. Higgins that she's looking forward to six more years in the U.S. Senate.

Pingree Wins

November 5, 2008 Reported By: Susan Sharon

The decision of first district Congressman Tom Allen to try to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins set off a political chain reaction in southern Maine more than 18 months ago. But by the time the dust from the June primary had settled, the contest left two former state senators to battle it out: Democrat Chellie Pingree and Republican Charlie Summers. Both are former state senators. Both got their start in small business. Both had sought higher office before and lost. Now it appears that Pingree is headed for Washington.

Michaud Wins

November 5, 2008 Reported By: Anne Ravana

Democratic incumbent Mike Michaud is returning to Washington to represent Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, handily defeating Republican challenger John Frary. This will be Michaud's fourth consecutive term.

Ellsworth American

An Incumbent and A Newcomer
ELLSWORTH — In two of the more closely watched races for the state House, incumbent Democrat Rob Eaton won another term in District 34, and Republican newcomer Brian Langley won the battle for District 38.

Incumbent State Senators Re-elected

ELLSWORTH — Incumbent state senators serving Hancock County enjoyed strong voter support in their bids for re-election.

Record Turnout
ELLSWORTH — Hancock County voters came out in force, casting nearly 32,500 votes in Tuesday’s general election and establishing a record turnout as 72 percent of the county’s registered voters cast ballots.

Voters Cork Beverage Tax

This Week in Pictures
Sports Editorial The News Waterfront Community Arts & Leisure 01 Sports 02 Editorial 03 The News 04 Waterfront 05 Community 06 Arts & Leisure Pause

An Incumbent and A Newcomer Election 2008 ELLSWORTH — In two of the more closely watched races for the state House, incumbent Democrat Rob Eaton won another term in District 34, and Republican newcomer Brian Langley won the battle for District 38. Read more...

Incumbent State Senators Re-elected Election 2008 ELLSWORTH — Incumbent state senators serving Hancock County enjoyed strong voter support in their bids for re-election. Read more...

Record Turnout Election 2008 County Vote In Line with State, Nation ELLSWORTH — Hancock County voters came out in force, casting nearly 32,500 votes in Tuesday’s general election and establishing a record turnout as 72 percent of the county’s registered voters cast ballots. Read more...

Voters Cork Beverage Tax AUGUSTA — A new tax adopted in April by the Legislature was repealed by a vote of the people Tuesday, leaving the Dirigo Health insurance program to rely on its former funding method.

Democrats Control State Legislature
AUGUSTA — With votes still trickling in early Wednesday, Democratic and Republican leaders agreed that the majority of political power in the Maine House and Senate will remain with the Democrats.

City Sees Record Voter Turnout
ELLSWORTH — The city of Ellsworth mirrored Hancock County with a record number of residents voting in Tuesday’s election both by absentee ballot and at the polls.

Maine News for Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Real Clear Politics
RCP Average 10/21 - 10/28, Obama 50.2 to McCain 43.9

Pollster.com
Latest analysis

Portland Press Herald

An angry Allen says Collins crosses line with ads
Election 2008: He accuses her of distorting his voting record at times when family came first.

Sens. Snowe, Collins split on Stevens
Olympia Snowe wants him to resign; Susan Collins wants voters to decide.

Panel: Maine economy needs a few good ideas
A business forum talks of wind farms, biomedical research and the need for many ideas to toss around.

Dow leaps, but hopes for stability fail to follow
Investors are cheered by today's likely cut in interest rates, but they also are bracing for a recession.

Obama infomercial airs at 8 p.m. for half-hour
Obama is the first presidential candidate since Ross Perot in 1992 to purchase a half-hour of prime time.

Mainers gobbling lobster to keep industry afloat
Strong local sales help stabilize prices, but long-term changes are needed to expand the market.

Snow forecast jolts fall season
Ski resorts take notice as Maine's mountains were due to get 1 to 3 inches.

Airing out their differences
Rivals in 1st District spar on health care, taxes and economy

Editorial

Mermin, Suslovic for Portland City Council
Two moderate, articulate problem-solvers lead the field in this year's council races.

There's no clear path to unclogging credit markets
An infusion of capital into healthy banks hasn’t produced the desired result – yet.

GREG KESICHLooking for socialists in all the wrong places
'Socialist' has replaced 'liberal' as the meanest thing one candidate can say to another.

Bangor Daily News

Unemployment spurs state hiring

BANGOR, Maine — The current large number of unemployment claims in Maine means that people are pretty busy at the Maine Department of Labor.

State cuts may slice jobs

AUGUSTA, Maine — Hundreds of state jobs and some existing programs would be eliminated in order to meet Gov. John Baldacci’s goal of reducing state spending by at least 10 percent in the next two-year budget, documents indicate.

Mainers give Obama 19-point lead in poll; Collins ahead

PORTLAND, Maine — A new poll suggests a 19-point lead for Barack Obama over John McCain in the presidential race in Maine, while Republican Sen. Susan Collins maintains a 17-point lead over her Democratic challenger, Rep. Tom Allen.

Guidelines created to track graduation rates

WASHINGTON — High schools are coming under pressure from the federal government to improve the nation’s dismal dropout rate — one in four students.

Study: School consolidation partners report reluctance, pessimism

ORONO, Maine — Communities are doing what they have to do in order to comply with the state’s school consolidation law, but are doing so reluctantly, under compulsion and with little optimism about the final outcome.

Weak economy fails to deter arena panel

BANGOR, Maine — Even in the face of an unstable national economy, the city is not backing off its proposed timeline for a much-needed new arena and convention center.

Bangor housing project gaining ground

BANGOR, Maine — Demolition has begun on a rundown Harlow Street building, a site that soon will become home to a four-story, 55-unit apartment complex specifically marketed to the elderly.

Editorial
Oh, Canada

If you lived in Canada, your national elections would be over by now. And you …

An Unnecessary Ending

The McCain campaign’s descent into nastiness has elicited strong rebukes from …

Kennebec Journal

O'Brien blasted on dual roles
AUGUSTA -- The Maine Democratic Party filed a complaint with the ethics commission Tuesday that alleges a conflict of interest regarding an expenditure made by the Maine Republican Party to support House candidate and GOP Executive Director Julie O'Brien of Augusta.

Pingree, Summers spar about economy
Fixing the flailing economy was the hot topic in Tuesday's televised debate between the candidates in Maine's 1st Congressional District race.

Collins cites creation of jobs as top priority
NORRIDGEWOCK -- Republican Sen. Susan M. Collins said Tuesday that bringing jobs back to America is the key to a secure future as the nation and the state gear up for an historic election Nov. 4.

States team up vs. mercury
Officials in Maine and six other Northeastern states are hoping a never-before-used provision of the Clean Water Act will force the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to control mercury emissions from power plants outside the region.

Snow, but little accumulation, gives area a preview of winter
The leaves are still changing color, Halloween is just around the corner and weather forecasters are predicting snow.

ATTENDANCE UNDER SCRUTINY
U.S. Rep. Tom Allen angrily defended his attendance record in Congress on Tuesday, accusing his Republican opponent in the U.S. Senate race, incumbent U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, of offending his family in a series of campaign advertisements that focus on Allen's missed votes.

Allen cites 'change' themes
WATERVILLE -- He might be down in the polls with a week to go, but Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Allen sees a path to victory in the Maine U.S. Senate race.

31/2 years for grandma who stole almost $1M from family business
AUGUSTA -- A Waterville grandmother will serve 3 1/2 years behind bars for embezzling almost $1 million from her family's business.

Panel: MaineHousing improperly nixed aid
AUGUSTA -- Failing to keep a clean, orderly house should not cost a disabled woman her public housing voucher, the Maine Human Rights Commission concluded Monday.

POLICE
AUGUSTA -- A Kennebec County jail inmate remained hospitalized Tuesday after swallowing pencils in an apparent suicide attempt.

Editorials:

Feds are too secretive about use of our $700B
We supported the $700 billion rescue program passed by Congress in early October. The idea behind it was to inject money into the financial system, which has been reeling from the toxic debt taken on by lenders in the subprime mortgage market.

New thinking about roads doesn't mean we should abandon them
The best transportation policy for Maine would be more efficient vehicles, cheaper fuel and less costly methods of construction and maintenance of roads and bridges.

Sun Journal
Allen lashes out at Collins over missed-votes TV ads
PORTLAND (AP) - Democrat Tom Allen lashed out Tuesday against Republican Susan Collins over campaign ads pointing out that he missed 157 votes in the House, calling them "petty, ugly and personal attacks." Collins said she stood by the ads.

Mainers favor Obama, Collins, according to poll
PORTLAND (AP) - A new poll suggests a 19-point lead for Barack Obama over John McCain in the presidential race in Maine, while Republican Sen. Susan Collins maintains a 17-point lead over her Democratic challenger, Rep. Tom Allen.

Voters ban election signs from traffic island

Editorial
Where does the invisible buck stop?
After Alan Greenspan testified before Congress recently, a question crossed our minds: In this failing economy, caused by a dearth of actual currency and a wealth of imaginary credit, where does the (real or invisible) buck stop?

Mugging claim provides a paradigm of paranoia
It smelled worse than rotting garbage in triple digit heat, but I'm not surprised some folks swallowed it anyway.

MPBN

Sex Offender Registry Revisions May Be Delayed

The Maine's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee's planned revisions to the state's controversial sex offender registry law may have to wait until Maine's highest court rules on several appeals. Earlier this year, the committee attempted to correct a retroactive amendment to the law that would remove the names of those who had committed crimes between 1982 and 1992. Gov. John Baldacci vetoed the bill and asked the panel to take another look at the issue next year. But as A.J. Higgins reports, by then, Maine may not have a sex offender registry law on the books.

Allen Defends Voting Record

Under attack by his opponent for his attendance record in Congress, Democratic Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Tom Allen held an unusual news conference at his home with his ailing wife and his daughter today. Although Allen attempted to point out that he has taken thousands of votes in Congress and only missed several dozen during his career, there were also more questions raised about his missed votes by the Collins campaign. Susan Sharon has more.

Ad Execs Say Obama Masters Web Campaigning

Morning Edition host Irwin Gratz talks with Sam Surprise of Surprise Advertising and Brenda Garrand of Garrand and Company about the success the Democratic Presidential candidate has had raising money on the web and how the technique will change both political and commercial advertising.

Maine News for Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Real Clear Politics
RCP Average 10/20 - 10/27 -- Obama 50.3 to McCain 44.1

Portland Press Herald
Fending off blight
Some Maine communities will get a share of federal funds to buy and resell homes lost to foreclosure.

Officers back before AG ruling
Police may change policies on reinstatements before a shooting decision is made.

One firm financing support for slots
The owner of Hollywood Slots in Bangor is behind the efforts to bring slot machines to Scarborough.

With week to go, Allen tries to cull momentum from Obama
Election 2008: Sen. Collins just needs to avoid errors, an expert says.

BILL NEMITZThis time, House 102 race isn't even close

State rejects plan for rebuilt dam
The DEP says the project to power historic Scribner's Mill would threaten Sebago Lake's landlocked salmon population.

Democrats fined $5,000 for late report
The party is accountable for a content change to mailers that required immediate disclosure.

Poll shows Palin hurting GOP ticket
The Republican base loves her, but others see Palin unfavorably and question John McCain's judgment.

DNC chairman Howard Dean to address UM-Farmington rally
The ex-Vermont governor also will campaign for Barack Obama in Orono and in Portland.

HOUSE DISTRICT 66: Brunswick voters will have three party options
A Democrat, Republican and Green vie to represent the town as it prepares for the base closing.

Editorial

Portland voters should start charter process
Introducing a popularly elected mayor is just one idea that is worthy of exploration.

State's high court got it right by protecting political speech
The government shouldn't be deciding which politicians are telling the truth.

RON BANCROFTIt will help a lot to send more moderates to Augusta
There are options in southern Maine for moving beyond partisan issues for the good of all.

Bangor Daily News

Early bird ballots

BANGOR, Maine — City voters hoping to avoid the usual hassles of Election Day by casting in-person absentee ballots may not experience the smooth sailing they expected.

The kindness of strangers

Air Force Master Sgt. Colette Beaulieu of Hermon had a lot on her mind as she prepared for her recent deployment. Because her future plans were unclear, she had a home to sell, household belongings to put into storage, and an 18-year-old son to settle into a new apartment.

Backers of beverage tax blast lawsuit

BANGOR, Maine — Supporters of the state’s DirigoChoice health insurance program have raised the alarm over a lawsuit filed last week that challenges the savings offset payment, the program’s primary but unpopular current source of funding.

Baldacci fiscal plan earns a 'B'

AUGUSTA, Maine — Gov. John Baldacci got a B on this year’s fiscal report card from the conservative, Washington, D.C.-based Cato Institute, up from the D he got from the group two years ago.

Maine Democrats fined $5,000

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine’s campaign watchdog agency has fined the state Democratic Party $5,000 for filing an expenditure report 20 days late with the state.

New poll on Maine casino indicates dead heat

PORTLAND, Maine — A new poll commissioned by the company that wants to build a resort casino in Oxford finds that likely voters are narrowly divided on the project in what amounts to a statistical

UM gets patent for waterfront technology

ORONO, Maine — Researchers at the University of Maine’s Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center have been awarded a patent for new technology that could change waterfront construction methods for both large companies and individuals.

Hermon to decide local issues at polls

HERMON, Maine — People who go to the elementary school gym next Tuesday to vote for president will find that they also have stumbled onto a special town meeting.

Editorial

Lobster for Dinner

Maine’s lobsters are clearly sustainable, through license limits, trap limits, V-notching of females and throwing back undersize and oversize lobsters. But what about the lobstermen and the lobster industry? Both are in bad shape these days.

Kennebec Journal
ANIMALS' FATE IN BALANCE
AUGUSTA -- The Maine Supreme Judicial Court on Monday considered the fate of 66 dogs, four cats and one bird seized in January from the Somerville home of Fern Clark.

Students see how top court functions
AUGUSTA -- The Maine Supreme Judicial Court on Monday literally moved to Cony High School.

AUGUSTA Tax foes raise $3.5M Group seeks to kill beverage tax, which helps pay for Dirigo
AUGUSTA -- Fed Up With Taxes, the group behind Question 1 on the Nov. 4 ballot, has raised $3.5 million to fund a campaign to overturn taxes on beer, wine, soda and other flavored drinks, according to campaign finance reports filed Friday.

Dems fined $5,000
AUGUSTA -- The ethics commission voted 5-0 Monday to impose a $5,000 fine on the Maine Democratic Party for filing an expenditure report 20 days late.

Crockett denied funds
AUGUSTA -- The ethics commission voted 4-1 Monday not to award Rep. Patsy Crockett, D-Augusta, more public money for her campaign, even though a write-in candidate is running against her.

Dean, of Vt., to visit UMF Wednesday
FARMINGTON -- Howard Dean, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, will speak at the "A Vote for Change" rally Wednesday at the University of Maine at Farmington.

Editorial

Clean Elections law plagued by 'substantial' hole
In early June, the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics gave $4,144 to Rep. Patsy Crockett, who was running for re-election in a contested race for House District 57 in Augusta. Crockett was running as a Clean Elections candidate and that amount represented her allotment of Maine Clean Election Act funds from the state. The same amount was also paid to other House candidates in a contested general election.

MAROULLA GLEATON, M.D., OF PALERMO, PRACTICES OPHT : VOTE 'NO' ON QUESTION 1 Health coverage, quality care most important issues
As a local physician, I appreciate the opportunity to address concerns about Question 1. On Election Day, Maine voters will decide what is more important to them: preserving and expanding health coverage for Maine families, children and small businesses; lowering the current assessment on health claims; providing rate reform to 40,000 Mainers who pay for their own health insurance, or pennies on a glass of wine, a beer or soda.

DAVID B. OFFER : McCain, Palin should have seized moment
Serving as county sheriff used to be a family affair in Wisconsin.

Sun Journal
Casino election tight, poll suggests
PORTLAND - A new poll commissioned by the company that wants to build a $184 million resort casino in Oxford indicates that likely voters are narrowly divided on the project in what amounts to a statistical dead heat.

Bedbugs cause shelter to close
PORTLAND (AP) - An emergency shelter for drug addicts in Maine's largest city was closed because of a bedbug infestation, but officials hope they can reopen the facility Tuesday.

State opposes Crooked River dam
PORTLAND (AP) - The state Department of Environmental Protection has issued a draft order that would block the restoration of the historic Scribner's Mill Dam on the Crooked River in Harrison.

Quoddy Bay withdraws request for state permits
AUGUSTA (AP) - Quoddy Bay LNG has withdrawn its request for state permits to build a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal and pipeline at the Passamaquoddy Indian reservation at Pleasant Point in eastern Maine.

Contrarian vs. incumbent in Maine's 2nd District
LEWISTON - Maine's sprawling 2nd Congressional District has produced such Republican luminaries as Bill Cohen, Olympia Snowe and the late Margaret Chase Smith, all of whom went on to the Senate and made names for themselves on the national stage.

Absentee ballots prove popular in Twin Cities
One in seven registered Twin Cities voters has already cast a ballot in November's presidential election, according to statistics from the offices of the city clerks.

Pair charged in plot to kill Obama, others
WASHINGTON - Two white supremacists allegedly plotted to go on a national killing spree, shooting and decapitating black people and ultimately targeting Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, federal authorities said Monday.

Editorial
There's no defense for deception
As a newspaper, we vigorously defend the First Amendment right to free speech. It's the most potent freedom ever granted a human citizenry, and our most effective weapon against tyranny and oppression.

MPBN

Differences In Question One Debate Focus On The Numbers

On November 4, Maine voters will be asked Question One: whether they want to repeal a beverage tax that would fund the state's Dirigo Health program. It may be no surprise that those who want to dump the tax say it will cost more than those who support Dirigo, which provides insurance to Mainers based on their ability to pay. But the difference in the projected size of the tax is gaping. Josie Huang reports.

A Your Vote 2008 Candidate Profile: Chellie Pingree

s a young woman she never planned on running for the Maine Legislature or dreamed that she would head Common Cause or raise millions of dollars to mount a bid for Congress, twice. Those are just a few of the highlights of Democrat Chellie Pingree's resume. In legislative circles she's best-known for taking on the pharmaceutical lobby to spearhead the first-in-the-nation bill regulating prescription drug prices. Now she's hoping to be the first woman elected to Congress in Maine's first district. As part of our Your Vote 2008 Election coverage, Susan Sharon has this profile.

Maine Hopes To Tap Into Culinary Tourism As "The Next Napa Valley"

If asked to name two industries associated with the state of Maine, many of us would probably mention tourism and seafood. The combination of these two activities - vacations and dining - underscored a new three-day food wine festival in the Portland area, which wrapped up over the weekend. Harvest on the Harbor attracted thousands of visitors from Maine and across the country, featuring large scale, tastings, cooking demos, seminars and black tie dinners. Tom Porter was there.

home > radio > maine news

Maine News

Differences In Question One Debate Focus On The Numbers

On November 4, Maine voters will be asked Question One: whether they want to repeal a beverage tax that would fund the state's Dirigo Health program. It may be no surprise that those who want to dump the tax say it will cost more than those who support Dirigo, which provides insurance to Mainers based on their ability to pay. But the difference in the projected size of the tax is gaping. Josie Huang reports.

A Your Vote 2008 Candidate Profile: Chellie Pingree

s a young woman she never planned on running for the Maine Legislature or dreamed that she would head Common Cause or raise millions of dollars to mount a bid for Congress, twice. Those are just a few of the highlights of Democrat Chellie Pingree's resume. In legislative circles she's best-known for taking on the pharmaceutical lobby to spearhead the first-in-the-nation bill regulating prescription drug prices. Now she's hoping to be the first woman elected to Congress in Maine's first district. As part of our Your Vote 2008 Election coverage, Susan Sharon has this profile.

Maine Hopes To Tap Into Culinary Tourism As "The Next Napa Valley"

If asked to name two industries associated with the state of Maine, many of us would probably mention tourism and seafood. The combination of these two activities - vacations and dining - underscored a new three-day food wine festival in the Portland area, which wrapped up over the weekend. Harvest on the Harbor attracted thousands of visitors from Maine and across the country, featuring large scale, tastings, cooking demos, seminars and black tie dinners. Tom Porter was there.

For Now, Credit Available to Maine Small Business

How the economic crisis on Wall Street affects main streets across the state will depend, in part, on whether loans continue flowing from local banks to small business. Karen Mills, a venture capitalist and President of MMP Group, tells Morning Edition Host Irwin Gratz government may have to help in the months ahead. And she urges small business to lobby Congress to include small business aid in any new economic stimulus bill.

Listener Feedback: From Sears Island to "Scallops"

From time to time, we share our listener's thoughts about our recent work. We've heard from several people about things they didn't like, as reported by Tom Porter and Josie Huang.

Maine News for Monday, October 27, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Long-term state idea: Energy use 'clusters'
The strategy, plus an emphasis on renewable resources, is part of a draft plan that envisions an energy transformation in Maine.

1st District: Undecideds cloud race
Election 2008: Polls show Chellie Pingree has a lead, but large numbers of voters are still making up their minds.

State to scrutinize contracts with colleges
No-bid contracts, while legal, have little oversight and officials want to verify the money is spent wisely.

Wall Street turmoil cuts into Colby endowment

HOUSE DISTRICT 60: Energy, economy top campaign issues
Both rank as priorities for the candidates seeking the House District 60 seat that represents Topsham.

Editorial
County reform served best by Cloutier, Larsen
These experienced newcomers to county government can help make it better.

Leigh DonaldsonToo often contrary facts don't influence our beliefs
Our views of current events prove remarkably resistant to evidence or corrections.

Next Legislature should not knock out school merger law
School districts should still find partners
while the referendum process plays out.

[October 26, 2008]

Bangor Daily News

Rain, wind topple trees, spur floods

Gusty winds, hard rain and ocean swells of more than 9 feet caused damage in midcoast and Down East Maine on Sunday morning. Trees toppled, there was minor flooding and a lobster boat sank at the Searsport town wharf, but there were no reports of injury.

Why Maine splits its electoral votes

Does the Electoral College have you stumped, especially the part about Maine and Nebraska being the only two states that can divvy up their electoral votes among presidential candidates? Here’s a quick refresher course.

Rockland rallies to support state lobster industry

ROCKLAND, Maine — A day after the governor of Maine estab-lished a task force to review the sustainability of the state’s lobster industry, Rockland came together to rally the industry on its own.

Editorial

Houses and Homes

The next president and Congress have a rare opportunity to remake the way Americans build, buy and sell houses. The current economic downturn is linked in large part to the boom, bubble and bust cycle of the housing sector.

What’s the Rush?

There are good reasons for revising the Endangered Species Act — it is slow and cumbersome for some developers and landowners, for example — but any such rewrite must be thoughtful

Kennebec Journal

Mills eyes two state positions
FARMINGTON -- In November, a three-term representative in the Maine House, Democrat Janet T. Mills, hopes to be re-elected by voters in Farmington and Industry.

Major MaineGeneral donors express concerns
WATERVILLE -- Some area philanthropists have expressed concern about MaineGeneral Health's plan to consolidate operations in Augusta, with at least one saying the move will cost the medical center her financial support.

Auto dealers weathering the storm
Randy Miller has been selling cars for 35 years. He has seen the industry at its best and he has struggled through the worst, like the fear that gripped the nation as gasoline was rationed in the 1970s.

KENNEBEC COMMUTER: MTA tries to justify toll hike
A little bird (better known as our colleague Susan Cover) had a story in the newspaper not too long ago about the Maine Turnpike Authority raising the tolls next year.

Editorials

Political speech, other tall tales still protected
After a two-year-long presidential race, we hardly need to remind our readers that election campaigns practically invented lies, distortions, untruths, half-truths, falsehoods, misrepresentations and fairy tales.

Sun Journal
Collins: I want Lewiston
That Susan Collins wants to win her race for re-election should come as no surprise; that the incumbent Republican U.S. senator has a goal of winning the city of Lewiston, might.

Political campaigns flooding mailboxes
WASHINGTON (AP) - Mailboxes stuffed and it's not even the holidays? It must be election season.

Editorial
Cleaning out the inbox …
Cheers and jeers from around the news:

Next president should support Israel-Syria talks
The next president will inherit a depressing litany of Mideast problems. But there is a chance to change that negative dynamic by zeroing in on a promising Mideast peace track that was never supported by the Bush team.

MPBN

Chamber Challenges Dirigo Health Funding

The state Chamber of Commerce has a filed a lawsuit challenging the funding for Dirigo Health. Details from Josie Huang.

AG Candidate Addresses Past Lapse In Attorney License Status

With less than two weeks to go until Election Day, candidates for the Maine Legislature are actively courting voters. But behind the scenes, the candidates themselves are being courted by three legislators who are vying to become Maine's next Attorney General. Maine is the only state that elects its Attorney General by a popular vote of the Legislature. In the first of a two-part series on the contest, A.J. Higgins reports that one of the leading candidates for the job has not held an active license to practice law in Maine for five of the last seven years.

'Climate Change 21' Focuses on Current Research

Some of the nation's most current scientific research in the field of climate change was presented at the University of Maine this week. The Orono campus hosted a conference titled Climate Change 21: Choices for the 21 Century. As Anne Ravana reports, more than 500 scientists, students and others gathered to discuss issues ranging from the Ice Age to fuel cell technology.

Maine News for Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Real Clear Politics
RCP Average 10/13 - 10/20 Obama 49.8 to McCain 43.8

Portland Press Herald
Maine parties keep feuding over McCain attack tactics
Amid the sparring, more Republicans criticize the Ayers theme that McCain has defended.

Health professionals urge rejection of Question 1
They say repealing the beverage tax would further cripple the Dirigo Health care system.

BILL NEMITZCollins gets October surprise

Cruise ships no cash cow for Maine?
A study ranks the state 41st in economic benefits from the industry, but some call the numbers misleading.

Second stimulus idea gains traction
Congress weighs a special session after the election, and Maine's delegation says more must be done.

Council clears way for retail complex
Westbrook approves a zoning change needed to allow construction of Stroudwater Place.

House District 121: Incumbent, newcomer competing for seat
One Democrat and one Republican from Cape Elizabeth outline their political priorities.

House District 134: Doctor challenges incumbent in Saco race
In a contest of 'new blood' versus experience, both women emphasize the need for state tax reform.

Freeport School Board: Incumbent, three other candidates seek two seats
Their priorities include the proposed consolidation with Durham and Pownal and improving curriculum.

Question 3: Upheaval unlikely to impact borrowing
Question 3 on the ballot, aimed at maintaining water quality, has generated little debate.

Allen-Collins debate refrain's the same
He stresses the need for change. She insists she's not been a rubber stamp for President Bush.

BOB DAVISGoogle's high-tech secret: Keep it simple

Freddie Mac lobbied in secret
The lobbying campaign aimed to derail regulatory overhaul of both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

Editorial

Locking in oil price can still look like a good deal
Making sure you can afford to heat your home this winter has real value.

Negative campaigning by 'robo-call' deserved criticism
The calls placed by Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign could be misleading.

RON BANCROFTElecting more moderates would boost state's economic outlook
There are ways to find out where legislative candidates stand on policies that favor growth.

Bangor Daily News

UMS forced to make more spending cuts

BANGOR, Maine — The current global financial crisis has officially hit the University of Maine System. UMS Chancellor Richard L. Pattenaude announced Monday afternoon a series of spending control measures, effective immediately, that the system hopes will reduce operating costs at its centralized operations center and seven universities.

Maine high court to bring justice to high schools

BANGOR, Maine — The Maine Supreme Judicial Court hits the road Wednesday in what has become its annual fall sojourn to high schools around the state. The seven justices will hear oral arguments in three different cases at each school, convening during the morning hours in towns from York to Washington counties.

Doctors blast ‘Fed Up With Taxes’ campaign’s advertisements, study

BANGOR, Maine — The doctors and others who oppose Question 1 on the Nov. 4 ballot on Monday blasted new advertisements and an economic study commissioned by their political foes, calling them misleading.

Change, partisanship topics of P.I. Senate debate

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — U.S. Rep. Tom Allen and Sen. Susan Collins stuck to familiar themes when they met Monday night to debate for the eighth time, at Presque Isle Middle School.

Be ‘smart’ in converter box choice

The first five steps are the hardest ones in the conversion to digital TV. Do the time-consuming work on the first five steps featured in the first part of the series published Monday and it makes these next five seem like a piece of cake.

Camp owner seeks official’s recusal on wind farm plan

LINCOLN, Maine — An Upper Pond resident says planning board chairman Peter Phinney should recuse himself from deliberations over a proposed $120 million wind farm because Phinney works

Editorial

A Whiff of Socialism

Socialism has become a dirty word on the presidential campaign trail. Supporters of Republican John McCain increasingly say they fear that Democrats, led by their candidate Barack Obama, will lead the country into socialism, defined as a system under which the means of production and distribution are owned and operated by the community or society rather than private individuals.

Kennebec Journal
IRIGO DEMISE FEARED Health-care advocates say rejection of beverage tax could have 'crippling' effect
AUGUSTA -- Opponents of Question 1 -- a repeal on beverage taxes to pay for Dirigo Health -- said Monday that Dirigo would be "crippled" if the new funding source isn't allowed to go into effect.

AUGUSTA Council OKs taxi fare increases
AUGUSTA -- Taxi rates are going up. But other hotly debated changes proposed for the city's taxi ordinance are on hold, for now.

UMA president tells staff to prepare for cost-cutting steps
AUGUSTA -- University of Maine at Augusta's President Allyson Hughes Handley suggested to audience members during her formal installation ceremony Sunday that her honeymoon might be ending.

Study sees consolidation progress Sticking points also discovered among community voters
The committees planning school district mergers across Maine are making progress in complying with the state's district consolidation law, according to an analysis of the consolidation mandate.

On Maine Politics

Gordon Smith: Dirigo will be “wounded” 10/20/08

WATERVILLE MAYORAL CONTEST Debate hits contrasts
WATERVILLE -- Mayoral candidate Rosemary J. Winslow and incumbent Paul R. LePage described strikingly different leadership styles in Monday evening's debate.

Editorial

Pingree sports refreshing dose of bipartisanship
Chellie Pingree has changed from her more partisan days as a leading Democrat, in chambers comfortably controlled by Democrats, at the Statehouse in Augusta.

DAVID B. OFFER : McCain should return to integrity of 'Straight Talk Express'
Two weeks from today we will elect the next president of the United States.

Sun Journal
Drink tax supporters dispute study's findings
PORTLAND (AP) - A coalition that supports new taxes to help fund the state-sponsored Dirigo Health program said Monday that an opposition group is inflating the financial impact of the taxes.

Sunday Telegram endorses Pingree
PORTLAND (AP) - The Democratic candidate in Maine's 1st District congressional race, Chellie Pingree, has won the endorsement of the Maine Sunday Telegram.

Sunday River tests out new snowmaking guns
NEWRY, Maine (AP) - The snow guns have been running at the Sunday River ski resort in western Maine.

UMaine chancellor orders cost reductions
BANGOR (AP) - University of Maine System Chancellor Richard Pattenaude is ordering systemwide spending controls in response to declining enrollments and the effects of the global financial crisis.

Study: State lags behind in cruise ship revenues
PORTLAND - Walking around the Old Port on Monday, you couldn't miss the cruise ship visitors.

Push is on to prime economy
WASHINGTON ­- What's another $150 billion on top of the more than $1 trillion that's already been spent to rescue the sinking economy and financial markets?

Editorial
Some good advice on robo-calls
As days grow shorter and weather turns colder, political campaigns lose their light and crank the heat.

The irrational exuberance of our nation's Election Day
"Throw the bums out!" That's one of the most familiar campaign cries in our history. It's even more effective than Herbert Hoover's slogan of "a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage" and stirs the blood like "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too" never could. Sometimes a little bum-throwing makes sense. Sometimes it doesn't.

MPBN

Pledge in Casino Ad Questioned By Opponents

A new television ad for the proposed casino in Oxford County has become the latest flash point in the debate over Question 2 on next month's ballot. In it, two Maine lawmakers pledge that if Maine voters approve the question, they and the legislature will fix many of its flaws. But casino opponents say there's a problem with the lawmakers and their pledge. For one thing, both voted against the casino last spring. And for another, one of them is barred from seeking re-election because of term limits. A.J. Higgins reports.

Casino Stakeholders Identified

The chief spokesman for the anti-casino campaign in Oxford county has welcomed the unveiling by a local newspaper over the weekend, of the project's minority shareholders. Dennis Bailey, from the Casinos No pressure group, said the identification of the 9 individuals by the Lewiston Sun Journal on Saturday was 'better late than never.' Tom Porter has details.

LED Lights Brighten Pineland Campus

Hundreds of people work in offices on the Pineland Farms campus in New Gloucester. In recent weeks, some of them began noticing something odd going on. The light bulbs were disappearing from the lampposts. But the fixtures were still lighting the sidewalks and parking lots. As Josie Huang reports, Jim Caspar, director of facilities, explains how by pointing to the top of one such lamppost.

Maine Trade Center Plans Mideast Trade Mission

The smaller states ringing the Persian Gulf are a region of explosive growth. Next February, a trade mission to Dubai is aimed at helping Maine companies win a larger slice of that growing economic pie. The Maine International Trade Center's President, Janine Bisaillon-Cary, has already visited the region and told Morning Edition host Irwin Gratz there's a huge need for one of Maine's natural resources: hardwood lumber.

Political Ads Analyzed

Advertising executives Brenda Garrand and Sam Surprise join Morning Edition host Irwin Gratz in a discussion of political ads being run by Maine's candidates for the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House.

Maine News for Monday, October 20, 2008

Real Clear Politics
RCP Average 10/13 - 10/19 -- Obama 49.0 McCain 43.8

Portland Press Herald
Riding the oil roller coaster
The drop in heating oil prices produces a mix of regret and satisfaction among customers who signed early contracts.

Maine investors flock to bonds for state, local projects
Buyers are capitalizing on high interest rates while also helping the state raise money in tight times.

Retailers rationing as supply of wood pellets dries up
Demand is very high right now, but there will be enough pellets to last the winter, a state official says.

Question 1: Both sides make a case in beverage tax debate
A supporter of repeal calls it 'a massive tax,' while an opponent says it promotes health.

House District 117: Haskell a sure winner, but question is, which one?
Incumbent Anne Haskell and challenger Philip Haskell put a premium on tax relief for Mainers.

House District 118: Housing, health, energy concern candidate
Maine could benefit economically by creating more renewable energy sources, Jon Hinck says.

House District 119: Candidates differ on beverage tax, agree on exemption review
Universal health coverage is Daniel Jenkins' priority. Herb Adams backs funds for preserving public land.

MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER

Span to be site of national homeland security testing
Officials plan to see how vibrations affect bridges, which, they say, are key to the nation's infrastructure.

Bush economic adviser: Parts of country already in recession; bailout will take time

Editorial

Social Security ripe for a sensible fix
The politics of the issue are hard, but the numbers argue for a straightfoward solution.

Old nickname should be off the table in Scarborough vote
'Red Storm' may not be an inspired choice, but getting rid of an offensive name was.

LEIGH DONALDSONLack of voting rights for poor women remains an American problem
Official policies and laws enable easier voting, but many remain absent from voting booths.

Bangor Daily News

Allen, Collins take different roads to debate

Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and her Democratic challenger, 1st District Rep. Tom Allen, prepared in different ways over the weekend for their debate tonight in Presque Isle.

Maine delegation backs special session for stimulus

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine’s congressional delegation says the economy needs a further stimulus, and supports the move to reconvene in November to consider several proposals to accomplish that

BDN, Times Record endorse Obama

BANGOR, Maine — Two Maine newspapers — the Bangor Daily News and The Times Record of Brunswick — have given their editorial endorsements to Barack Obama.

State, federal crews conduct tests on Waldo-Hancock Bridge

PROSPECT, Maine — The aging Waldo-Hancock Bridge may have a role to play in homeland security before and after it is torn down. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is working

Editorial

Floundering Fisheries

At a Senate subcommittee field hearing in Portland Tuesday, a federal fisheries regulator said the current rules have “not entirely achieved the desired results.” That was a big … more

| 10/20/08

Thankless Hometown Duty

Senators and representatives to Congress earn about $170,000 annually, enjoy generous health care benefits and, if they stay in office long enough, receive a generous federal pension.

Kennebec Journal
University forging ahead with plans for fundraising
AUGUSTA -- As colleges across the United States brace for a drop in donations and scale back ambitions accordingly, the University of Maine at Augusta will press on with plans to develop a fundraising operation from the ground up.

Handley installed; climate-change researcher speaks
AUGUSTA -- Representatives from the University of Maine at Augusta, the city of Augusta and Maine state government heaped praise on Allyson Hughes Handley on Sunday afternoon as the state's university system formally installed her as UMA's president at the institution's annual convocation.

Retailers, manufacturers try to keep up with demand for wood pellets
Twenty-four tons of wood pellets roll into Rocky's Stove Shoppe in Augusta every week, but owner Rocky Gaslin still cannot keep up with demand.

KENNEBEC COMMUTER: Check your car for the winter
We almost hate to talk about it, but you all knew it was coming: It's time yet again to winterize your vehicle for another Maine winter.

SAD 47 to close early Election Day to let voting to flow well
OAKLAND -- School Administrative District 47 will close its schools at noon on Election Day to make it easier for Oakland voters to get to the polling station, which is at Williams Elementary School.

Editorial

Drinking, waste water pipes need repairs

Sun Journal
Pingree, Summers vie for seat in 1st District
PORTLAND (AP) - The Maine stereotype holds that the people who populate the southern 1st Congressional District are a bunch of liberals who like taxes and gay rights and dislike hunting. They've elected Democrats in 11 of the past 12 elections.

New Hampshire arrives in port for commissioning
KITTERY (AP) - Escorted by a fireboat that sprayed plumes of water, the Navy's newest submarine has arrived at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in preparation for this week's commissioning.

Powell backs Obama
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Democrat Barack Obama saw his campaign bolstered on two fronts Sunday - a key endorsement from a nationally known Republican and the announcement of a record month for fundraising - as forces seemed to be aligning in his favor for the final two weeks of the presidential campaign.

Locked-in prices a cause for pause
Crude oil prices that have been sliced in half since hitting a record high in July are leaving consumers almost as woozy as the sharp climb that took place this spring.

Allen: I represent change
Tom Allen is not a new face in Maine politics, but he's billed his campaign for U.S. Senate as one of change.

Quick bites
McCain: Supported campaign finance reform and authored legislation (McCain-Feingold) to restrict soft money. Is running his presidential campaign with public money and is abiding by spending limits.

Editorial
Toll plan must look at I-295
Any plan to raise tolls along the Maine Turnpike should also include proposals to increase revenue from traffic on I-295 from Portland to Gardiner.

MPBN

States Charges Nursing Homes With Mismanagement

The state has taken over seven private nursing and assisted living homes in Maine, citing corporate financial mismanagement. The state Department of Health and Human Services first received complaints of residents losing weight at Penobscot Nursing Home in Penobscot, but as that problem was resolved, inspectors became concerned about financial and accounting practices. As Anne Ravana reports, the Connecticut-based company that owns the facilities vows to fight the state's allegations in court.

LNG Plans Delayed

Quoddy Bay LNG, which is seeking to build an LNG terminal in Maine has been dealt what would normally be a blow by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The Oklahoma-based company has been notified by FERC that it's being dismissed from the federal review process. But as Keith McKeen reports, the company's president says he welcomes the federal agency's decision.

Republican Collins Denounces Her Party's Phone Tactics

Maine Republican senator Susan Collins has denounced her own party's use this week of automated phone calls, or 'robocalls' linking Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama with 60s radical Bill Ayers. Tom Porter has the story.

City Council Squabble Becomes Civil Liberties Issue

When does a compliment rise to the level of a political endorsement? That's the question that Portland City Council candidate Dory Waxman wanted the state ethics commission to determine today in an ongoing dispute with her opponent, Portland Mayor Edward Suslovic. Suslovic was accused of "exaggerating" flattering comments made by well-known local politicians on his campaign literature. But as A.J. Higgins reports, his opponent's complaint was ultimately dismissed.