Maine News for Friday, November 14, 2008

Portland Press Herald

Pingree likely choice for Maine House speaker
Hannah Pingree, daughter of U.S. Rep.-elect Chellie Pingree, is the unanimous nominee to wield the gavel.

Session to help state retirees with insurance change
Experts will offer details of the change in health insurance providers.

Same-sex marriage backed by ministers
Religious leaders in the state announce formation of the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry in Maine.

Papers' future gets a bit clearer
The leader of the investor group hopes to reverse the company's slide, and already has a few changes in mind.

Project may need new lease on life
Portland intends to sue state, hoping to settle dispute delaying work

Former student charged with computer hacking
James Wieland stands accused of aggravated criminal invasion of computer privacy.

Editorial

Submerged land issue shouldn't sink more deals
City and state should get to the bottom of who owns the land under the Maine State Pier.

Sentence sends a message about one man's bad choices
The family and friends of Robert LaPointe's victims will never get over his poor judgment.

M.D. HARMONOnce again, it's time to give advice to losers
Dick Richards, P.I., has only one purpose in life, but all the Wal-Mart greeter jobs were taken.

Bangor Daily News

Bangor Housing Authority faces heating surcharge suit

BANGOR, Maine — Two women who live in public housing have sued the Bangor Housing Authority over the way it imposed surcharges for heating oil last winter.

Red Cross recognizes Real Heroes

The American Red Cross 12th annual Real Heroes Breakfast on Nov. 13, opened with the ceremony of placing the Stars and Stripes and the Maine state flag on either side of the podium where three individuals and two couples were honored for their heroic efforts on behalf of others.

Hannah Pingree nominated for speaker

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — State Rep. Hannah Pingree, daughter of the state’s new congresswoman-elect, won her fellow Democrats’ nomination Thursday to serve as speaker of the House during the new two-year session.

Salmon hatchery on cutting board

The fish hatchery that has produced salmon for Grand Lake Stream and other top Maine fishing destinations for more than a century could be closed as part of a package of hard-hitting budget cuts under consideration by state officials.

DOT downplays possible job cuts

AUGUSTA, Maine — Possible budget cuts leading to layoffs in the state Department of Transportation will not occur this fiscal year, the transportation commissioner said Thursday.

Rep. Mills wins Glassman award

State Rep. Janet Mills, D-Farmington, has been named the recipient of the Maine State Bar Association’s Caroline D. Glassman Award.

Lawmakers steamed about lottery promotion

AUGUSTA, Maine — The state lottery is getting strong, bipartisan criticism for its “Funds For Fuel” promotion as lawmakers say the lottery should not be using Mainers’ fear of high fuel prices this winter to sell more lottery tickets.

Editorial

Political patronage amiss

Mainers may be surprised that there’s still a political campaign going on. Although it involves the state’s top legal officer, the public has no say and likely isn’t even aware of who is competing for the job. This is a poor way to choose an attorney general and other constitutional officers.

Big Three bailout

These are not good times for conservatives whose faith lies in the unfettered marketplace. With President Bush, Congress and President-elect Obama all supporting the $700 billion federal bailout plan, the government has committed to playing lifeguard, even if it means rescuing those who decided to go swimming in a hurricane.

Kennebec Journal

AUGUSTA: State set to explain health-care changes
AUGUSTA -- State health insurance experts will be in Augusta next week to explain how a change in service providers will affect health insurance for retired state employees who are Medicare-eligible.

AUGUSTA: Parents cool to closure proposal
AUGUSTA -- Parents with students attending Hodgkins Middle School and Hussey Elementary School had a message for Board of Education members Thursday afternoon.

Religious coalition urges Maine to allow same-sex civil marriages
BANGOR -- Religious leaders across the state held news conferences Thursday to urge Mainers to end marriage discrimination against gay and lesbian couples, and called for the state to create same-sex civil marriages.

Editorials:

How to pick an attorney general
Three Democratic lawyers want to be elected the next Maine attorney general.

JOSEPH R. REISERT : Each one in family has a favorite thing to 'export' from Europe
After 10 weeks and nine countries, our adventure in Europe is coming to an end and my family has insisted that, in this column, all of us will share a little of what we've learned during our time away.

BILL TOWNSEND : Uniform sales tax more certain than 'use tax'
The current financial collapse will affect every level of our national economy for a long time to come. Even before it, the individual states had been put under enormous budgetary pressures as the result of a combination of factors, one of the most significant being the reduction in the dollars flowing to the states from Washington under the Bush-Cheney administration.

Sun Journal
Pingree nominated for Maine speaker
AUGUSTA (AP) - State Rep. Hannah Pingree, daughter of the state's new congresswoman-elect, won her fellow Democrats' nomination Thursday to serve as speaker of the House during the upcoming two-year session.

Man seeks to ban use of food stamps to purchase soda
BANGOR (AP) - The Bangor pediatric dentist and public health advocate who spearheaded a successful campaign to ban smoking in vehicles when children are present now wants to prohibit the use of food stamps to buy soda.

EMMC to run UMaine center
ORONO (AP) - Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor plans to take over operations at the University of Maine's Cutler Health Center in January.

2 Maine wind projects proposed
BANGOR (AP) - A Massachusetts wind power company has filed permit applications for two more Maine projects, a 40-turbine wind farm in the Lincoln area, and a 17-turbine project outside Danforth.

BIW loses out on $1.6 billion ship contract
WASHINGTON - The Navy on Thursday awarded Austal USA's shipyard in Mobile, Ala., an expected $1.6 billion contract to build 10 high-speed military transport ships.

Editorial
Difficult case; wise sentence
In modern language, the phrase "activist judge" has become a slur. A popular stereotype is a black-robed liberal trying to legislate an agenda from the safety of the bench.

Colombia free trade pact would divide Democrats
It wouldn't be the George W. Bush we all know if our shamed president didn't spend his remaining White House days in a final fit of polarization.

MPBN
Members Of The Maine Clergy Offer View On Same-Sex Marriage

November 13, 2008 Reported By: Josie Huang

Marriage, say many social conservatives, is a holy union between a man and a woman, as ordained by God. But in Maine, a group of clergymen and women say same-sex marriage should be viewed separately from marriage. Their announcement comes just a day after same-sex couples in Connecticut started to marry, and just a week after California voters overturned a court decision legalizing gay marriage.

CMP Proposal Raising Public Concern

November 13, 2008 Reported By: Anne Ravana

Central Maine Power's proposal to upgrade and expand its high voltage electricity lines drew a crowd of concerned residents to a public hearing in Waterville last night. More than a dozen told the state's Public Utilities Commission that they question or oppose the project because they're afraid of health and safety risks and don't want CMP infringing on their property.

Lobster Industry Plagued By Reduced Income

November 13, 2008 Reported By: Keith McKeen

Marine biologists, economists and regulators, from as far away as Florida, gathered today in York to talk about the future of the declining lobster population in the gulf of Maine. Recent stock assessments have alarmed the lobster industy, and more negative projections are expected.

Times Record

Navy musters public input on BNAS reuse process...(full story)

Editorial
Nuclear power is no solution...(full story)

Village Soup
Dunlap: 'Real ID' could be real cumbersome, expensive
Augusta (By Christopher Cousins - 11/14)

Maine News for Thursday, November 13, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Veterans give advice to Legislature's rookies
At the top of the list of tips for legislators being sworn in Dec. 3: 'Don't put in too many bills.'

GI Bill likely to benefit colleges
Federal tuition money for veterans could help offset budget cuts for Maine's universities.

State seeks input on new bridge
A hearing on Monday will be the first chance to comment on replacing Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Records requested to assure liberties
The MCLU seeks to verify that Maine's anti-terror information center is not violating citizens' privacy.

Duson will serve as city's mayor again
Portland city councilors choose an experienced leader to hold the mostly ceremonial post for a year.

City panel votes to end pier project negotiations
The Olympia Cos. wants a 75-year lease, but a lease with the state, which owns the sea floor, would be for 30 years.

Group signs deal to buy Blethen Maine Newspapers
Maine Media Investment must complete its financing to purchase the Press Herald's owner by year's end.

Editorial

Conservation should not decline with gas prices
It's still in consumers' best interests to save on gas usage wherever possible.

Snowe is right to call for new strategy in Afghanistan
The simmering front in the war on terrorism will require more than just additional troops.

PAUL BRANDES, Special to the Press HeraldWestgate developer tried hard to work things out with St. Patrick's
He says the church did not respond to repeated efforts to find a solution to its parking problem.

LOUISE ROCHA-McCARTHYWhy are residents of territories denied right to vote for president?

Bangor Daily News

Dentist: Taxpayers shouldn’t fund soda

BANGOR, Maine — Soda pop, the beverage of choice for hundreds of thousands of Mainers, is well established as a major contributor to dental decay, obesity and other health disorders.

Bangor area blacks share their views on Obama victory

BANGOR, Maine — On a Saturday afternoon more than nine months ago, Sterling Dymond left his house on Walter Street, got into his car and drove over to the Bangor Auditorium with the intention of getting into a rally held by Sen. Barack Obama, who at that point was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president.

Maine AG candidates debate

AUGUSTA, Maine — Some differences in the views of Maine’s three candidates for attorney general came to light during a forum in Augusta Wednesday, but none has plans for any major changes in the

Editorial

Safe at School

The near tragedy averted at Stockton Springs Elementary last month when a man took 11 children hostage at gunpoint, according to police, highlights the challenges school administrators face in keeping children safe.

Real Questions for Summers

Some ardent feminists have launched a campaign to block Lawrence H. Summers, former President Bill Clinton’s treasury secretary, from taking the same post in the Obama administration.

Kennebec Journal

Gaining political capital
Freshman legislators make their debuts at Statehouse

3 seek post as Maine's lawyer
AUGUSTA -- The three Democratic lawyers who want to be Maine's next attorney general tried to persuade legislators Wednesday they are best equipped to take over the position.

AUGUSTA 'Green' store to open in 2009
AUGUSTA -- A new Hannaford supermarket under construction on the former Cony High School site is on track to open next summer as the world's first platinum-level-certified "green" supermarket, company officials say.

AUGUSTA: Closing schools possible money-saving option
Hussey Elementary and Hodgkins Middle school may be closed due to $2 million shortfall next year.

'We're calling out to veterans'
AUGUSTA -- When a new GI Bill goes into effect in August 2009, the University of Maine at Augusta wants to be in a position to enroll veterans returning from combat.

Towns ink merger
READFIELD -- The first phase of work is done for representatives from six towns proposing to merge their schools in response to Maine's school-district consolidation law.

Farmingdale eyes 2 grants
FARMINGDALE -- The Board of Selectmen Wednesday discussed a grant the Fire Department is in the process drafting for an all-terrain vehicle that would be used on the Kennebec River Rail Trail.

Editorials:

Economy needs people to keep their homes
The national mortgage industry estimates there will be 6,000 home foreclosures in Maine in 2008 and 2009. That's tiny compared to the projected 340,000 foreclosures in California, but in a state as small as ours, it's still a significant number.

Sun Journal
7 ballot recounts requested in state
AUGUSTA (AP) - Maine's secretary of state has received two more requests for ballot recounts from the Nov. 4 elections.

Blue Cross pilot project in schools
PORTLAND (AP) - Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its foundation hope to transfer experience gleaned from business health plans to school districts.

Emergency grant to help laid off paper workers
MILLINOCKET (AP) - Rep. Mike Michaud says the U.S. Department of Labor will award a $527,000 emergency grant to help workers laid off from Katahdin Paper Co.

Maine gets a 'C' in preterm births
PORTLAND (AP) - Maine is doing better than most states when it comes to preterm births but gets only a "C" in a new report.

MCLU wants info on intelligence-gathering centers
PORTLAND (AP) - The Maine Civil Liberties Union wants to know more about the activities and policies of a state center set up after the 9/11 attacks to bring together the Department of Homeland Security, local law enforcement and intelligence-gathering agencies.

Maine freshman lawmakers get some helpful tips
AUGUSTA (AP) - Don't put in too many bills. Make sure you return phone calls. Don't introduce off-the-wall legislation. And when you go to the supermarket, buy a gallon of ice cream first.

AG candidates make pitches to their peers
AUGUSTA - In about three weeks, Maine lawmakers will cast votes for the state's new attorney general.

Editorial
See joint services through
Some city councilors in Lewiston and Auburn have removed their executioner's hoods and given joint services a reprieve. It's taken deal-making and mind-changing among its proponents, though, so the issue remains troubled.

Union demands brought automakers to the brink
Remember when Democrats lamented the growing budget deficit and spoke of the burden our children and grandchildren would face if we didn't put our fiscal house in order? That was when Republicans ran the federal government and Democrats opposed tax cuts. Now that Democrats are about to be in charge, concern about the deficit has disappeared and spending plans proliferate, even though the national debt passed $10 trillion in September and we added another $500 billion last month.

MPBN
Election Strengthens The Hand Of Senate Democrats

November 11, 2008 Reported By: A.J. Higgins

Pending the outcome of recounts in three of last week's elections, the political composition of the Maine Senate has changed from 18 Democrats and 17 Republicans to 20 Democrats and 15 Republicans. With the Democratic hand strengthened, there are also signs the Senate may feature a more bipartisan atmosphere after last night's election of a more moderate Republican spokesman. Leaders on both sides of the aisle agree cooperation will be key in what is expected to be a rough legislative session ahead.

Criminal Background Checks Not Required Of Maine Nurses

November 11, 2008 Reported By: Josie Huang

In Maine and throughout the country, criminal background checks are standard for police officers, teachers and truck drivers who handle hazardous materials. But nurses, who also deal in life and death situations, and care for patients directly, get a pass in Maine, one of 18 states that does not require criminal background checks.

State Senators Choose Leaders

November 11, 2008 Reported By: Irwin Gratz

Republican and Democratic State Senators hold caucuses to make their choices for leadership positions in the 124th Legislature.

Low Income Solar Effort Underway

November 10, 2008 Reported By: Tina Antolini

The rise in energy prices is spurring more and more states to help homeowners pay for solar panels, which have an upfront cost of more than 40 thousand dollars. But even with government help most low-income people can't afford them. As part of a collaboration with other northeast stations, WFCR's Tina Antolini reports on the challenge of getting solar energy to more people.

Times Record

DHHS eyes all but 'most basic needs' for proposed cuts...(full story)

Room for improvement...(full story)

Ellsworth American

Looking Ahead to January
In about a month, members of the new 124th Maine Legislature will meet in Augusta to get acquainted and begin the process of organizing for their first session, which will convene in early January. Perhaps no legislature in recent memory has had a more daunting menu of issues than the one that will face members of the 124th when they begin their work in earnest.

Maine News for Monday, November 10, 2008

Portland Press Herald
Fasten all seat belts – asphalt shortage delays road-repair projects nationwide

Rules on rowdy behavior spark tension at new student complex
Building managers walk a fine line between police and residents who object to the oversight.

Islands could lead way on wind power
A man who led efforts on a Danish island to stop using fossil fuels addresses a Belfast conference.

Backyard wind turbines enjoying boom in Maine
Environmental and fiscal concerns help fuel an expected three-fold jump in the use of the technology.

Scarborough may see second school vote
Another plan to replace Wentworth Intermediate School is expected to go before voters in 2009.

Divided over consolidation
Falmouth, SAD 51 may each try to go it alone

Editorial

Automaker bailout should look to future
Helping Ford, GM and Chrysler retool could make sense, but other ideas don't add up.

Early voting is changing the way we think about elections
Election Day is just part of the period in which people expect to be able to cast a ballot.

LEIGH DONALDSONObama's election helps bring America's black middle class to light
The vast majority of African-Americans are not poor, and yet they remain relatively invisible.

Bangor Daily News

Tax rate for jobless benefits to stay same

AUGUSTA, Maine — As many states are raising taxes on employers to pay for unemployment benefits, Maine employers will see the basic rate structure stay the same for 2009, Labor

Protesters ‘sickened’ by hanged black effigies

BAR HARBO0R, Maine — More than 75 people rallied Sunday against an incident last week in which black figures were hanged by nooses from trees on Mount Desert Island the day after Barack Obama won

UM’s Culturefest adds spice to weekend

ORONO, Maine — The aroma of foods typically not found in Maine enveloped those who stepped into the University of Maine Field House on Saturday, enticing them to taste the worldly cuisines of

Island residents leading way to self-sufficiency

BELFAST, Maine — Island residents are finding solutions to the high energy prices that threaten to make Maine’s coastal islands uninhabitable, Rob Snyder, vice president of programs at the Island

Snowe, Collins key players across Senate aisle

WASHINGTON — As moderate Republicans, Maine Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will play a major role in the new

Editorial

Technical education success

The former Boggy Brook Regional Vocational Center, renamed the Hancock County Technical Center, is playing a special role as Maine and the rest of the country slide into recession. Jobs are probably

Hard to open

Deterring shoplifting is important, but there must be better ways than the wasteful, and sometimes dangerous, packaging around toys, electronics and other products. Sadly, things will get worse in

Kennebec Journal
An uncertain future in politics
AUGUSTA -- Julie O'Brien is reassessing her political future after a loss Tuesday in an Augusta House race that has left her feeling disillusioned about politics.

Repeal try could block changes to school law
Maine education observers predict the state's school-district consolidation law will be the subject of heated debate when legislators convene for their 2009 session this winter.

New standards lead to cleaner versions of outdoor wood furnaces
FARMINGTON -- The popularity of outdoor wood furnaces has increased as the costs of oil, natural gas and electricity have risen.

Meetings put 202 corridor in limelight
The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments has planned a series of meetings over the coming days that will go a long way toward determining the future of transportation along the U.S. Route 202 corridor.

Controversial proposal faces action by Augusta council
AUGUSTA -- City councilors meet tonight to discuss changes to a controversial proposal which would require all commercial development projects taking place on major "gateway" streets in the city, regardless of size, to go before the Planning Board.

Speaker will criticize media
WATERVILLE -- Thomas B. Edsall, political editor of the Huffington Post and former Washington Post political writer, will speak at Colby College Tuesday at 7 p.m. on "The 2008 Presidential Election: Did the Media Do Its Job?"

Editorials:

Power line upgrade project affects most of us
When the intelligent and technically adept expert who heads the Public Utilities Commission describes an issue as "weird and complicated," then you know it's hard to understand.

Sun Journal

Editorial
Stimulus? How about survival?
A 25-year high in unemployment benefits nationally? A surreal 54 percent increase in unemployment claims in Maine over the past year? Automakers pleading for rescue? A stock market stuck in perpetual free-fall?

U.S. election important to show democracy in action
Standing in line for 80 minutes at a Philadelphia polling place Tuesday (the first time in 24 years I'd seen such a line), I got a lesson in renewed American civic engagement.

MPBN
Newly Elected Young Legislators Ready For Duty

November 7, 2008 Reported By: Anne Ravana

On Tuesday, Maine elected at least 9 new state representatives under the age of 30. The youthful group is mostly made up of newcomers to Augusta, all of whom promise to bring new energy and perspective to issues affecting Maine families. But there is some concern that during a particularly challenging upcoming session, young lawmakers might make mistakes or simply have trouble identifying with the state's older population.

Process Of Electing Attorney General Questioned

November 7, 2008 Reported By: A.J. Higgins

Forty-three states elect them at the ballot box. A handful of others let their governors appoint them. And in Tennessee, the decision is left to the state supreme court. Only in Maine is the state's Attorney General elected by a vote of the Legislature. This year's race features three members of the House, all Democrats, who are vying to become the state's top lawyer. Some observers think it's time to change the process for how the post is filled.

Maine Farmers Weighing The Impacts Of Federal Farm Bill

November 7, 2008 Reported By: Tom Porter

The Federal Farm Bill - also known as the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 - was passed by Congress back in May. But this $300 billion piece of legislation is so huge that only now are local farmers in Maine starting to learn how it will affect them. Officials from the US Department of Agriculture this week kicked off a month-long, statewide tour of meetings with Maine farmers. And today, being a farmer today is as much about environmental stewardship as it is about food production.

Unofficial Legislative Results Released

November 7, 2008 Reported By: Barbara Cariddi

Wondering if the Maine lawmakers you voted for won or lost? The Maine House and Senate have released unofficial their lists of winners.

Maine News for Friday, November 7, 2008

Change.gov

Portland Press Herald
Democrats Mitchell, Pingree in line for legislative leadership posts
Both parties will choose their State House leaders over the next two weeks.

Maine House has glow of youth with six new members under 30
The lawmakers join two young re-elected colleagues, all from districts north of Augusta.

Surge in jobless claims signals recession taking hold in Maine
With new applications up 54 percent from a year ago, the negative trend in the job market appears to be accelerating.

Obama quickly aligns top staff
Hard-edged Rahm Emanuel accepts the chief of staff post, and more decisions are expected in the coming days.

Will Obama choose Mainers for federal posts?
Democrat Tom Allen and independent Angus King are in the running, experts say.

Financial crisis a test for Obama
The president-elect will have to weigh how to sway policy and Congress before he takes office.

Editorial

‘No’ means ‘try again’ to the gambling industry
The defeat of two ballot measures looking to expand legalized gambling won’t mean the end.

Voters in 12 towns made progress on school mergers
Tuesday's election results show that some towns still have a lot of work to do.

Bangor Daily News

Maine lawmakers to elect new leaders

AUGUSTA, Maine — Legislative Democrats, who appear to have strengthened their control of the State House, and Republicans mired deeper in minority status have one thing in common at the top of their to-do lists: Select leadership teams for the two-year session that opens on Dec. 3.

Youth Movement

BANGOR, Maine — Adam Goode won Maine’s House District 15 (Bangor) race on Tuesday with more than 70 percent of the vote. He’s 25, by the way.

Panel OKs $14M Penobscot County budget

BANGOR, Maine — The Penobscot County budget committee Wednesday night approved a $14.41 million budget for 2009, which is $36,360 less than this year’s budget.

Business owners in Brewer express project concerns

BREWER, Maine — The message from business owners along the North Main Street corridor, the stretch of roadway between Joshua Chamberlain Bridge and Penobscot Bridge, was loud and clear at Thursday’s public meeting about proposed traffic changes: Leave the downtown parking situation alone.

Editorial

Collins at the Center

Susan Collins not only won re-election Tuesday; she became the most important member of the Senate.

Campaign Finance Reform

The 2008 presidential election has provided more evidence of the need to reconsider campaign finance rules.

Kennebec Journal
Jail change aids women inmates
AUGUSTA -- After months of planning and construction, the Kennebec County Correctional Facility is prepared to move most woman inmates from different cell blocks throughout the jail into a single pod.

BAD NEWS ABOUT ECONOMY MOUNTS
WASHINGTON -- A fresh wave of bad economic news, including a half-million Americans newly out of work and the weakest October retail sales in nearly 40 years, pummeled the stock market Thursday, driving the Dow Jones industrials under 9,000 again with a stunning two-day decline of 10 percent.

Maine's U.S. senators disavow Cabinet talk
Maine's two moderate Republican Senators have been rumored as possible candidates for cabinet posts in the Democratic administration of president-elect Barack Obama.

Craigslist agrees to thwart inappropriate, illegal activity
Anyone advertising erotic services on the Web site Craigslist, in Maine or elsewhere, will now need to provide a working phone number and credit card, and that information would be shared with police, if subpoenaed.

Furnace debate heating up
RANDOLPH -- The Budget Committee wants to know why selectmen and the public-works director disregarded a directive by voters to install a new furnace in the town garage.

AUGUSTA: Conduct closes soup kitchen
AUGUSTA -- The bad language and bad behavior that caused a one-day closure of the soup kitchen in downtown Augusta was absent at lunch on Thursday.

'What an opportunity for women to grow professionally'
AUGUSTA -- Edie Benttinen spent much of her career as a truck welder and boat builder. But, she said, she did not find the work fulfilling.

AUGUSTA: City to change how it buys oil
AUGUSTA -- A few months removed from locking in a heating-oil price -- and then watching as prices plummeted -- the City Council approved a policy change which administrators think will help avoid future budget surprises.

Editorials:

Olympia Gaming loses its bet on Maine casino
You come into Maine, spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a political and advertising campaign and leave empty-handed. Again.

Sun Journal
Legislators look to elect leaders
AUGUSTA (AP) - Legislative Democrats, who appear to have strengthened their majority control at the State House, and Republicans mired deeper in minority status have one thing in common at the top of their to-do lists: select leadership teams for the two-year session that opens on Dec. 3.

Disconnection rules begin Nov. 15
AUGUSTA (AP) - The Maine Public Utilities Commission's winter restrictions that bar electric utilities from disconnecting customers who try to pay their bills take effect Nov. 15.

Editorial
New county board should pursue charter
The two-thirds replacement of the Androscoggin County Commission, which too often put politics over public service, on Election Day was a mandate from voters to clean up the county's act.

Democrats must give up old ways, surge ahead
"What do we do now?"

MPBN
Allen Revisited

November 6, 2008 Reported By: A.J. Higgins

A late start, a reluctance to go for the jugular and a reliance on broad national themes are all being cited by political analysts as key reasons why Tom Allen suffered a stunning defeat in his U.S. Senate campaign Tuesday. Others say the Democratic congressman's reluctance to enthusiastically embrace voters in northern Maine's second congressional district may actually prove to be the reason why Republican Sen. Susan Collins led Allen by 22 points when the votes were counted.

A High-Powered Entepreneur To Operate Red Shield

November 6, 2008 Reported By: Anne Ravana

The woman who's taken over the reigns at the former Red Shield Environmental mill in Old Town may not be what workers expected. Lynn Tilton is the high-powered entrepreneur and CEO of a 6 billion dollar New York City-based investment and acquisitions firm with a fondness for jewelry and helicopters. But she says her company, Patriarch Partners, is excited about the ethanol fuel technology being developed at the mill and passionate about giving jobs to laid-off workers in the manufacturing industry.

Voters Weigh In On School Consolidation

November 6, 2008 Reported By: Keith McKeen

Maine voters approved 12 school consolidation plans on Tuesday, but another five were rejected. The Maine Department of Education is hailing the approvals, calling them steps toward streamlining school operations in the state. However, some communities whose voters rejected reorganization say the costs will out weigh the savings.

Stringent Salmon Protection Opposed By Industry

November 6, 2008 Reported By: Susan Sharon

Maine paper companies, water treatment plants and hydro-power producers are among those urging the federal government not to add Atlantic Salmon from the Androscoggin, Kennebec and Penobscot Rivers to the Endangered Species list. Salmon from eight downeast Maine rivers were listed eight years ago. But their recovery continues to be slow.

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

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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.