Gov. Paul LePage used the line item veto for the 1st time ever since it's enactment in 1995. Then Gov. Angus King asked the people for it and it was added to the Me. Constitution that year. Of course, it's use has turned into a 3 ring political and media circus all because a lot of R's, every D and the entire mainstream media still aren't quite ready for what is Paul R. LePage. When it comes to fiscal responsibility, the D's still spend like drunken sailors (with apologies to drunken sailors), the R's talk a good game but usually don't vote that way and the MSM.., well what the heck do you expect from the PPH and BDN and LSJ? Paul LePage marches to a beat that just about every politician doesn't hear and he doesn't care what the MSM, the D's, the R's or anyone else thinks about use of the line item veto. Is there a disconnect between LePage and his party? At it's mainstream, this is how we're supposed to act and always have core, there most certainly is. "Regular" Republicans still don't get it and still don't get Paul LePage.
Now, of course the D's have turned this into a dog and pony show (do you get both a circus and dog and pony show in any other blogs?) and have asked for all documents pertaining to the polling done by the R's about whether or not to reconvene through the Freedom of Access Act. I'm not surprised Drama Queen Emily Cain spouted off but I am surprised the normally very calming, reserved Barry Hobbins channeled his Drama Queenness (sorry Dennis Bailey) and said the R's showed a "fundamental lack of courage". Both sides showed the fundamental lack of courage by not realizing what the Gov. does.., that we are in a crisis and we must stop it! My sense is the average Mainer, outside of the inside baseball of Me. politics loves the fact that the Gov. took a stand. Maybe someday we'll actually elect people to the Legislature who do too.
Item 2 The Nug spews and Kruger's Cruzin on Twitter Konfuzes me
So Ted Nugent warmed up the crowed at an NRA event last weekend and said this.., "If Barack Obama becomes the president in November again, I will either be dead or in jail by this time next year." Now, I don't for a minute think that The Nug is gonna take out Barry if he wins in November but when you say that kind of stuff, you'd better expect it to be scrutinized and possibly get a visit from the Secret Service (when they're not banging high priced escorts in Columbia). I suspect they'll come to the same conclusion as me that while this is a very dumb thing to say, The Nug isn't gonna take out Barry and stuff.
Now that leads me to State Rep. Chuck Kruger and his tweet on Twitter. Back in August, Kruger for reasons known only to him, tweeted the following.., "Cheney deserves same final end as he gave Saddam. Hope there are cellcams #cheney." You tell me who wants someone dead and who doesn't between The Nug and Kruger. Here's what Kruger said after he got caught.., "I do not wish for the death of Dick Cheney or anyone. I did NOT call for his execution, that was an absolute smear from an organization dedicated to damaging Democrats. I did make a lousy attempt at humor, and I regret that." Now maybe I'm not very smart but if Kruger wasn't calling for Cheney to be hung like Saddam (no jokes please) then what in the hell was he calling for? Should the Secret Service tear themselves away from Columbian hookers and pay Kruger a visit? If they visited The Nug, they ought to be arriving at PWM shortly. Kruger is dumb and apparently he thinks we all are too.., after all, he is a Democrat.
8 million people have viewed Matthew Broderick pay tribute to the iconic 80's character that launched his career-and that's before the ad airs during the Super Bowl this Sunday!
So we are now done with the New Hampshire primary and Mitt is two for two. It was all over before New Hampshire. It should be over now. But on to South Carolina. Let's say Mitt wins. Will Ron Paul drop out? Never. But that's okay. It is good to have someone remain in the campaign to keep the candidate "honest" and on his toes. But at this point Gingrich is starting to really hurt the party. His decision to go negative simply gives Obama more talking points for the Super Bowl of politics. Huntsman is too "Mitt like" to make any inroads. Rick Perry should have never run. And Santorum will continue to fade as the "flavor of the day" trend continues. Bottom line: The Republicans will finally chose the best candidate to beat Obama in 2012. Good going. I wish the Dems had learned that lesson in 2004. Hopefully, in 2016, the Dems will nominate the best person to beat either the Republican president or the Republican candidate - and, as well know, she is Hillary Clinton! Ken
I had considered, in the Christmas spirt (holiday spirit?) NOT doing a blog about Governor LePage. But based on the last week or so I simply cannot help but comment on the Governor's "truthfulness." I would normally think that the Governor is either stupid or a pathological liar. Since he is not stupid, I have to assume he is a pathological liar. Seriously. Can he simply not help himself? He speaks to an audience of one hundred people and says "they" (his administration) called Forbes to see why Maine is still ranked 50th in business friendly states. He then detailed what the editor of Forbes said to him. The only problem is that the editor of Forbes didn't say these things to the Gorvernor or his staff. And, to make matters worse, the editor calls him out on it. And, as you know, this is one of many examples of the Governor's "straying" from the facts.
Governor, some friendly advice. Answer the questions. Short and sweet. Don't add to it. Don't embellish it. Don't change facts to advance your agenda. Otherwise, some of us may think you are a pathological liar. Oh, by the way, Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
The dust has cleared and there is a new elected mayor in Portland. Our congratulations to Mayor Mike Brennan. What is clear to me is that ranked choice voting worked: Every positiion after the first round remained in the exact same order after the thirteenth and final round. And we now have a mayor that has more than 50% of the vote. Success! Maine voters soundly rejected more casinos. It will be interesting to see if the legislature will actually put forth a real plan for developing and/or controlling casino development. I think not, but they should!
5-17 Mark Rees
Mark Rees, Portland City Manager, joins us to discuss parking and trash pick-up issues in Portland.
5-17 Neal Pratt
Neal Pratt joins us to discuss the remodeling scale back of the Cumberland County Civic Center.
5-17 Daily Rundown
Mike and Dennis discuss the case of surrounding the death of Ethan Henderson, the latest on economic development in Portland, and much more!
5-16 Daily Rundown
Mike and Ken discuss the latest regarding the State budget, George W. giving Romney his back, and more!
5-15 Daily Rundown
Gay marriage money coming in, Ron Paul ends campaign in remaining voting states, parking fees in Portland, and more!
5-14 Daily Rundown
Mike and Ken discuss the big topics of the morning. Including the President's outing on Gay marriage, attempts to calm fears at JP Morgan, and much more!
5-11 Daily Rundown
Mike and Jeremy give us their keen perspective on the Vice President smoking out his superior, the Maine legislature discussing the budget, and much more!
