On Maine Politics

Nat'l conservative group scouts out ME campaigns

Angie Muhs — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:29:51 GMT

The field director for the influential conservative group FreedomWorks was in the state last week, meeting with tea party groups and scoping out the political scene.

Brendan Steinhauser said he met with members of both Maine Refounders and Maine Patriots, the two main tea party groups in the state. He also planned to meet with members of 2nd CD challenger Jason Levesque’s campaign team and was “open” to meeting with gubernatorial candidate Paul LePage.

While LePage has clearly enjoyed a tea party boost in Maine, his campaign has just as clearly worked to tout his support as broader than that.

This was sort of a scouting mission for Steinhauser. He wanted to meet with groups that support LePage and Levesque, and to find out more about the candidates. If the candidates line up with FreedomWorks’ libertarian mission, he said, the D.C.-based organization might support the groups with training, media handling, access to email lists and other efforts.

And FreedomWorks’ support could lead to financial backing from other national groups, said Steinhauser.

Steinhauser said he was also sussing out whether there might be any challengers to Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe in 2012 that his group might back.

-- Matt Wickenheiser, The Portland Press Herald

Dunlap named president of national group

Betty Adams — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:28:07 GMT

Secretary of State Matt Dunlap was named president of the National Association of Secretaries of State this week at the group's summer meeting in Rhode Island.

The promotion is not a surprise, given he has been on the executive board since 2006 and most recently served as president-elect. Dunlap, a former Democratic lawmaker, was chosen by the Legislature to serve as Secretary of State in 2004, and was reappointed in 2006 and 2008. He's eligible to serve two more years if reappointed by lawmakers.

"As states move through difficult financial times, we have no shortage of issues to confront," he said in a statement. "Improving access to our elections accounts for a great deal of our energy and expertise, but the rapidly changing legal dynamic of personal and corporate identity security and the prevention of document fraud will also need our attention."

RNC to pump money into Maine

Betty Adams — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:05:27 GMT

The Republican National Committee announced today the "Maine D2H Victory" campaign that will provide money and resources to the state party to help candidates win in November.

D2H stands for Delaware to Hawaii, a national effort to help Republicans compete in all 50 states.

"The success of the Republican Party starts with the volunteers who knock on doors, make phone calls, attend events and reach out to Republican voters in their own small communities and neighborhoods," RNC Chairman Michael Steele said in a statement.

Maine Republican Party Chairman Charlie Webster said the money from the RNC will help the state party "stand up to the big-spending Democrat agenda."

"With a sophisticated political operation at the state and county level, we can capture the groundswell of support that we are already seeing here in Maine," he said.

MSEA upset with Cutler

Betty Adams — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:31:24 GMT

The Maine State Employees Association took issue with a letter written by independent Eliot Cutler recently in which he refused to participate in the union's gubernatorial endorsement process.

Cutler wrote that he didn't complete the questionnaire because "we both know that the MSEA -SEIU endorsement has been reserved for Libby Mitchell since June 8 and that she has worked for decades in Augusta on behalf of the union to earn it."

But the union says it is meeting with the two other independents, Shawn Moody and Kevin Scott, as well as Democrat Mitchell. Like Cutler, Republican Paul LePage also declined to participate in the process, but according to the union, LePage had "the decency to leave it at that."

In a press release, the union says it may choose not to endorse anyone in the governor's race.

What the union didn't put in the press release is that Cutler outlined some of his goals for the state workforce and even pledged not to institute furlough days to balance the budget. He also expressed interest in working with state workers to improve customer service and cut unnecessary state costs.

"I want to work in partnership with state employees," he wrote. "That will be the best way to make the changes we need to make."

You can read Cutler's full letter -- and the endorsement questionnaire -- at the union Web site. You'll need to look on the right side about halfway down the page.

Governing Mag calls legislative races "volatile"

Betty Adams — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:50:45 GMT

Louis Jacobson, a staff writer for PolitiFact, the fact-checking website that is part of the St. Petersburg Times of Florida, posted his latest take on state legislative races recently on Governing Magazine's Web site.

When it comes to Maine, he puts the House in the "safe" category for the Democrats (they have a 95-55 margin), while he says the Senate (at 20-15 Democrats) is "in play." He still believes it leans Democratic, but says that could change.

Overall, he describes the political landscape across the country as "volatile."

"Even though we're still months away from the election, this cycle appears likely to become an especially volatile one," he wrote.

Read more about his take on Maine -- and the rest of the country -- here.

Competitive caucus tonight

Betty Adams — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:08:14 GMT

Democrats who live in Senate District 25 -- Albion, Benton, Clinton, Unity Township, Waterville, Winslow, Detroit and Pittsfield -- will meet tonight to choose a nominee for the fall race.

And, unlike last week's unanimous decision to choose a nominee in District 21, there's expected to be a showdown in Waterville tonight, said Kennebec County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Rita Moran.

"My objective is that when everyone leaves, they feel the process is fair and the best person won," she said.

At least two, and possibly more, people are expected to compete. The seat is open because Assistant Senate Majority Leader Lisa Marrache, D-Waterville, dropped out of the race citing work and family demands.

One person who wants the job is Peter Garrett of Winslow, a hydro-geologist who lost in the House District 54 primary last month. He said he's ready to step up and serve in elected office.

"I think the time is right to serve in the Maine Senate," said Garrett, 65.

The caucus begins at 6 p.m. at Waterville High School.

Emily's List, Dems back Cutler, Moody's banner ad

Betty Adams — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:37:36 GMT

Emily's List, a Washington D.C. group that helps women get elected, announced Wednesday that it is backing Senate President Libby Mitchell for governor.

"During her time in the Legislature, Libby was able to bring Republicans and Democrats together to help working families and small businesses, expand Head Start, and move Maine towards a more sustainable future," wrote Stephanie Schriock, president of Emily's List. "We are excited to endorse Libby Mitchell and are looking forward to help elect her the first woman governor of Maine."

The group has helped elect nine Democratic women governors and 95 women to Congress.

*****

Earlier this week, independent Eliot Cutler got a boost from two Democrats who are backing his run for governor.

Sen. Dennis Damon, D-Trenton and Rep. Leila Percy, D-Phippsburg, released statements explaining why they support Cutler.

“I am supporting Eliot Cutler for one simple reason: He is the most qualified person to lead Maine in the challenging days ahead,” Damon said. “I am impressed with his experience in business and government and his love for our state. Most of all, I have confidence in his bold ideas to get Maine’s economy moving again -- lowering our costs and investing in our competitive advantages."

Percy had this to say: "Fear, frustration, and old answers are blinding us to the greatness that ought to be part of our shared vision of Maine's future. "

*****

Independent Shawn Moody says he's getting a good reaction for folks who have spotted his aerial banner that been flown over ballgames, beaches, stock car races and other events.

"I'm sure that if I listened to all the Washington consultants who are working for my opponents, they'd tell me not to do this," Moody said in a statement. "But I don't have any Washington consultants telling me what to do."

Yes on 1 victory party Thursday

Betty Adams — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:53:27 GMT

Still Fed Up With Taxes and Yes on 1, Reject New Taxes, is hosting a party from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Millennium in Palmyra.

The Maine Republican Party sent out invites on behalf of the groups, which worked to repeal a tax law on the June ballot. The law would have lowered income taxes, but applied the sales tax to previously untaxed goods and services.

The event will feature light refreshments for free, and a cash bar. But the groups are hoping for donations to pay off what they describe as legal fees associated with last year's petition drive.

Marrache says she lost "fire in the belly"

Betty Adams — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:17:55 GMT

Assistant Senate Majority Leader Lisa Marrache, D-Waterville, released a statement today explaining her decision not to run for relection.

Here it is:

"I do so after a great deal of reflection on this. Those who are close to me have been absolutely supportive and a welcome sounding board as I have contemplated this transition from public service. As for the reason, well they are quite simple; I have lost what some might call the "fire in the belly". For many years I have been juggling the competing demands of my life. I have also seen and felt many personal changes that have had a profound effect on my desire to live life more fully.

With the death of my mother almost a year ago and the graduation of my daughter from high school a few weeks ago, I have come to recognize that fully committing yourself to multiple callings inevitably leads to a loss of time spent with loved ones. I have always strived to live my life with no regrets, and that is how I want to leave the Senate. There are many aspects of my life outside of politics: family, my profession and continuing my education, which I want to develop a closer relationship with.

When the spirit calls you, try as you might, you cannot resist its pull. I therefore am going to answer the call I have felt in my heart to spend time with my loved ones, nurture my neglected creative interests and spend time enjoying the many blessings that have come into my life. These aspects need tending to in order to bloom and I cannot give them the appropriate amount of attention while serving in Augusta.

It has been an honor to serve the people of Senate District 25 over the past six years. The times have not always been easy, but together we have improved the lives of Maine people and made our state an even better place to live. Whether it was working with patients and doctors on the Health and Human Service Committee or helping shape the budget and bond packages as a member of leadership, I have continually been impressed by Maine people's commitment to building stronger communities and improving the lives of their neighbors.

I had hoped to share my decision directly with my friends, supporters and constituents, but rumors sometimes take on a life of their own and in this day and age information moves very quickly. I wanted to calm those rumors down before they spread too far and morphed too far from reality.

As I end my campaign for reelection I want to thank all of the people who have supported me and with whom I have had the pleasure to work over the years. I have been touched by your commitment to our state, your endless support of me personally and the wonderful relationship we have shared on our journey through politics these last 11 years (1 year in city council, 10 in the state house).

I also want to thank my Senate colleagues with whom I have shared many wonderful years working on behalf of the people of Maine. Thank you for becoming some of the best teachers, mentors and friends I have ever had."

Maine AFL-CIO backs Mitchell

Betty Adams — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:22:22 GMT

The Maine AFL-CIO voted unanimously to endorse Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell for governor, the union announced today.

Mitchell, a Democrat, earned support of the delegates at the union's convention in Portland.

"Libby has consistently championed the interest of Maine's working families," union President Don Berry said in a statement. "On issues of good jobs, education and economic justice, she has led the way."

Mitchell had a 100 percent voting record on issues of interest to the union in the last two years and fell just short of 100 percent on votes taken throughout her public life.

The convention also endorsed Democrats and current U.S. Reps. Mike Michaud in the 2st Congressional District and Chellie Pingree in the 1st CD.

The union represents more than 26,000 workers throughout the state and promises to "run a strong political program based on pocketbook issues" to help endorsed candidates get elected.