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Is Michaud the target of GOP’s redistricting plan?

By Eric Russell, BDN Staff
Posted Aug. 16, 2011, at 7:05 p.m.
Last modified Aug. 16, 2011, at 7:55 p.m.
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AUGUSTA, Maine — The Republicans’ plan to redraw Maine’s two congressional districts has Democrats on edge about the political fate of 2nd District U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, who has found himself the target of GOP robocalls this week criticizing his record.

As state Democrats and Republicans worked to find a compromise on congressional redistricting by week’s end, Maine Democratic Party Chairman Ben Grant on Tuesday questioned the timing of the robocalls. Those calls, paid for by the National Republican Congressional Committee, claim that “Michaud is part of a group [in Washington] making a bad economy worse.”

Although there is no direct link between the Republicans’ efforts nationally to unseat Michaud and the congressional redistricting discussion in Maine, Grant said the GOP map is a not-so-thinly-veiled bulls-eye on the five-term Democrat.

“We might as well call this the ‘Kevin Raye Redistricting Plan,’” Grant said of the Republicans’ plan, which seeks to move Oxford and Androscoggin counties into the 1st District and Knox, Lincoln and Sagadahoc into the 2nd. “It’s no secret that state Senator Kevin Raye is planning to run against Congressman Michaud in the 2012 election. He knows he can’t win in the existing district, so now he’s working with extreme GOP leaders from Washington, D.C., to redraw the maps in his favor.”

Raye rejected the notion that the Republicans’ redistricting plan has anything to do with him.

“While I have made no decision about whether or not to seek public office in 2012, I am very flattered by the attention from Maine Democratic Party Chairman Ben Grant, who apparently views that possibility with great concern,” Raye said. “No matter the final district lines, I believe Maine’s independent streak will ensure that any election in Maine will continue to have the potential to be competitive.”

In 2002, Michaud and Raye squared off in a race for the open 2nd District seat. Michaud won, but only by about 8,000 votes. Among the communities that propelled Michaud to victory was heavily Democratic Lewiston, where he bested Raye by nearly 4,000 votes. That city that would move to the 1st District under the Republican plan.

Michaud’s spokesman, Ed Gilman, said the congressman is confident that the redistricting process would produce a fair result but declined to comment further.

Congressional redistricting is required every 10 years to match updated census data. Although the population of each district must be equal, obviously not everyone who is counted in a census can or will register to vote.

According to an analysis by the Bangor Daily News of active Maine voters provided by the Secretary of State’s Office as of Aug. 15, the 1st District would lose 2,085 Democrats and 10,780 Republicans under the GOP plan.

That means the 2nd District would see a net gain of 8,695 Republican voters, lower than the estimate offered by state Democrats on Monday but still significant.

Maine Republican Party Chairman Charlie Webster said the GOP plan addresses concerns he has heard for 40 years about the “Two Maines.” If that plan happens to add more Republicans to the 2nd District, it only corrects an imbalance that now exists, he said.

Of the 18 state Senate seats in the 2nd District, 14 are held by Republicans. A majority of the 75 state House seats in the 2nd District also are held by Republicans.

Jim Melcher, a political scientist at the University of Maine at Farmington, called the Republican plan “the most radical redistricting effort since the 1960s,” but also said it is likely a bargaining chip by the Republicans.

By comparison, the Democrats’ redistricting map that was presented Monday was simple: Move Vassalboro in Kennebec County from the 1st District to the 2nd District.

Republicans criticized that plan for protecting the status quo and the two sitting representatives, both of whom happen to be Democrats.

“The Democratic Party’s embrace of the status quo is noteworthy given that Maine voters sent a clear message last year rejecting the status quo in our state,” Raye said.

1st District Rep. Chellie Pingree has not been spared from the redistricting discussion. Under the Republicans’ plan, her hometown of North Haven would move from the 1st to the 2nd District. If that happens, the designation would be more symbolic than anything because a sitting representative is not required to live in his or her district although traditionally that has been the case.

Grant said the Republican redistricting plan in Maine is just the latest in a series of steps by the GOP to affect the 2012 elections.

“Across the country, we are seeing Republicans do everything and anything to rig the next elections — from voter suppression laws to radical redistricting plans — because they are desperate to win,” he said.

The political rhetoric could all be moot because Democrats and Republicans appointed to the redistricting commission have been working behind the scenes on a compromise plan before a public meeting next week.

Democrats said Monday that their goal is to disrupt, or move from one district to another, as few voters as possible. Republicans said they plan to hold firm to their charge of separating the two districts by just one voter.

Mark Brewer, a University of Maine political scientist, said it’s clear that both sides have partisan motivations.

“The only reason the Republicans’ effort looks more egregious is that it represents such a change from the status quo,” he said. “I’m sure there can be a compromise but who is going to be motivated to reach it? If I’m the Republicans, I’’m not terribly motivated to reach it. I’m saying to the Democrats, ‘You’re going to have to really come to me.’”

The bipartisan redistricting commission must present a plan to the Legislature by the end of August. The Legislature is scheduled to convene on Sept. 27 to vote on that plan.

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  • Anonymous

    talk about conspiracy theories, at least the left is not blaming Bush…yet…

  • Anonymous

    We can only hope. Michaud is a joke here and in DC.
    I love the off the rack suits and plaids he wears around here, but when in DC..its all $1000 suits he bought in Georgetown.

  • Anonymous

    say what you want about the republicans, they are fair game but what has the democratic party done to the state of maine the last 35 years and the nation the last? nothing good that’s for sure.  the system is broken but the democrates do not do anything but play politics and try to keep the voters eye off the ball. 

  • hasacluemaine

    Frankly, I’d much rather see a Republican candidate like former State Senator, Carol Weston, than Kevin Raye, to take on Michaud. She has a strong track record as being a fiscal conservative.

  • hasacluemaine

    Frankly, I’d much rather see a Republican candidate like former State Senator, Carol Weston, than Kevin Raye, to take on Michaud. She has a strong track record as being a fiscal conservative.

  • Anonymous

    Michaud wears $1000 suits? Are you kidding! Everytime I see him all I think about is someone needs to show him how to dress!!

  • Anonymous

    Michaud wears $1000 suits? Are you kidding! Everytime I see him all I think about is someone needs to show him how to dress!!

  • Anonymous

    Michaud wears $1000 suits? Are you kidding! Everytime I see him all I think about is someone needs to show him how to dress!!

  • Anonymous

    If anything doesn’t the republican plan offer greater competition between parties in both districts by dumping 300k+ people who are primarily democaats into district 2 and putting rural mainers that most likely lean right into district 1..?

  • Anonymous

    Have to agree. Rep. Michaud is my representative. He votes conservative…represents his district. His office staff is courteous and well informed. Rep. Michaud punched a time clock for 20 years. I am fortunate to have him represent our district in the House.

  • Anonymous

    Have to agree. Rep. Michaud is my representative. He votes conservative…represents his district. His office staff is courteous and well informed. Rep. Michaud punched a time clock for 20 years. I am fortunate to have him represent our district in the House.

  • Anonymous

    Kevin Raye is in the pocket of wind farms…taking over upper state ME. Driving out tourism…fishing and hunting. 

     We do not need a republican or democratic lackey like gov baldaci and now gov lepage. Rep. Michaud is honest . The wind farm proponents cannot like the destruction of our state, they have to have “gifts” to win their hearts.

  • StillRelaxin

    What’s with this 30 year thing conservatives like to fixate on? Everyone know what’s happened in the last 30-40 years. Our government has allowed and in some cases even encouraged big businesses to take our jobs overseas for one reason, slave labor.   And what exactly has the republican party been doing to stop any of this during that time period? Answer, NOTHING! They and their corporate supporters like slave labor wages.  Is that what you’d like to see brought back “AGAIN” to America?   I’d have to guess, yes. If you ask me no one has done the right thing by Americans in this situation and blaming one group or another for your own personal gain or silly argument will again solve nothing. We will work together or we will sink together. Frankly I’m old enough to know that in our current political atmosphere it would be wise for us all to keep our life preservers on and strapped tightly.

  • hasacluemaine

    Gee, I never knew Michaud was anti wind, as almost every D is for it. Could you point to a vote he made against wind subsidies or anything concrete to support your statement?

  • Anonymous

    marybelle, i really don’t think we’re on the same page.  mike michaud is a very nice man.  i like him personally, however he is a very bad poor representative for the state of maine.  his next original idea will be his first.  he’s a rubber stamp for what other people tell him to do.

    ps; he does not vote conversative unless it’s in regards to sportsmens issues.

  • Anonymous

    you sounds like the typical union worker. 

  • Anonymous

    you sounds like the typical union worker. 

  • Anonymous

    you sounds like the typical union worker. 

  • hasacluemaine

    Ya, and he voted for the union stimulus and Obamacare. Quite the conservative. What flavor is the Kool-Aid your drinking?

  • hasacluemaine

    Ya, and he voted for the union stimulus and Obamacare. Quite the conservative. What flavor is the Kool-Aid your drinking?

  • hasacluemaine

    Ya, and he voted for the union stimulus and Obamacare. Quite the conservative. What flavor is the Kool-Aid your drinking?

  • Anonymous

    it takes two sides to play politics, don’t you think?

  • Anonymous

    any time anyone says ‘Kool Aid’ it’s like a gigantic “OFF’ switch for most people. 

  • Anonymous

    Anyone that knows Kevin Raye knows what a poor loser he is. Mike Michaud beat him handedly and Mr. Ray’s never gotten over it. He was a cry baby then and he’s a bigger cry baby now. In my opion it;s sour grapes on Raye’s side.

  • Anonymous

    Anyone that knows Kevin Raye knows what a poor loser he is. Mike Michaud beat him handedly and Mr. Ray’s never gotten over it. He was a cry baby then and he’s a bigger cry baby now. In my opion it;s sour grapes on Raye’s side.

  • StillRelaxin

    I’m not sure what to make of this headline and story. I’m curious as to whether the BDN writer here has never head of “Gerrymandering” or whether this is his/her way of trying to gently introduce the concept to a public that is so ignorant that it has no idea about how politics have always favored whatever party happens to capture power in America??? Hopefully most folks are well aware of what’s going on with the big shift the GOP wants here. Put simply, they are hoping a sizable shift of voters and new rules limiting voter rights will help them retain gains they made in the last election cycle. Unfortunately/or fortunately depending on one’s perspective, much of what they’ve done since that time (Fixate on the poor, limiting health care, gun rights, abortion rights etc. along with “everything” bestowed upon us by Mr. LePage’s constant barrage of “silly” commentary) probably will result in them being sent back into the background of Maine politics. If only they could have fixated on creating jobs! Is that not what folks were hoping and voting on in the last go round?

  • StillRelaxin

    I’m not sure what to make of this headline and story. I’m curious as to whether the BDN writer here has never head of “Gerrymandering” or whether this is his/her way of trying to gently introduce the concept to a public that is so ignorant that it has no idea about how politics have always favored whatever party happens to capture power in America??? Hopefully most folks are well aware of what’s going on with the big shift the GOP wants here. Put simply, they are hoping a sizable shift of voters and new rules limiting voter rights will help them retain gains they made in the last election cycle. Unfortunately/or fortunately depending on one’s perspective, much of what they’ve done since that time (Fixate on the poor, limiting health care, gun rights, abortion rights etc. along with “everything” bestowed upon us by Mr. LePage’s constant barrage of “silly” commentary) probably will result in them being sent back into the background of Maine politics. If only they could have fixated on creating jobs! Is that not what folks were hoping and voting on in the last go round?

  • StillRelaxin

    I’m not sure what to make of this headline and story. I’m curious as to whether the BDN writer here has never head of “Gerrymandering” or whether this is his/her way of trying to gently introduce the concept to a public that is so ignorant that it has no idea about how politics have always favored whatever party happens to capture power in America??? Hopefully most folks are well aware of what’s going on with the big shift the GOP wants here. Put simply, they are hoping a sizable shift of voters and new rules limiting voter rights will help them retain gains they made in the last election cycle. Unfortunately/or fortunately depending on one’s perspective, much of what they’ve done since that time (Fixate on the poor, limiting health care, gun rights, abortion rights etc. along with “everything” bestowed upon us by Mr. LePage’s constant barrage of “silly” commentary) probably will result in them being sent back into the background of Maine politics. If only they could have fixated on creating jobs! Is that not what folks were hoping and voting on in the last go round?

  • Anonymous

    term limits on all…. of them no more making a career at the public trough…..they all know whats good for us….ya right !!!!!!!!!!

  • Anonymous

    term limits on all…. of them no more making a career at the public trough…..they all know whats good for us….ya right !!!!!!!!!!

  • yowsayowsa1

     And he hasn’t punched a timeclock for at least 15 years.

  • yowsayowsa1

     And he hasn’t punched a timeclock for at least 15 years.

  • Anonymous

    He is mad because he is a state employee and is going to have to start paying for his benefits which should have happend years ago.  He is lucky State Employees haven’t been pink slipped. Why because 95% of these folks should have been canned years ago but the spineless cowards (Democrat) did nothing.  They (State Employees) are worthless and useless and are a waste to Maine Taxpayers.

  • Anonymous

    He is mad because he is a state employee and is going to have to start paying for his benefits which should have happend years ago.  He is lucky State Employees haven’t been pink slipped. Why because 95% of these folks should have been canned years ago but the spineless cowards (Democrat) did nothing.  They (State Employees) are worthless and useless and are a waste to Maine Taxpayers.

  • StillRelaxin

    I’ve been told and it’s always been my understanding that only well educated or skilled workers can attain quality union jobs. I’m please to hear that you would think my commentary above meets the higher standards of such a quality human being. Thank you very much for your kind words.

  • Anonymous

    LOL…slave wages?  Are those akin to the wages paid out by the southern democrats during the antebellum years? And to that end, was Lincoln a republican or a democrat?  How do you rectify NAFTA and WTO, both a product of the Clinton (a democrat) administration with some supposed agenda of republicans looking to acquire slave wages overseas?   Democrats negotiated the trade deals under which you now cry foul.  Keep your life preserver on for sure.  You’ll need it.  History irrefutably speaks of the racist, slave loving nature that IS the essence and very heart of the democrat party.  Good luck to you sir. 

  • Anonymous

    term limits?  u have a chance to vote them out every 2 years…grow a pair already people!

  • StillRelaxin

    LOL to you as well. So in your world your corporate masters have been held by a leash by and to the whims of the Democratic Party? LOL, again!  Man you’ve sipped much too deeply from that teacup that causes minds and facts to spin.

  • http://twitter.com/BeachPatriot Mike Coleman

    No one’s voting rights will be limited by LD-1376. Painting the people’s veto as “protecting voting rights” is a total deception and those tossing out that lie ought to be ashamed of themselves. What it does is increase the integrity of the ballots cast in Maine by eliminating an avenue of potential voter fraud. There will still be 247 days in which a person may register to vote. Voter registration cards will still be available at Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices, DHHS offices, and of course town  & city halls. Town and city clerks will still be required to canvass nursing homes in order to register voters that may be unable to make the trip to town or city hall. The qualifications to be a voter in Maine will be unchanged. One will have to be a US citizen, 18 years of age and a resident of the state of Maine. If a person will turn 18 on election day that person may register to vote anytime after his/her 17th birthday.

  • http://twitter.com/BeachPatriot Mike Coleman

    No one’s voting rights will be limited by LD-1376. Painting the people’s veto as “protecting voting rights” is a total deception and those tossing out that lie ought to be ashamed of themselves. What it does is increase the integrity of the ballots cast in Maine by eliminating an avenue of potential voter fraud. There will still be 247 days in which a person may register to vote. Voter registration cards will still be available at Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices, DHHS offices, and of course town  & city halls. Town and city clerks will still be required to canvass nursing homes in order to register voters that may be unable to make the trip to town or city hall. The qualifications to be a voter in Maine will be unchanged. One will have to be a US citizen, 18 years of age and a resident of the state of Maine. If a person will turn 18 on election day that person may register to vote anytime after his/her 17th birthday.

  • http://twitter.com/BeachPatriot Mike Coleman

    No one’s voting rights will be limited by LD-1376. Painting the people’s veto as “protecting voting rights” is a total deception and those tossing out that lie ought to be ashamed of themselves. What it does is increase the integrity of the ballots cast in Maine by eliminating an avenue of potential voter fraud. There will still be 247 days in which a person may register to vote. Voter registration cards will still be available at Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices, DHHS offices, and of course town  & city halls. Town and city clerks will still be required to canvass nursing homes in order to register voters that may be unable to make the trip to town or city hall. The qualifications to be a voter in Maine will be unchanged. One will have to be a US citizen, 18 years of age and a resident of the state of Maine. If a person will turn 18 on election day that person may register to vote anytime after his/her 17th birthday.

  • Anonymous

    You know you are probably right. It seems to be a dim thing. Also Collins. 

  • Anonymous

    Remember a few years back when good old John Martin try to Gerrymander the little village of Stillwater  because independent  Dem wouldn’t wipe his  ^** .    How quickly we forget.

  • StillRelaxin

    Mike, all my life I have had the ability register right up to voting day. Ld-1376 will take that right away. That is not a lie, it is indeed a fact that no one can dispute and no, I’m not ashamed to share that fact with you or readers here.

    I’ve been out of the country for the past two weeks…did I miss the investigation report that found thousands and thousands of incidents of voter fraud in Maine? I saw something about Mr. Summers looking at 200 college students (Old, old news/fears that has never gone anywhere but making the GOP look sad, foolish, and petty). If big voter fraud has been proven then maybe this act of limiting established voting rights makes “some” sense. If not then it’s just shameful political manipulation intended to squelch voting numbers. A sad commentary about the current state of thinking within the GOP/Tea Party of Maine.

  • OldWench

    I despise robocalls but hold a special contempt for the ones that attack candidates.  Those calls should be illegal.  

  • Anonymous

    This radical GOP redistricting plan is just another example (like making it harder to vote and trying to curtail union power and financing) of their corrupt scheme to rig elections in their favor. It’s going on nationwide, especially in all states controlled by the despicable GOP.

  • Anonymous

    This radical GOP redistricting plan is just another example (like making it harder to vote and trying to curtail union power and financing) of their corrupt scheme to rig elections in their favor. It’s going on nationwide, especially in all states controlled by the despicable GOP.

  • Anonymous

    This radical GOP redistricting plan is just another example (like making it harder to vote and trying to curtail union power and financing) of their corrupt scheme to rig elections in their favor. It’s going on nationwide, especially in all states controlled by the despicable GOP.

  • Anonymous

    I am not sure, What is wrong with registering to vote before the day of election?

  • Anonymous

    What does it matter. The way it stands today, we have four democrats anyway.

  • Anonymous

    What does it matter. The way it stands today, we have four democrats anyway.

  • Anonymous

    Yes, you are.  Could not agree more. You are fortunate. And have heard from many veterans of their deep appreciation of Mike’s efforts and dedication on their behalf.

  • Anonymous

    Yes, you are.  Could not agree more. You are fortunate. And have heard from many veterans of their deep appreciation of Mike’s efforts and dedication on their behalf.

  • Anonymous

    They are desperate and will do anything and everything to try and regain more power. It very well could backfire on them.

  • Anonymous

    They are desperate and will do anything and everything to try and regain more power. It very well could backfire on them.

  • Anonymous

    Sounds about right. Mike Michaud has  always had a lot of support and the Republicans can’t handle that fact.

  • Anonymous

    Agreed. I don’t think many people appreciate receiving those robocalls.

  • Anonymous

    Agreed. I don’t think many people appreciate receiving those robocalls.

  • http://twitter.com/BeachPatriot Mike Coleman

    Are you currently registered to vote? If so then you don’t need to re-register to vote. I fail to see where the problem is in registering to vote before election day. You can even mail it in if you find it too difficult to run down to your town or city hall. I will admit that there is a convenience factor to same day registration. It would be more convenient for me to leave my house or car unlocked when I leave it but I lock it anyway even though I have never had my house or car broken into when I’ve left it unattended. It is a prudent act to prevent a crime from occurring.

  • Anonymous

    It’s time for all of us to go back to the BDN archives and read about what our dear beloved  King John try to do to the little village of Stillwater, when an independent minded Dem wouldn’t bow down to him.  And while you”re searching the archives of the BDN read about what a reporter from the BDN (now working for MPBN) wrote about  this Dem. with of course King John’s blessing.

  • Anonymous

    LMAO…you address none of my questions which only exposes your sincere lack of intellectual fortitude.  Provide me a fact which I have spun.  Provide me a way in which you rectify NAFTA and WTO with your current anti-conservative, purportedly anti-republican message.  You have done neither and only offer indirect personal attacks in the realization that your failed intellectual position has been thoroughly routed and broken.  Do you actually have an argument, or are you going to hide behind your cowardly pseudo intellectualism as usual?  

  • StillRelaxin

    Oh, it’s about FEAR of what “might” happen. Why didn’t you tell me that the first time? That I do understand. The fear factor is very familiar territory for the GOP. It’s all becoming clear to me now. Unfortunately, this new perspective you put forth also makes this situation an even sadder than before.  It may not be a “problem” for you or I but there are others who lead very different lives and have very different day to day priorities.  I’d guess such folks have more struggles than you and I and are more likly interested in food than candidates.  Would you like to dispute who such people tend to vote for or why your party would like them to sit at home?  Clearly some such people (Who you care not about, but I still do) will be discouraged from voting with each and every blockade the GOP puts in their path towards doing their duty.  This is just one of many.  I could go on with other clear “Problems” but really would it do me any good with you?

  • StillRelaxin

    Nothing for most folks.  Just another hurdle for others.  A better question might be, “Do we really want or need to put any unnecessary hurdles in the way of taxpaying citizens to register or vote?”  If the GOP/Tea Pary of Maine wants to do so they REALLY need to put forth evidence that long established past practice is in some way problematic.  They haven’t and cannot.  If you want to register and vote on election day you should be able to. 

  • Anonymous

    NAFTA was a product of the first Bush administration. The Presidents of the three countries signed the agreement on December 17, 1992 and then it had to be ratified by their Congresses or Parliaments, which happened a year later.

    Canada couldn’t get it passed until the conservatives took power from the liberals and in the US Senate 34 Republicans and 27 Democrats voted for it, while in the House it passed with 132 Reps voting for it and 102 Dems. I don’t know how you can lay the blame on the Democrats for that one.
     

  • Anonymous

    NAFTA was a product of the first Bush administration. The Presidents of the three countries signed the agreement on December 17, 1992 and then it had to be ratified by their Congresses or Parliaments, which happened a year later.

    Canada couldn’t get it passed until the conservatives took power from the liberals and in the US Senate 34 Republicans and 27 Democrats voted for it, while in the House it passed with 132 Reps voting for it and 102 Dems. I don’t know how you can lay the blame on the Democrats for that one.
     

  • Anonymous

    Dude, Clinton signed it into law on Dec 8, 1993.  He could have vetoed it, requiring a 2/3 rd majority from both houses to override.  He did NOT do so.  So I don’t see how you lay blame on anyone else but the leader of the democrat party in 1993 for that one.  

  • StillRelaxin

    Ok, but as this is very time consuming, I’m not getting paid, and it’s likely a waste of time lets stick with your first misguided fixation. Everyone knows that NAFTA was “George The First” baby. He pushed for it for two years and tried unsuccessfully to jam it through before being replaced by Mr. Clinton. It was passed under the Clinton administration only after he successfully pushed for employee and environmental regulations for all parties involved. Yep it sucks the big one doesn’t it? Such a treaty doesn’t work very well if only one country attempts to follow the rules. This of course goes back to my original comment above that “no one and no party” has done the right thing by the American people for a very long time.  To attempt to place such legislation on the Clinton administration is only fractionally correct and almost wholeheartedly a shameless distortion of fact that anyone can easily check out with a few clicks on their keyboard. Your “intellectual fortitude” on this subject is understandable only if one considers that your only source of historical fact likely comes from one of many “Heritage Foundation.”

  • Anonymous

    “I cannot guarantee that those [Social Security] checks go out on August 3rd if we haven’t
    resolved this issue. Because there may simply not be the money in the
    coffers to do it”  Obama, July 12, 2011

    The fear factor is on the left.  Set people up with a program they feel is a necessity and then threaten them to remove it, if they do not do what we want.

    You, Obama, and the rest of the left are truly despicable, dishonorable human beings.  The whole family is pissed at you morons, and rightfully so! 

  • Anonymous

    Same day registration is a real convenience for those that change residences in the 30 to 40 days before an election and that includes many Maine residents that rent as opposed to own. Re-registering to vote is not at the top of most people’s list of things to do after moving and many do n0t even change their driver’s licenses immediately after relocating.

    The real motive for the change in the law was to prevent college students from voting in elections. Most of those affected are unconcerned with voting until the election day nears and interest and excitement increases. Imposing a 21 day shutoff from registering ensures that many of them will not vote.

    That, in my opinion, is a bigger crime than a couple of possible voter fraud cases.

  • StillRelaxin

    Sounds like a factual statement to me.  It’s like my boss saying, you know Still I’m not sure if I want to pay you unless you come to work every day.  Certainly sounds more honest than taking Americans to war, losing 4000+++ American lives, hundreds of thousands of lives overseas and spending our way into a recession upon a complete lie that someone was about to attack us with nukes!  Hey, and look I didn’t even have to call you a childish name.  From Dragnet, “Just the facts ma’am”. 

  • Anonymous

    Oh, yeah. A first year President getting his feet wet is going to veto a major bill that affects 3 countries, has enough support to pass both houses of Congress, and the way it was proposed, was supposed to create a lot of American jobs.

    Too bad the only one who truly understood what that bill would do to America was Ross Perot.

    NAFTA was Bush’s idea, he is the one who fast-tracked it, but in truth, it was a bipartisan mistake and not one you can lay just on Clinton’s lap. The Republicans had 12 years between 1995-2007 to change it but they did nothing but embrace it.

  • http://twitter.com/BeachPatriot Mike Coleman

    LD-1376 cuts off registration on the third working day prior to an election, not 21 days prior. This will not prevent college students from registering to vote. They will just have to do it 5 calendar days prior to the election. Many of them will have already voted absentee in their home state. Are you suggesting that they should also be voting here in Maine as well? Our state law requires that drivers update the BMV with their new address within 10 days of a change of address and the BMV also has voter registration cards. Problem solved.

  • http://twitter.com/BeachPatriot Mike Coleman

    I categorically reject your assertion that this is about preventing anybody from voting. The right to vote is a sacred franchise that belongs to all qualified electors. Under Maine law, a qualified elector (voter) is a US citizen, at least 18 years of age that is a resident of the State of Maine. Who anybody votes for is none of my business. What LD-1376 does is cut off a potential source of voter fraud. Is that what this people’s veto is really all about?

  • Anonymous

    The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee launched robocalls at 50 Republican members of Congress about 3-4 weeks ago according to an article i read at the time. This tactic is nothing new and is targeting weaker Congressmen. I would be willing to bet that the current robocall campaign targeting Michaud is part of a larger campaign targeting Democrats and is happening not because of redistricting but it is retaliatory in nature.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_KJEUWEYRHIPWV3PTTWWNUZ2CTQ mcmaineacjam

    Michaud will always get my vote over the sleezy tatics - prevent voting – anti-people party

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_KJEUWEYRHIPWV3PTTWWNUZ2CTQ mcmaineacjam

    All politicians should be rubber stamps for the people who electec them, but most defer to the national party that feeds them money. Michaud is more a Maine Representitive then a national politician. Most republicans in Maine seem to toe the party line in spite of how the Maine people feel.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_KJEUWEYRHIPWV3PTTWWNUZ2CTQ mcmaineacjam

    Great, you are very organized and probably have employers who are sympatetic. Not everyone is you, some people just don’t have much leisure time and theings slip by. Why should we restrict voting to just people like you, and not all citizens? The more voices you stifle, the less the govenment is for all the people. To say this is to prevent fraud, when no fraud has been idetified is just a smoke screen. the bottom line that the more people that vote, the more the republicans lose. That is the real motivation behind the law, politics. Well, most of the Mainers I know agree with me, dirty politics, mud slingng and lying and manipulating to get elected is wrong, and we are watching this fiasco very closely. The majority of voters are a silent majority, come election time, these voter prevention tatics will backfire, and even more republicans will be replaced.

  • Anonymous

    Life is to short to listen to it anymore. Dont vote for any of them. Let them fade away.

  • Anonymous

    Ah those good old days of the 1860′s.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SHNOU64ZBOBIKWUF5IM6WSH7WA entitled4life

    Bill Clinton lobbied for the Free Trade Agreement and signed it into law.  That gave the Chinese exactly what they wanted and what few remaining manufacturing jobs we had left moved to China where labor is much cheaper.  Blame every bad thing on rich people and the republicans but if you do your research correctly, democrats are as much or more to blame in the case of the State of Maine.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SHNOU64ZBOBIKWUF5IM6WSH7WA entitled4life

    Mike Michaud should be able to win his seat no matter how the district is redrawn unless he is doing a terrible job and then he will lose.  That’s why we have elections.  If the democrats think the redrawn lines favor republicans and will make it so that Michaud will lose, then their party chairman should resign and hand over the job to someone that knows what they are doing.  Whining is no way to run the party.

  • Anonymous

    sorry but his gay little butt should be worried about other things beside redistricting. same thing for pingree, married to an out of state billionaire..nothing wrong with that, wish i was too, but exactly where does he and she live? i think NOT maine.

  • Anonymous

    where is the BIG business here in Maine? I can tell you..it has all gone overseas..thanks in part to our illustrious past government here in Maine.  They made some very poor decisions during their 35 year reign..

  • Anonymous

    nahh union people are usually from that other class of people, little education, fixated on working overtime not to work 8 hours, and get paid for doing 12. I know lots abut unions..after coming back from Vietnam they black balled me from the company I was trying desperately to get a job to look after my family.  My crime? I worked too hard!!! true story.

  • Anonymous

    nahh union people are usually from that other class of people, little education, fixated on working overtime not to work 8 hours, and get paid for doing 12. I know lots abut unions..after coming back from Vietnam they black balled me from the company I was trying desperately to get a job to look after my family.  My crime? I worked too hard!!! true story.

  • Anonymous

    what is everyone getting so fired up about?  no matter what side you lean if you have the right message the constituents will vote for you whether you live in fort kent or kittery.  some people need to put on their big boy and girl pants and quit whining and promote their political platform vs. attacking the big bad scary republicans.

  • Anonymous

    Of course, the Republican plan is meant to benefit the Republicans.  I just happen to like simple, so I am for the Democratic plan.  Plus, if the Republicans are so confident I don’t know why they feel the need to change things so dramatically.

  • Anonymous

    There was a story from Iowa about a student from Oregon who flew home to vote in the caucuses. Now for someone to spend several hundred dollars as well as the $30 entry fee to vote in a nonbinding referendum strikes me as pretty odd.Maybe a bit more than normal zealousness.
    Every politician knows the importance of GOTV drives.See how many phone calls,ads,etc you see in the last few days before the next election.Also,one cannot discount “October surprises”And regarding voter fraud,Democrats if they practice it at all,it is on the retail level.R’s practice it wholesale.
    The fact is that where less than 2/3 of eligible people vote in an election is shameful.In other countries people have been beaten and died for those rights.Same thing happened here years ago.
    The young people are the future of this country.It is CRUCIAL that they vote.

  • Anonymous

    There was a story from Iowa about a student from Oregon who flew home to vote in the caucuses. Now for someone to spend several hundred dollars as well as the $30 entry fee to vote in a nonbinding referendum strikes me as pretty odd.Maybe a bit more than normal zealousness.
    Every politician knows the importance of GOTV drives.See how many phone calls,ads,etc you see in the last few days before the next election.Also,one cannot discount “October surprises”And regarding voter fraud,Democrats if they practice it at all,it is on the retail level.R’s practice it wholesale.
    The fact is that where less than 2/3 of eligible people vote in an election is shameful.In other countries people have been beaten and died for those rights.Same thing happened here years ago.
    The young people are the future of this country.It is CRUCIAL that they vote.

  • Anonymous

    NAFTA and global economics is the future.  Isolationism, protectionism is the past.  Kudos to which ever party made it happen.  

    sure, factory worker have it tough, but so do i.  i got laid off in ’08.  changing markets, global economics mean we all have to be involved in a lifetime of learning and progression.  we can’t just punch a time card and go home and watch tv anymore.  if Clinton is responsible for bringing that change to us, then three cheers to him.  if it was Bush, ditto.  

    (bracing for the attacks….)

  • Anonymous

    A few years ago a state senator in Washington state didn’t realize his robocall machine had been reset after maintenance.The calls went out between 1 and 3 am.That worked out well.

  • Anonymous

    i tend to agree.  i have been back home in Maine for 4 years now, seems like *everything* is owned by the Canadians.  there is a culture of pessimism in Maine that seems to inhibit investment.   look at Millenocket, the town is on the precipice and all they do is bicker and nay say.  we can’t blame the Canadians or the Chinese when all we are doing is pointing the finger at each other.  

  • Anonymous

    I have dealt with several government offices trying to get help for a Vietnam era vet.
    Michaud’s office was amazingly helpful and followed up very quickly.He gets my vote.

  • Anonymous

     i vote for individuals that i hope have the character to stand up for what they believe in, even if the voters are angered. 

  • Anonymous

    Good for him if he is.These are the people that built the roads you drive on,the nurses who take care of you in the hospital and countless other well trained hard working people.

  • Anonymous

    nothing is wrong with it.  the issue is really about politics.  you see, there is about 40% of the population that does not vote.  most of them are poor, disenfranchised at least.  the Dem theory is that most of the unregistered would vote Dem.  Dems also feel that first time voters are more likely to vote Dem.  So Dems support same day registration and actively campaign towards first time voters. Republicans are against that because their base tends to be ‘super voters’, people who have a history of voting.

    My opinion?  I don’t like any legislation that inhibits voting.  Period.  But I’d rather see the Dems focus on another issue.  Face it, if a person can’t get his/her arse to the town hall or register at the many places available to do so prior to election day, then maybe they haven’t studied the issues enough and *shouldn’t* vote.

  • Anonymous

    that’s a little steep for me.  i  can live with no same day registration, but 5 calendar days is getting out of hand.

  • Anonymous

    calm down.  this is about exchanging ideas.  not name calling.  

    how do you expect to persuade and advance your ideas when you insult people?  

  • Anonymous

    I just believe, that as a country, we have a long and glorious history of expanding the voter participation, not limiting it.  

  • Anonymous

    As soon as democrats use the word ‘extreme’ you can stop listening. It is an attempt to introduce emotion into a discussion that they have lost control of.

    Yes, they are far right, but that is because you have gone so far left…

  • Anonymous

    Oh yeah, I almost forgot my favorite quote from the President
     ”elections have consequences, (we) won”

  • Anonymous

    Regardless of which party does this kind of thing… it is intentional cheating and cheating is cheating.  Do we really need leaders who focus solely on winning elections and spend their time devising ways to “win” a seat? I’m so sick of political games!  As far as I’m concerned it only proves who will be the least focused on the issues and the most focused on the next campaign… ultimately winning by cheating exposes who is most useless if and when they get to Washington.  

  • Anonymous

    In answer to the headline. “Yes.”   And protecting Mike Michaud’s seat is the goal of the Democrats.  The Census and elections have consequences.  If the majority party on the Maine legislature, the Republicans, didn’t look for restructuring to aid their party, then they’d be viewed as political imbeciles.  The Democrats would do the same thing and, I suspect, in 10 years they WILL if they control the Maine state legislature.

  • Anonymous

    you talking like our society would ceast to exist if unions where around?  maybe in 1920′s but not now. 

  • Anonymous

    OBAMA is planning on spending 50Billion on Union job creations. Our tax dollars being spent on union job creations. Why not simply job creation? Mike Michaud is a Union man and not a representation for all of us tax payers. Democrats want to protect Mike’s seat rather than create jobs for any person. Electection do have consequences and it’s time the republicans step to the plate anddo the smart thing. The Democrats have done the same in the past.

  • poormaniac

    Can not argue your point. No denying that Mike has done much for the vet and I do appreciate that. Did you ever consider the expense to the American taxpayer for the vote he has bought from our veterans. What else has he done for the people of Maine ? He won’t even take a stand on the question of the national park which would directly affect his home town. He’s a big city politician now and all of them ( Rep. or Dem ) should be replaced. Washington is broken !

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1452684179 Jason Simonds

    Ooooo I want YOU for a leader…  we could host sexual reeducation camps and then we can ship all the people you don’t like out of the State…

  • poormaniac

    Thank you for the truth. No finger pointing , just facts. Thank you.

  • Mr_Spuddy

    It would serve him right.  When he was first elected to the Maine senate years ago, it was only because the Democrats in the legislature decided to redo his district so HE could win.  What goes around, comes around . . .

  • Anonymous

    Stop blaming others for your failures.

  • poormaniac

    He also said something about hope and change. Well , I hope we change presidents in the next election !

  • Anonymous

    From earlier news story: “There are
    8,669 more people in the 1st Congressional District than in the 2nd
    District.”

    Not calling the Republican plan to move around 300k gerrymandering doesn’t pass the straight face OR sniff tests.

  • Anonymous

    From earlier news story: “There are
    8,669 more people in the 1st Congressional District than in the 2nd
    District.”

    Not calling the Republican plan to move around 300k gerrymandering doesn’t pass the straight face OR sniff tests.

  • newportres

    How exactly would you stop a private business owner from taking his business where ever he wished?
    Our own actions in this country have made it more profitable for a business owner to set up shop elsewhere.

  • newportres

    “Corporate Masters”?
    Wow, that’s some inferiority complex you have there.
    I don’t know about the other poster but I am my own master and I have always demanded the wages I am worth, not settled for what some Union mob was able to arrange for me.
    See, that’s the thing about talent.  When you have it, people will pay for it.  When you don’t you have to join with many others who don’t in order to try and squeeze what you can out of the world.
    It is sad but some people were never meant to do much with their lives.

  • newportres

    “Corporate Masters”?
    Wow, that’s some inferiority complex you have there.
    I don’t know about the other poster but I am my own master and I have always demanded the wages I am worth, not settled for what some Union mob was able to arrange for me.
    See, that’s the thing about talent.  When you have it, people will pay for it.  When you don’t you have to join with many others who don’t in order to try and squeeze what you can out of the world.
    It is sad but some people were never meant to do much with their lives.

  • Anonymous

    So the Republicans will change the voting district of some 300,000 Mainers in order to shift the balance by under 9000 votes?

    Amusing.

  • Millicent

    I would think that it’s the republican’s economy now….right? That’s what they (republicans)  say about the current national problem. They tell us to stop blaming Bush, that it is now Obama’s economy. So, stop blaming everything in Maine on the previous administrations. It’s now LePage’s. 

  • Anonymous

    i lvoe your idea thanks for the support…or do i have this all wrong? maybe your only support comes in teh form of a jock strap to hide your male presence? do u wear bras and panties jasopn?

  • Anonymous

    i lvoe your idea thanks for the support…or do i have this all wrong? maybe your only support comes in teh form of a jock strap to hide your male presence? do u wear bras and panties jasopn?

  • StillRelaxin

    Then your mind is stone closed on this subject. I think several people here have done a wonderful thing by taking the time to once again clearly explain some of the obvious ways the GOP/Tea Party and your own “cause” here will be detrimental to Maine voters. In my opinion, the only people who continuously turn away from clear logical points made in a conversation are those who have personal agendas that have little to do with the actual topic being discussed. Mike, if you honestly tell me what you “really” want perhaps this conversation can go more smoothly or as I suspect, simply end.

    Here’s your current progression in this conversation. First it was to “Stop” small scale and unproven voter fraud, then it was to “Prevent possible” voter fraud. I suspect the truth goes back to my original contention that it’s really about one thing, stopping as many voters as possible from voting by any means/fear possible.  Yikes!  That does sound like a bad thing to be supporting.  No need to wonder why you and your parties (Plural as I believe the GOP and Teas are now so far apart from each other that they’re really two separate parties) have tried so hard to paint it as something more palitable to Maine voters.  “We’re only taking long established voting rights away from you because we want to protect you from voter fraud that we have no evidence that exist but might in some near or distant future.”  Hmm…nope that line and reasoning is dead in the water for this voter.

  • Anonymous

    So now that the two groups of people that have proven their inability to work together have proposed their plans for state domination, what’s the real answer that best represents the desires of the people of Maine?  It’s somewhere in the middle, that’s for sure.

  • Anonymous

    Once again, there is a critical point of view that is being ignored in the name of political brinksmanship.

    While the federal requirement regarding population is the only significant criteria, it is not the only important criteria.

    Gerrymanering, itself, is often illustrated by bizarre geographical configurations that result from political parties (as opposed to voters) vying to solidify their own perceptions of advantage, ignoring the geographical realities that shape the identities of the populations they are elected to represent.

    Those realities are not important to governmental regulations but they are vital to the people who live there regardless of their party affiliations. We are not “(s)imply changing a line on a map,” my Republican friends.

    Yes, it should be simple to configure districts with parity in terms of demographics; yet, somehow, I doubt that it will be. We have seen both in Augusta and in Washington, a vitriolic hard line against compromise from the newly reconstituted Republican Party. This is not the way I remember political bargaining over the 40 some-odd years I’ve been voting. I’m too old to traffic in such behavior, especially from the party I was raised to admire.

    Prudence and respect for local tradition, as opposed to expedient straight-line-drawing, ought to count for something. There was another plan I saw (the so-called “Coastal Plan”) which neatly divided Maine into two portions with a line that hugged the coast of Maine from Kittery to Canada in accordance with federal requirements yet was harshly disrespectful to the people on both sides. I referred to it as “The N’orEaster.” The articulated “Republican Plan” is no better.

    It is a storm waiting to wreak havoc upon the people of Maine at a time when communion rather than disaffection is called for.

  • StillRelaxin

    You say, “It is sad but some people were never meant to do much with their lives.” So your success was meant to be just as the suffering of others can be ignored because it’s their destiny. Wow that’s a sad outlook on life.

    Thank you though for allowing us to see clearly what appears to be a prevalent mindset within the GOP/Tea Party crowd. Knowing what folks like you really think about people and humanity in general tells others where not to turn once they enter a voting booth. Please don’t hesitate to share more such golden nuggets whenever or wherever possible.

  • Anonymous

    Of course they want to have a Republican fill Michaud’s seat.  It’s got nothing to do with him personally, but the Republicans won the majorities and they get to use the system to cement an advantage (until the Democrats win it back).  Since southern Maine is basically northern Massachusetts, I doubt anything will take this district away from the Democrats, but it’s worth the try.

  • Anonymous

    Michaud is a poor speaker who comes across as unintellegent and lacking. His poor articulation costs us. He is also a follower and thus not a dynamic  representative . He may be adequate but he is by far not the best we can send . Kevin Raye would be an improvement

  • Anonymous

    Punching a clock for 20 years doesnt mean much in a unionize mill setting , he could have been a lazy, poor performing  complainer and as long as he didnt cross very high bench marks he coould continue to retirement. What would be telling is if he was promoted to management and thus a recognized leader and thinker.

    The performance of his staff is irrelevant, unless it is bad.

    He votes as the party tells him, except when they let him deviate which is always when his vote is irrelevant to the outcome.

    He patronizes vetran issues  and token checks /funds to appear to be doing something all of which is pandering.

    We need better than he is providing

  • newportres

    I don’t actually believe it is destiny in all cases or really many of the cases for that matter.  Most of the people who actually go no where in life work very hard at accomplishing nothing.
    Think about it.
    Many choose to not finish school.  How was that going to help them get ahead?
    Many choose to abuse drugs and alcohol.  Same Question as above
    Many choose to be immobile and unhealthy.  ” ”
    Etc…..
    By the time you are this poor, poorly edicated, out of shape, union worker who is refusing to follow routes to better employment elsewhere, then you have actually worked quite hard to end up no where in life.
    Congrats!  You have arrived at your destination, I hope you nejoyed the ride.
    If realism sounds cruel to you, then I’m sorry for you.
    Apparently no one ever taught you that the real world is a cruel place.
    Or maybe that was just one more lesson you worked real hard at not understanding.

  • Anonymous

    I would like to ask, other than for political reasons who considers Lewiston-Auburn part of Northern Maine ?

  • Anonymous

    I would like to ask, other than for political reasons who considers Lewiston-Auburn part of Northern Maine ?

  • Anonymous

    I would like to ask, other than for political reasons who considers Lewiston-Auburn part of Northern Maine ?

  • Anonymous

    Workers/ unions bad

    Republican party good. RIP. You cannot turn US against teachers and workers. 

  • Anonymous

    This is a ridiculous accusation. There were no “targets”

  • Anonymous

    This is a ridiculous accusation. There were no “targets”

  • Anonymous

    This is a ridiculous accusation. There were no “targets”

  • Anonymous

    Kevin Raye for Congress

  • Anonymous

    Kevin Raye for Congress

  • Anonymous

    Kevin Raye for Congress

  • Anonymous

    Upon further research, Mike, I stand corrected. The 21 days refers to third-party submissions, not in-person. Thank you. But I still don’t believe that many college students take the time to vote absentee in their home states. I think that is a myth.

  • Anonymous

    If Michaud wasn’t a Congressman he’d have to live in his mom’s basement. 

  • Anonymous

    Michaud doesn’t need to blame
    the GOP; he has created enough hard feelings all on his own.

     

    Much like his buddy Obama, the
    greatest change he can give his home state is his resignation..!

     

     

    .

  • Anonymous

    The GOP plan has nice clean lines, while the gerrymandered status quo does not.

  • Noah

    You’ve got it right.   When you can’t win an election confiscate the voting district that supported the Democrat opponent.

    We all survived the past 38 years quite well, without any of this Tea Party surge to wipe out the Middle Class so that Republicans and Tea Party can reign over the poor.

    That’s all this is – a radical group of misled  Tea Party supporters with one goal – to rule, not govern. 

    Why all the attacks on unions, public service employees, teachers?  Meanwhile the GOPers cower as the Tea Party threatens to take away their $180,000 cushy jobs in Washington unless they obey.

    Obey they must.  Look how McConnell and Boehner held the country hostage over raising the debt ceiling.  Unless the Democrats laid off their goal to kill tax cuts to the billionaires autherized by Bush, then they would have driven the country over the cliff.

    Already, the actions of the Tea Party caused willy nilly Standard & Poor to lower the country’s credit rating.  Now they’re sorry – at least they try to look sorry – for yet another Tea Party tank trap.

    Re-districting falls in line with other sneaky Tea Party tricks.  The employment of a criminal in an  attempt to find fraud within a state office, was another dirty trick.  One of the major supporters of such actions are the Koch Brothers.

    Hate to say it, but it looks like our system of government  is being trampled upon through the efforts of brainwashed Tea Party sympathizers in the State of Maine and elsewhere.  

     If you can’t lick the opposition at the ballot box – cut off the voters.  Seems I and a lot of other people have heard  this same refrain some time ago just before WWII started.

    The Tea Party is out to wipe out the Middle Class, so we can all be poor slaves to the Plutocrats.

  • Anonymous

    @CantAfford2Retire:disqus   My question to you is: which party is making it impossible for you to retire and why?  The Democrats are fighting to save the Social Security and Medicare systems for current and future retirees.  The Republicans, on the other hand, favor corporations and the rich at the expense of the middle class and senior citizens/retirees. Bush left us with two wars and a tax cut for the rich.  By the time Bill Clinton finished his second term, he left this country with a sustainable Social Security and Medicare system and a surplus of money in our coffers.  Please make me understand why you dislike the very people who have your best interests at heart because I just don’t get it!

  • Anonymous

    @CantAfford2Retire:disqus   My question to you is: which party is making it impossible for you to retire and why?  The Democrats are fighting to save the Social Security and Medicare systems for current and future retirees.  The Republicans, on the other hand, favor corporations and the rich at the expense of the middle class and senior citizens/retirees. Bush left us with two wars and a tax cut for the rich.  By the time Bill Clinton finished his second term, he left this country with a sustainable Social Security and Medicare system and a surplus of money in our coffers.  Please make me understand why you dislike the very people who have your best interests at heart because I just don’t get it!

  • Anonymous

    @CantAfford2Retire:disqus   My question to you is: which party is making it impossible for you to retire and why?  The Democrats are fighting to save the Social Security and Medicare systems for current and future retirees.  The Republicans, on the other hand, favor corporations and the rich at the expense of the middle class and senior citizens/retirees. Bush left us with two wars and a tax cut for the rich.  By the time Bill Clinton finished his second term, he left this country with a sustainable Social Security and Medicare system and a surplus of money in our coffers.  Please make me understand why you dislike the very people who have your best interests at heart because I just don’t get it!

  • Anonymous

    @CantAfford2Retire:disqus   My question to you is: which party is making it impossible for you to retire and why?  The Democrats are fighting to save the Social Security and Medicare systems for current and future retirees.  The Republicans, on the other hand, favor corporations and the rich at the expense of the middle class and senior citizens/retirees. Bush left us with two wars and a tax cut for the rich.  By the time Bill Clinton finished his second term, he left this country with a sustainable Social Security and Medicare system and a surplus of money in our coffers.  Please make me understand why you dislike the very people who have your best interests at heart because I just don’t get it!

  • Noah

    You’ve got a great poiint.  A similar Millinocket problem would have been fixed months ago if it had have been in Canada. 

     Canadian business has government backing.  That’s why their gas stations are inlerlaced across this state, along with other Canadian enterprises.

    Millinocket’s problems should have been taken care of by this administration long ago.  Instead the town is sitting on a dead mill which the owner will undoubtedly scrap and sell the metal to China.

    The Chinese welcome American industry.   With a workforce composed primarily of slave labor – a hut to live in and a bicycle to commute, do American manufacturers who once proudly stamped “Made In U.S.A” on their tools and toys, don’t even wince that their actions have left millions without jobs.

    To hear GOPers campaign, Obama is to blame for everything.  If he had have listened to the GOPers the American Automobile Industry would be just a memory today.  Instead it coming back and also repaying American taxpayers who helped it recover.

    The current rulers cringe at the thought of floating a few bonds that would create jobs and save the Millinocket Mill, amongst other ventures.  They appear to be quite contented to have its remains shipped to China, only return as  toys?

  • Noah

    You’ve got a great poiint.  A similar Millinocket problem would have been fixed months ago if it had have been in Canada. 

     Canadian business has government backing.  That’s why their gas stations are inlerlaced across this state, along with other Canadian enterprises.

    Millinocket’s problems should have been taken care of by this administration long ago.  Instead the town is sitting on a dead mill which the owner will undoubtedly scrap and sell the metal to China.

    The Chinese welcome American industry.   With a workforce composed primarily of slave labor – a hut to live in and a bicycle to commute, do American manufacturers who once proudly stamped “Made In U.S.A” on their tools and toys, don’t even wince that their actions have left millions without jobs.

    To hear GOPers campaign, Obama is to blame for everything.  If he had have listened to the GOPers the American Automobile Industry would be just a memory today.  Instead it coming back and also repaying American taxpayers who helped it recover.

    The current rulers cringe at the thought of floating a few bonds that would create jobs and save the Millinocket Mill, amongst other ventures.  They appear to be quite contented to have its remains shipped to China, only return as  toys?

  • Noah

    You’ve got a great poiint.  A similar Millinocket problem would have been fixed months ago if it had have been in Canada. 

     Canadian business has government backing.  That’s why their gas stations are inlerlaced across this state, along with other Canadian enterprises.

    Millinocket’s problems should have been taken care of by this administration long ago.  Instead the town is sitting on a dead mill which the owner will undoubtedly scrap and sell the metal to China.

    The Chinese welcome American industry.   With a workforce composed primarily of slave labor – a hut to live in and a bicycle to commute, do American manufacturers who once proudly stamped “Made In U.S.A” on their tools and toys, don’t even wince that their actions have left millions without jobs.

    To hear GOPers campaign, Obama is to blame for everything.  If he had have listened to the GOPers the American Automobile Industry would be just a memory today.  Instead it coming back and also repaying American taxpayers who helped it recover.

    The current rulers cringe at the thought of floating a few bonds that would create jobs and save the Millinocket Mill, amongst other ventures.  They appear to be quite contented to have its remains shipped to China, only return as  toys?

  • Noah

    You’ve got a great poiint.  A similar Millinocket problem would have been fixed months ago if it had have been in Canada. 

     Canadian business has government backing.  That’s why their gas stations are inlerlaced across this state, along with other Canadian enterprises.

    Millinocket’s problems should have been taken care of by this administration long ago.  Instead the town is sitting on a dead mill which the owner will undoubtedly scrap and sell the metal to China.

    The Chinese welcome American industry.   With a workforce composed primarily of slave labor – a hut to live in and a bicycle to commute, do American manufacturers who once proudly stamped “Made In U.S.A” on their tools and toys, don’t even wince that their actions have left millions without jobs.

    To hear GOPers campaign, Obama is to blame for everything.  If he had have listened to the GOPers the American Automobile Industry would be just a memory today.  Instead it coming back and also repaying American taxpayers who helped it recover.

    The current rulers cringe at the thought of floating a few bonds that would create jobs and save the Millinocket Mill, amongst other ventures.  They appear to be quite contented to have its remains shipped to China, only return as  toys?

  • Noah

    You’ve got a great poiint.  A similar Millinocket problem would have been fixed months ago if it had have been in Canada. 

     Canadian business has government backing.  That’s why their gas stations are inlerlaced across this state, along with other Canadian enterprises.

    Millinocket’s problems should have been taken care of by this administration long ago.  Instead the town is sitting on a dead mill which the owner will undoubtedly scrap and sell the metal to China.

    The Chinese welcome American industry.   With a workforce composed primarily of slave labor – a hut to live in and a bicycle to commute, do American manufacturers who once proudly stamped “Made In U.S.A” on their tools and toys, don’t even wince that their actions have left millions without jobs.

    To hear GOPers campaign, Obama is to blame for everything.  If he had have listened to the GOPers the American Automobile Industry would be just a memory today.  Instead it coming back and also repaying American taxpayers who helped it recover.

    The current rulers cringe at the thought of floating a few bonds that would create jobs and save the Millinocket Mill, amongst other ventures.  They appear to be quite contented to have its remains shipped to China, only return as  toys?

  • Anonymous

    Ask any clerk or review the record, the integrity of our elections has not been an issue.  Same goes for same day registration and its impact on the towns.  The clerks pretty much agree, it is their job, it is not a problem.  I would question the integrity of any system that would disenfranchise thousands of voters to prevent one potential fraudulent vote being cast.  We have long enjoyed high participation in Maine and that tradition is worth maintaining. 

  • Anonymous

    Ask any clerk or review the record, the integrity of our elections has not been an issue.  Same goes for same day registration and its impact on the towns.  The clerks pretty much agree, it is their job, it is not a problem.  I would question the integrity of any system that would disenfranchise thousands of voters to prevent one potential fraudulent vote being cast.  We have long enjoyed high participation in Maine and that tradition is worth maintaining. 

  • Anonymous

    Ask any clerk or review the record, the integrity of our elections has not been an issue.  Same goes for same day registration and its impact on the towns.  The clerks pretty much agree, it is their job, it is not a problem.  I would question the integrity of any system that would disenfranchise thousands of voters to prevent one potential fraudulent vote being cast.  We have long enjoyed high participation in Maine and that tradition is worth maintaining. 

  • Anonymous

    white southerners’ resentment of reconstruction and consequent hostility to the republican party is hardly the essence and very heart of the democrat party as you portray it, hayek….your history irrefutably speaks of revisionism…..

  • Noah

    Unions created a half way stage between the corporation and the middle class worker. 
    Without it, there would only be the poor and the rich.

    Tea Party people, who all appear to be rich, not needing Social Security and Medicare, reap scorn on the unions, and readily attack public service employees – like police, teachers, nurses, firefighters, and a wave of other public service workers.

    The GOPers and TP people want a Plutocracy, without the pesky Middle Class holding a class barrier between Rich and Poor.  Plutocrats – Like the Koch Brothers and most of the GOPers in DC believe that the rich should govern – the rest should slave.

  • Anonymous

    failed intellectual position?  how about tax cuts for the rich and trickle down and increased revenue for starters, hayek…..

  • Noah

    While you’re about it – let’s not forget the offshore American corporations, like in the Cayman Islands, and any other island sanctuary where American corporations flee to escape paying American taxes – only to enjoy the profits.

  • Noah

    While you’re about it – let’s not forget the offshore American corporations, like in the Cayman Islands, and any other island sanctuary where American corporations flee to escape paying American taxes – only to enjoy the profits.

  • Noah

    While you’re about it – let’s not forget the offshore American corporations, like in the Cayman Islands, and any other island sanctuary where American corporations flee to escape paying American taxes – only to enjoy the profits.

  • Noah

    While you’re about it – let’s not forget the offshore American corporations, like in the Cayman Islands, and any other island sanctuary where American corporations flee to escape paying American taxes – only to enjoy the profits.

  • Noah

    While you’re about it – let’s not forget the offshore American corporations, like in the Cayman Islands, and any other island sanctuary where American corporations flee to escape paying American taxes – only to enjoy the profits.

  • Noah

    While you’re about it – let’s not forget the offshore American corporations, like in the Cayman Islands, and any other island sanctuary where American corporations flee to escape paying American taxes – only to enjoy the profits.

  • Noah

    While you’re about it – let’s not forget the offshore American corporations, like in the Cayman Islands, and any other island sanctuary where American corporations flee to escape paying American taxes – only to enjoy the profits.

  • Noah

    While you’re about it – let’s not forget the offshore American corporations, like in the Cayman Islands, and any other island sanctuary where American corporations flee to escape paying American taxes – only to enjoy the profits.

  • Anonymous

    While you are singing the praises of Clinton you forgot NAFTA.  You know the law that Ross Perot said the large sucking sound you will hear after it is signed  is American jobs going out of the country. 

  • Anonymous

    Forget Michaud. Can’t we get rid of that embarrassment Chellie Pingree? Or is it Pinhead?

  • Anonymous

    Forget Michaud. Can’t we get rid of that embarrassment Chellie Pingree? Or is it Pinhead?

  • Anonymous

    Forget Michaud. Can’t we get rid of that embarrassment Chellie Pingree? Or is it Pinhead?

  • Anonymous

    Following diplomatic negotiations dating back to 1986 among the three nations, the leaders met in San Antonio, Texas, on December 17, 1992, to sign NAFTA. U.S. President George H. W. Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mexican President Carlos Salinas,
    each responsible for spearheading and promoting the agreement,
    ceremonially signed it. The agreement then needed to be ratified by each
    nation’s legislative or parliamentary branch.

    Before the negotiations were finalized, Bill Clinton came into office in the U.S. and Kim Campbell in Canada, and before the agreement became law, Jean Chrétien had taken office in Canada.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_Free_Trade_Agreement

  • Anonymous

    Following diplomatic negotiations dating back to 1986 among the three nations, the leaders met in San Antonio, Texas, on December 17, 1992, to sign NAFTA. U.S. President George H. W. Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mexican President Carlos Salinas,
    each responsible for spearheading and promoting the agreement,
    ceremonially signed it. The agreement then needed to be ratified by each
    nation’s legislative or parliamentary branch.

    Before the negotiations were finalized, Bill Clinton came into office in the U.S. and Kim Campbell in Canada, and before the agreement became law, Jean Chrétien had taken office in Canada.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_Free_Trade_Agreement

  • Noah

    When you have talent, like all Hollywood stars, you join SAG – the Screen Actor’s Guild.  Writers, who obviously have talent, join the Screenwriter’s Guild.  There are dozens of other unions and bargaining associations catering to the myriad branches of jobs in the entertainment industry.
     
    Members of these guilds and unions see them – the unions - as a bridge between poverty and security – not “some union mob.” 
     
    People in the entertainment business make millions without worrying about having “to join with others who don’t, in order to squeeze what you can out of the world.”
     
    A lot of people have done much, much, much, more with their lives, where the rewards in many endeavors were far greater than just cold cash.  Many people “who were never meant to do much with lives” have leaped far greater hurdles than you are aware of. 
     
    Success is not just sitting on a pile of cash, while thumbing your nose nose at others who were not so fortunate.

  • Noah

    When you have talent, like all Hollywood stars, you join SAG – the Screen Actor’s Guild.  Writers, who obviously have talent, join the Screenwriter’s Guild.  There are dozens of other unions and bargaining associations catering to the myriad branches of jobs in the entertainment industry.
     
    Members of these guilds and unions see them – the unions - as a bridge between poverty and security – not “some union mob.” 
     
    People in the entertainment business make millions without worrying about having “to join with others who don’t, in order to squeeze what you can out of the world.”
     
    A lot of people have done much, much, much, more with their lives, where the rewards in many endeavors were far greater than just cold cash.  Many people “who were never meant to do much with lives” have leaped far greater hurdles than you are aware of. 
     
    Success is not just sitting on a pile of cash, while thumbing your nose nose at others who were not so fortunate.

  • Noah

    When you have talent, like all Hollywood stars, you join SAG – the Screen Actor’s Guild.  Writers, who obviously have talent, join the Screenwriter’s Guild.  There are dozens of other unions and bargaining associations catering to the myriad branches of jobs in the entertainment industry.
     
    Members of these guilds and unions see them – the unions - as a bridge between poverty and security – not “some union mob.” 
     
    People in the entertainment business make millions without worrying about having “to join with others who don’t, in order to squeeze what you can out of the world.”
     
    A lot of people have done much, much, much, more with their lives, where the rewards in many endeavors were far greater than just cold cash.  Many people “who were never meant to do much with lives” have leaped far greater hurdles than you are aware of. 
     
    Success is not just sitting on a pile of cash, while thumbing your nose nose at others who were not so fortunate.

  • Noah

    When you have talent, like all Hollywood stars, you join SAG – the Screen Actor’s Guild.  Writers, who obviously have talent, join the Screenwriter’s Guild.  There are dozens of other unions and bargaining associations catering to the myriad branches of jobs in the entertainment industry.
     
    Members of these guilds and unions see them – the unions - as a bridge between poverty and security – not “some union mob.” 
     
    People in the entertainment business make millions without worrying about having “to join with others who don’t, in order to squeeze what you can out of the world.”
     
    A lot of people have done much, much, much, more with their lives, where the rewards in many endeavors were far greater than just cold cash.  Many people “who were never meant to do much with lives” have leaped far greater hurdles than you are aware of. 
     
    Success is not just sitting on a pile of cash, while thumbing your nose nose at others who were not so fortunate.

  • Noah

    When you have talent, like all Hollywood stars, you join SAG – the Screen Actor’s Guild.  Writers, who obviously have talent, join the Screenwriter’s Guild.  There are dozens of other unions and bargaining associations catering to the myriad branches of jobs in the entertainment industry.
     
    Members of these guilds and unions see them – the unions - as a bridge between poverty and security – not “some union mob.” 
     
    People in the entertainment business make millions without worrying about having “to join with others who don’t, in order to squeeze what you can out of the world.”
     
    A lot of people have done much, much, much, more with their lives, where the rewards in many endeavors were far greater than just cold cash.  Many people “who were never meant to do much with lives” have leaped far greater hurdles than you are aware of. 
     
    Success is not just sitting on a pile of cash, while thumbing your nose nose at others who were not so fortunate.

  • Noah

    Newportress - say no more.   You have convinced me that the world is indeed a verfy cruel place – thanks to you and others who decry public service employees and the poor.

  • Noah

    Newportress - say no more.   You have convinced me that the world is indeed a verfy cruel place – thanks to you and others who decry public service employees and the poor.

  • Noah

    You’ve got that right on the button. 

    Where else can an industry or corporation set up headquarters off the coast of America and dodge taxes?

    Where else can big business get tax cuts unlimited, even though their quarterly profits exceed $10 billion dollars whilst bilking millions of people at the gas pumps and their oil furnaces?

    The GOPers and Tea Party would have allowed America to go over the cliff had not the Democrats agreed not to cut off tax breaks for millionaires.

    The rich for the rich – nuts to the middle class and the poor – that seems to be your edict.

  • Anonymous

    Let’s get one thing straight, Bush may have left us with debt, but Obama blew it well beyond a recoverable point. Second historic point; Clinton only balanced the budget by gutting the military and leaving it as an incapable fighting force.

    .

  • Anonymous

    Please get your facts straight about NAFTA.  George HW Bush with Mulroney (Canada) and Salina (Mexico) spearheaded, promoted and signed NAFTA in 1986. By the time it was ready to be ratified, Clinton was in office.  He introduced clauses to protect American workers and the environment. The House of Representatives approved NAFTA on November 17, 1993, by a vote of 234 to 200 (voting YAY were 132 Republicans and 102 Democrats). NAFTA passed the Senate 61-38 (voting YAY were 34 Republicans and 27 Democrats).  

  • Anonymous

    C’mon, you can do better than namecalling!  What exactly is your problem with Chellie Pingree?

  • Anonymous

    C’mon, you can do better than namecalling!  What exactly is your problem with Chellie Pingree?

  • Anonymous

    C’mon, you can do better than namecalling!  What exactly is your problem with Chellie Pingree?

  • Anonymous

    C’mon, you can do better than namecalling!  What exactly is your problem with Chellie Pingree?

  • Anonymous

    C’mon, you can do better than namecalling!  What exactly is your problem with Chellie Pingree?

  • Anonymous

    C’mon, you can do better than namecalling!  What exactly is your problem with Chellie Pingree?

  • Anonymous

    C’mon, you can do better than namecalling!  What exactly is your problem with Chellie Pingree?

  • Anonymous

    C’mon, you can do better than namecalling!  What exactly is your problem with Chellie Pingree?

  • Noah

    There is a wave of Tea Party radicalism sweeping the United States – has been ever since we elected Barack Obama.  I’ll say no more –  it’s obvious.

    We’ve witnessed Governor Scott Walker of Michigan take on the Public service sector.  Other states are linked to this nationwide attempt to wipe out the Middle Class with strong support from the Koch Brothers and other billionaires.

    In Maine, Le Page is tied in with Gov Perry of Texas by ignoring the Constitutional amendment guarding the separation of church and state.  In his customary blustery style calls for a Day of Prayer. 

    The hypocrisy of  Tea Party members calling for less government while  ignoring the Constitution,  and ordering GOPers  to force their edict down the throat of Americans is shameless. 

    Le Page’s push to take away registering on election day, is yet another of the strong arm tactics of this fanatical group.  Reducing the size of Chuck Michaud’s district is one of the most contemptuous actions to date,  not even considering the theft of the infamous wall mural.
     If you can’t get the votes at the ballot box, take away your opponent’s district is the TP rallying cry.   We will control all of you.

     

  • Noah

     How much of an improvement?
     

  • Noah

    Has anyone in Washington?  Punched a time clock? When you’re making $180,000 plus medical and retirement plans that would make a clock puncher weep – why go back to punching a clock.

  • Anonymous

    “Bush may have left us with debt” you say that as if it were nothing. Obama is trying to fix what Bush screwed up and it cannot be done overnight.  We are in big trouble because of Bush. He gutted our country.

  • StillRelaxin

    More golden nuggets!  I think we can find some truth somewhere in your message but it’s likely not what you actually intended to convey to others here.  All I will say is yes I totally agree ignorance probably does have a lot to do with many of the hardships people suffer in life.  Sometimes theirs and sometimes that of others.

  • Noah

    That’s right.  Can’t beat him – take away half of his district?   What fools these TPs think we are.

  • Noah

    I’ll be right behind you casting a vote for Mike.  Kevin Raye has soaked up too much TP propaganda.

  • Anonymous

    Fixing it by adding “more than”
    ten times of what it was, and that number is expected to almost double…

     

    A lot of Bush’s debt came from
    having to rebuild the military that Clinton had gutted.

     

     

    .

  • Anonymous

    Fixing it by adding “more than”
    ten times of what it was, and that number is expected to almost double…

     

    A lot of Bush’s debt came from
    having to rebuild the military that Clinton had gutted.

     

     

    .

  • Noah

    Two seemingly never ending wars started by the Bush crew have left this country up the banana tree.

    No one – especially a republican could ever solve this mess Bush, C heney, Rumsfeld and clan dropped in Bam’s lap.

    Trillions in debt even before Bam sat down in the Oval.  He had the auto industry – the entire American auto industry sliding into an abyss.  The banks were howling for help, too.  So Bam did was necessary and we have a growing auto industry again, along with some vefry rich – real rich – Wall Street brokers living it up, when only yesterday they were pleading poverty.

    Don’t forget after ten years of searching for Osama Bin Laden – a quest Bush washed his hands of – Obama took the dare and nailed the rat.  Then Bush re-emerges with Cheney and Rove, claiming they did it – not Bam.

    There may be differences of opinion about his ObamaCare on both sides of the political mainstream, but they’re not unsolvable.  At least, it was the first crack anyone has taken at trying to solve the ridiculous high costs of medical care in this country.

    I’ll be voting for Michaud and Bam again. 
     

  • Noah

    Two seemingly never ending wars started by the Bush crew have left this country up the banana tree.

    No one – especially a republican could ever solve this mess Bush, C heney, Rumsfeld and clan dropped in Bam’s lap.

    Trillions in debt even before Bam sat down in the Oval.  He had the auto industry – the entire American auto industry sliding into an abyss.  The banks were howling for help, too.  So Bam did was necessary and we have a growing auto industry again, along with some vefry rich – real rich – Wall Street brokers living it up, when only yesterday they were pleading poverty.

    Don’t forget after ten years of searching for Osama Bin Laden – a quest Bush washed his hands of – Obama took the dare and nailed the rat.  Then Bush re-emerges with Cheney and Rove, claiming they did it – not Bam.

    There may be differences of opinion about his ObamaCare on both sides of the political mainstream, but they’re not unsolvable.  At least, it was the first crack anyone has taken at trying to solve the ridiculous high costs of medical care in this country.

    I’ll be voting for Michaud and Bam again. 
     

  • Noah

    Two seemingly never ending wars started by the Bush crew have left this country up the banana tree.

    No one – especially a republican could ever solve this mess Bush, C heney, Rumsfeld and clan dropped in Bam’s lap.

    Trillions in debt even before Bam sat down in the Oval.  He had the auto industry – the entire American auto industry sliding into an abyss.  The banks were howling for help, too.  So Bam did was necessary and we have a growing auto industry again, along with some vefry rich – real rich – Wall Street brokers living it up, when only yesterday they were pleading poverty.

    Don’t forget after ten years of searching for Osama Bin Laden – a quest Bush washed his hands of – Obama took the dare and nailed the rat.  Then Bush re-emerges with Cheney and Rove, claiming they did it – not Bam.

    There may be differences of opinion about his ObamaCare on both sides of the political mainstream, but they’re not unsolvable.  At least, it was the first crack anyone has taken at trying to solve the ridiculous high costs of medical care in this country.

    I’ll be voting for Michaud and Bam again. 
     

  • Noah

    Two seemingly never ending wars started by the Bush crew have left this country up the banana tree.

    No one – especially a republican could ever solve this mess Bush, C heney, Rumsfeld and clan dropped in Bam’s lap.

    Trillions in debt even before Bam sat down in the Oval.  He had the auto industry – the entire American auto industry sliding into an abyss.  The banks were howling for help, too.  So Bam did was necessary and we have a growing auto industry again, along with some vefry rich – real rich – Wall Street brokers living it up, when only yesterday they were pleading poverty.

    Don’t forget after ten years of searching for Osama Bin Laden – a quest Bush washed his hands of – Obama took the dare and nailed the rat.  Then Bush re-emerges with Cheney and Rove, claiming they did it – not Bam.

    There may be differences of opinion about his ObamaCare on both sides of the political mainstream, but they’re not unsolvable.  At least, it was the first crack anyone has taken at trying to solve the ridiculous high costs of medical care in this country.

    I’ll be voting for Michaud and Bam again. 
     

  • newportres

    First I’ll address your last comment.  The going over the cliff talking points are a myth that not many Americans really fell for so you all are really overplaying that card.
    Yes the government does spend twice what it brings in every month but it can also get by on half of what it spends and that would include paying the interest on the debt.
    So no default on the debt and showingf that we were actually serious as a nation about fixing the problem would have kept our credit rating from being adjusted downward.

    As for your insinuation that the oil company makes too much in the way of profit please tell me what you think a proper profit margin should be.
    Don’t quaote the amount of the profit without showing the amount in sales because that is just dishonest and poor spin at best.
    What is their profit margin and what do you believe is fair.
    Once you set a number I’ll point out some liberal owned businesses that make a much higher margin on sales for you.
    As for where else can a company move out of a country and still do business in the country.
    Everywhere actually.

  • newportres

    I do not decry public service employees, I just feel there are way too many.
    I also do not decry the poor who are poor due to no fault of their own.
    I just feel there are way too many claiming that victims mantle.

  • Noah

    Well – he’s got one vote.

  • Anonymous

    Trillions in debt even before Bam sat down in the Oval,,, Right

    I am just glad I live in a state that is exempt from ObamaCare

    .

  • Noah

    You don’t know him.

  • Noah

    The TP-managed GOP has radicalized the political landscape.

  • Noah

    You had it right the first time – Pingree.  But if name calling is your forte – enjoy.

  • Anonymous

    He had to build the military and bankrupt the country to support two wars!  What a waste of money Iraq was! Payback to avenge your Daddy’s honor is no reason to sacrifice our servicepeople’s lives.  Yellowcake Uranium? WMD’s? All a lie!  Then Bush screwed the middle class by giving his rich cronies a tax break and pounded what was left of the country into the ground! Obama is trying to bring the middle class back from the brink of total anihilation.  The rich, who can afford to wait him out, are sabotaging his every move.  All they care about is the almighty dollar.  They have no empathy for those who are truly working hard and suffering because of their greed.  TAX THE RICH! It’s so obvious, I can’t believe there are middle class voters who don’t support it!

  • Noah

    You strike me as an extremely  cruel person. 

    Like the rest of  GOPer and TP crowd, you feel there “are way too many” PS people.  No explanation – just like Le Page and Walker – too many – have to go.  Firefighters, clerks, Police, nurses – ah, yes, far too many – have to go.

    If you’re not “decrying” PS employees why attack them?  Or, the poor,  you claim are where they are because that’s where they belong. 

    Government should periodically sift through the welfare cases and weed out those who take advantage of a system designed to assist the poor.  But no American hides a video camera under his shirt, tells an eight dollar an hour secretary that he’s running drugs, drives a Corvette, and needs medical help.  Just to prove that anyone can dupe the system.   What happened to review?

    But, that’s what you have when we’re wallowing in a sea of tea leaves stirred by an unforgiving, condescending and radical group of people.

  • Noah

    Your Bush pals  – including Cheney, Rove, and Rumsfeld, lied to the world about WMD in Iraq.  A decision to enter that war was made prior to 9/11.

    We are still paying.  Trillions of dollars are rolled up in both wars.   Wars are easy to start – especially when you lie.  Ending them, and paying for them – isn’t.  So, this was extra baggage along with stumbling economy that Obama inherited.  It just didn’t magically disappear after a year or two, even three.  So we can still blame Bush and his lackeys for the utter and total disregard of the American people – and those nations that were suckered into this abyss.

    When an oil company shows a profit of $10 billion after all expenses, we don’t need a public accountant to analyze the profit and losses, especially when oil and gas prices are yo-yoed before the American public at will.

    There must be many liberals working for Exxon who tell the boss they vote republican.  Likewise with so-called “liberal companies” where a mixture of GOPers and Libbers work.

    Libbers, TPs and GOPers all buy gas – I would imagine, and from what I’ve read and seen, they all think that $10 billion is just a bit too far.

  • Anonymous

    Well I do.
    I am not defending the reasons to go to war, but I do question Clintons decision to gut the military to balance the budget.

    Clinton chose to keep funneling billions to countries that hated us, instead of maintaining our military capability.,,,, and now Obama is doing the same…!

    Obamas is funneling money to countries that could very well use that aid to hurt us, but instead of cutting them off, he chooses to skrew our troops, retired vets and those on SSI.

    .

  • Anonymous

    Well I do.
    I am not defending the reasons to go to war, but I do question Clintons decision to gut the military to balance the budget.

    Clinton chose to keep funneling billions to countries that hated us, instead of maintaining our military capability.,,,, and now Obama is doing the same…!

    Obamas is funneling money to countries that could very well use that aid to hurt us, but instead of cutting them off, he chooses to skrew our troops, retired vets and those on SSI.

    .

  • Anonymous

    Well I do.
    I am not defending the reasons to go to war, but I do question Clintons decision to gut the military to balance the budget.

    Clinton chose to keep funneling billions to countries that hated us, instead of maintaining our military capability.,,,, and now Obama is doing the same…!

    Obamas is funneling money to countries that could very well use that aid to hurt us, but instead of cutting them off, he chooses to skrew our troops, retired vets and those on SSI.

    .

  • Anonymous

    Aren’t we in a replay of the 1920′s? 

  • Noah

    You obviously are of the opinion that we are all dumb, numb, and stupid.

    Of course Michaud is being targeted with a brazen attempt to cut his district so that Raye can get elected.

    Le Page’s house hates labor and public service employees.   As part of the TP movement attempts are being orchestrated throughout the country to wreck unions, take away public service jobs, and swing the vote in whatever way possible, over to the radical right.

    The Tea Party already controls much of Congress – but it wants more and won’t push aside any unscrupulous ways in doing it.

    No registration on election day is yet another years-old custom being attacked by the republican tea party movement in an attempt to defuse the poor voter’s voice.

    The Tea Party has declared war on the American working class.  Getting rid of Michaud who represents them, is their goal.

  • Noah

    You obviously are of the opinion that we are all dumb, numb, and stupid.

    Of course Michaud is being targeted with a brazen attempt to cut his district so that Raye can get elected.

    Le Page’s house hates labor and public service employees.   As part of the TP movement attempts are being orchestrated throughout the country to wreck unions, take away public service jobs, and swing the vote in whatever way possible, over to the radical right.

    The Tea Party already controls much of Congress – but it wants more and won’t push aside any unscrupulous ways in doing it.

    No registration on election day is yet another years-old custom being attacked by the republican tea party movement in an attempt to defuse the poor voter’s voice.

    The Tea Party has declared war on the American working class.  Getting rid of Michaud who represents them, is their goal.

  • Noah

    You obviously are of the opinion that we are all dumb, numb, and stupid.

    Of course Michaud is being targeted with a brazen attempt to cut his district so that Raye can get elected.

    Le Page’s house hates labor and public service employees.   As part of the TP movement attempts are being orchestrated throughout the country to wreck unions, take away public service jobs, and swing the vote in whatever way possible, over to the radical right.

    The Tea Party already controls much of Congress – but it wants more and won’t push aside any unscrupulous ways in doing it.

    No registration on election day is yet another years-old custom being attacked by the republican tea party movement in an attempt to defuse the poor voter’s voice.

    The Tea Party has declared war on the American working class.  Getting rid of Michaud who represents them, is their goal.

  • Noah

    You obviously are of the opinion that we are all dumb, numb, and stupid.

    Of course Michaud is being targeted with a brazen attempt to cut his district so that Raye can get elected.

    Le Page’s house hates labor and public service employees.   As part of the TP movement attempts are being orchestrated throughout the country to wreck unions, take away public service jobs, and swing the vote in whatever way possible, over to the radical right.

    The Tea Party already controls much of Congress – but it wants more and won’t push aside any unscrupulous ways in doing it.

    No registration on election day is yet another years-old custom being attacked by the republican tea party movement in an attempt to defuse the poor voter’s voice.

    The Tea Party has declared war on the American working class.  Getting rid of Michaud who represents them, is their goal.

  • Noah

    You obviously are of the opinion that we are all dumb, numb, and stupid.

    Of course Michaud is being targeted with a brazen attempt to cut his district so that Raye can get elected.

    Le Page’s house hates labor and public service employees.   As part of the TP movement attempts are being orchestrated throughout the country to wreck unions, take away public service jobs, and swing the vote in whatever way possible, over to the radical right.

    The Tea Party already controls much of Congress – but it wants more and won’t push aside any unscrupulous ways in doing it.

    No registration on election day is yet another years-old custom being attacked by the republican tea party movement in an attempt to defuse the poor voter’s voice.

    The Tea Party has declared war on the American working class.  Getting rid of Michaud who represents them, is their goal.

  • Noah

    You obviously are of the opinion that we are all dumb, numb, and stupid.

    Of course Michaud is being targeted with a brazen attempt to cut his district so that Raye can get elected.

    Le Page’s house hates labor and public service employees.   As part of the TP movement attempts are being orchestrated throughout the country to wreck unions, take away public service jobs, and swing the vote in whatever way possible, over to the radical right.

    The Tea Party already controls much of Congress – but it wants more and won’t push aside any unscrupulous ways in doing it.

    No registration on election day is yet another years-old custom being attacked by the republican tea party movement in an attempt to defuse the poor voter’s voice.

    The Tea Party has declared war on the American working class.  Getting rid of Michaud who represents them, is their goal.

  • Benevolent Despot

    More than likely.

  • Anonymous

    Peace vs War—–I’d rather spend my tax money feeding and providing medical care to Third World countries to keep them in check than killing them.  The threat of ecomonic embargos works.  It worked in Iraq until Bush felt he had to vindicate his father with Sadam Hussein and make up that ridiculous story about WMD’s and yellowcake uranium! 

  • Anonymous

    Peace vs War—–I’d rather spend my tax money feeding and providing medical care to Third World countries to keep them in check than killing them.  The threat of ecomonic embargos works.  It worked in Iraq until Bush felt he had to vindicate his father with Sadam Hussein and make up that ridiculous story about WMD’s and yellowcake uranium! 

  • newportres

    Seems the only thing you and Obama are able to keep doing is blaming Bush and the Tea Party and Earhtquakes and etc…….
    The country was attacked under Bush.  Our Financial hub was attacked.  He responded and your guys said he was going to undo a lot of what was done.

    Obama had a job to do and he said he could do it with the super majority he was given, he wasted that mandate.
    He is the commander in chief so he doesn’t even need the majority he still has to do many things. 
    He can close guantanamo on his own order. 
    He can withdraw all troops from both countries today and on the say so of no one else.  He can stop the wire tapping all by himself.
    He can do so many things and yet he does nothing but blame others (and mother nature ) for his failures to lead.
    The blame game isn’t cutting it anymore for so many reasons.

    As for the rest of your post it makes no sense and you come forward with nothing to support your notion that the oil companies make too much profit.
    For instance if they sell 1 Trillion dollars in oil in a year then your 10 billion dollar profit is a 1% profit margin. 
    Want to gues what the margin is on the computer you are using right now?

  • newportres

    You strike me as a person who doesn’t seem to have any limit for how much of my money you are willing to spend.

    As for your tactic of using police and firefighters as the only options for cutting when we talk cuts to PS it is as transparent as the the common knee jerk response whenever the school budget is cut of going after teachers instead of administrators.
    Why not talk about the multiple layers of staffers that work for DEP while we talk about cuts?
    Why not talk about getting of the whole department when their is already a National EPA which regulates most of the same topics?
    Do we really need to outdo the Federal Government on every front until we surpass their spending?
    Get off your own personal rhetoric and talk sense for a change.  You have managed to identify the Tea Party as having radical views without seeing any of your own.

  • newportres

    You strike me as a person who doesn’t seem to have any limit for how much of my money you are willing to spend.

    As for your tactic of using police and firefighters as the only options for cutting when we talk cuts to PS it is as transparent as the the common knee jerk response whenever the school budget is cut of going after teachers instead of administrators.
    Why not talk about the multiple layers of staffers that work for DEP while we talk about cuts?
    Why not talk about getting of the whole department when their is already a National EPA which regulates most of the same topics?
    Do we really need to outdo the Federal Government on every front until we surpass their spending?
    Get off your own personal rhetoric and talk sense for a change.  You have managed to identify the Tea Party as having radical views without seeing any of your own.

  • newportres

    You strike me as a person who doesn’t seem to have any limit for how much of my money you are willing to spend.

    As for your tactic of using police and firefighters as the only options for cutting when we talk cuts to PS it is as transparent as the the common knee jerk response whenever the school budget is cut of going after teachers instead of administrators.
    Why not talk about the multiple layers of staffers that work for DEP while we talk about cuts?
    Why not talk about getting of the whole department when their is already a National EPA which regulates most of the same topics?
    Do we really need to outdo the Federal Government on every front until we surpass their spending?
    Get off your own personal rhetoric and talk sense for a change.  You have managed to identify the Tea Party as having radical views without seeing any of your own.

  • newportres

    You need to go to a Tea Party meeting sometime. 
    You’ll find that none of us at the meeting  are rich by any means and most of us fall into what you are calling the working middle class.
    One of the biggest problems you progressives have with the real tea party is that reality doesn’t match your talking points.

  • newportres

    You need to go to a Tea Party meeting sometime. 
    You’ll find that none of us at the meeting  are rich by any means and most of us fall into what you are calling the working middle class.
    One of the biggest problems you progressives have with the real tea party is that reality doesn’t match your talking points.

  • Anonymous

    Why doesn’t the union purchase the mills? Unions recently spent 30 million dollars on recall elections in Wisconsin (yes I understand these are different unions but if workers stick together then they should start investing in each other).

    If Unions really cared about workers they could purchase the mills and finally show all those bad, corporate fat-cats how to run the most profitable, fair, efficient, worker-friendly and equitable profit-sharing mill in the whole world! You clearly should be in Senior Management, if such a thing would even exist in that arrangement. But beware, in business you actually need to have skills; complaining about the Koch brothers can’t be your crutch. You will actually need to think-although rock-Marines of your caliber are very often incapable of such a thing.

    Will liberals go beyond whining about government or someone else not doing enough for them? Unions have plenty of money to influence elections in order to elect people who give them what they want. Why not use that money to invest in new model companies that work the way unions always say businesses should? Maybe because it is always easier to whine about government and the wealthy not giving or doing enough for the poor worker…it makes for great politics. Criticism is easy, leading and doing are difficult. Didn’t you learn that in the Corps, Devil Dog?

  • Anonymous

    Why doesn’t the union purchase the mills? Unions recently spent 30 million dollars on recall elections in Wisconsin (yes I understand these are different unions but if workers stick together then they should start investing in each other).

    If Unions really cared about workers they could purchase the mills and finally show all those bad, corporate fat-cats how to run the most profitable, fair, efficient, worker-friendly and equitable profit-sharing mill in the whole world! You clearly should be in Senior Management, if such a thing would even exist in that arrangement. But beware, in business you actually need to have skills; complaining about the Koch brothers can’t be your crutch. You will actually need to think-although rock-Marines of your caliber are very often incapable of such a thing.

    Will liberals go beyond whining about government or someone else not doing enough for them? Unions have plenty of money to influence elections in order to elect people who give them what they want. Why not use that money to invest in new model companies that work the way unions always say businesses should? Maybe because it is always easier to whine about government and the wealthy not giving or doing enough for the poor worker…it makes for great politics. Criticism is easy, leading and doing are difficult. Didn’t you learn that in the Corps, Devil Dog?

  • Anonymous

    Now that the teaparty is in control we can redistrict as we like.
    The libs will be gone from memory in just a few months!

  • Anonymous

    Now that the teaparty is in control we can redistrict as we like.
    The libs will be gone from memory in just a few months!

  • Anonymous

    Now that the teaparty is in control we can redistrict as we like.
    The libs will be gone from memory in just a few months!

  • Anonymous

    Now that the teaparty is in control we can redistrict as we like.
    The libs will be gone from memory in just a few months!

  • Anonymous

    Now that the teaparty is in control we can redistrict as we like.
    The libs will be gone from memory in just a few months!

  • Anonymous

    Now that the teaparty is in control we can redistrict as we like.
    The libs will be gone from memory in just a few months!

  • Anonymous

    Now that the teaparty is in control we can redistrict as we like.
    The libs will be gone from memory in just a few months!

  • Anonymous

    I wish more people were smart enough to vote out the communist. However we see one guy here saying hes going to vote for Obama AGAIN.

  • Anonymous

    They came back so strong that now Chrysler is owned by Fiat, a non-American company, I think.

  • Anonymous

    They came back so strong that now Chrysler is owned by Fiat, a non-American company, I think.

  • Anonymous

    They came back so strong that now Chrysler is owned by Fiat, a non-American company, I think.

  • Anonymous

    They came back so strong that now Chrysler is owned by Fiat, a non-American company, I think.

  • Anonymous

    They came back so strong that now Chrysler is owned by Fiat, a non-American company, I think.

  • Anonymous

    Sounds like Part II, Chapter II of Atlas Shrugged. Awesome!

  • Anonymous

    Sounds like Part II, Chapter II of Atlas Shrugged. Awesome!

  • Anonymous

    If they want to continue working in the industry, they have to join the union. Wow, great for the individual with talent who doesn’t believe in the union.

  • Anonymous

    A day of prayer is in violation of the Separation of Church and State? What about Sharia law being brought to our legal system (Dearborn, MI) and nobody says a word. Oh yea, absolutely get in a peeing contest about a day of prayer! None of these professional politicians represent you or me. It’s their agenda, in their time, in their way!

  • Anonymous

    No, no, no. They are supposed to represent their constituents! What they believe in is not any more important than what you believe in or what I believe in. They are voting what the biggest spender tells them to vote. Once they treat their position as a job, we lose. And I’m afraid we are on the losing side, big time.

  • Anonymous

    sometimes i feel lack of character is the only prerequisite for running for office. so much arse kissing, hand shaking. too too sucky uppy for anyone with half a mind.

  • yowsayowsa1

    And don’t forget the “page after page” of added benefits.

  • yowsayowsa1

    (huh?)

  • Rgiff

    Sticking to the subject and not pointing a finger in any direction, In all states there should be a cut back of reps, and make the government rep just one party not two as for years they cant get along and its hurting the people more than helping them. Cut back on rep and save some money. They just sit down there and most of them think up a law that is stupid that riles the people of maine up.

  • Anonymous

    Depending  on your age, you may get your Social Security check and Dr and Medicine paid for, down the road 20+ years without change none of this will be possible. Look past the nose on your face, after you pull down out of the air!

  • Anonymous

    So I am to assume that the current way the voting districts are set up to be in favor of Michaud and his poitical party? After all, the Democrats in Maine have been in control of the State Government for the past 40 years. I say it’s about time for some change then!

  • Anonymous

    Its been a little more than “over night” and he has taken Bush’s debt and made it more than ten times worse…

  • Anonymous

    I’d rather “Not” give any more money in foreign aid, bring our boys home and spend that savings on the debt problem,,,, but Obama is doing just the opposite…!

    .

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