PORTLAND (AP) — Former Maine Democratic Gov. John Baldacci says he would seriously mull another run for governor if he has concerns with the field of candidates. Baldacci on a Thursday radio appearance said he could consider entering the race if he doesn’t see enough “moderation” or bipartisan spirit among candidates. So far, 15 candidates, […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
New poll finds wide support for Susan Collins, touble for Bruce Poliquin
A new poll from a Democratic polling firm shows Mainers overwhelmingly agree that U.S. Sen. Susan Collins did the right thing when she cast a decisive vote against a Republican health care proposal last month. The Public Policy Polling survey this week for a group called Our Lives on the Line found that 65 percent […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Two unions agree to Paul LePage’s ‘right to work’ contract language
Two of the state’s largest public sector labor unions have agreed to eliminate the requirement that all employees pay union fees whether or not they are members. David Heidrich, a spokesman for the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, said Thursday morning that both the Maine State Employees Association, which represents more than 9,000 executive […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Paul LePage calling special session over food sovereignty law
AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine Gov. Paul LePage says he’s calling lawmakers back to Augusta over the food sovereignty law. LePage told legislative leaders in a letter dated Tuesday that a special session is necessary before the law takes effect on Nov. 1 because of objections from the federal government. The law allows for local regulation […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine Senate assistant leader Cushing disputes ethics accusation
AUGUSTA (AP) — A leading Republican lawmaker is pushing back against the latest accusation of ethics violations involving his campaign and leadership political action committee. The Maine Democratic Party said Tuesday that Assistant Senate Leader Andre Cushing sent a save-the-date email promoting his leadership PAC’s August event before the legislative session officially ended Aug. 2. […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Bar Harbor Democrat Tim Rich seeks U.S. House seat
Democratic congressional hopeful Tim Rich, a Bar Harbor coffee shop owner, said the rise of Donald Trump in the Republican presidential primary campaign was “a big awakening for me.” He credited one moment last year for shifting his despair into a desire to combat what he saw as “a dangerous threat” to American democracy. On […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Paul LePage names new press secretary
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage appointed a new press secretary Tuesday. Julie Rabinowitz, the Maine Labor Department’s director of policy, operations and communication, will start in the new role on Sept. 5. “Julie has worked closely with our communications team and our policy advisers in her role at the Labor Department, and I am looking […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Marijuana may be legal, but the Border Patrol will seize it anyway
BANGOR (AP) — Border Patrol officials in Maine say they will still enforce federal law and confiscate marijuana after residents voted for legalization last November. Chief Daniel Hiebert tells The Portland Press Herald border agents are not actively looking for the drug, but they will confiscate it if found. With a short staff at the […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
OPEGA report finds lack of accountability for Pine Tree Development zones
AUGUSTA (AP) — A report suggests a program created by then-Maine Gov. John Baldacci to spur development in economically depressed areas is not helping much. Some lawmakers want to scrap the program. The Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability says the Pine Tree Development Zone program lacks accountability to assess its true capacity to […]
Posted inMaine, Nation / World, sj-web
Trump: 'All option are on the table' after latest North Korea missle test
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says “all options are on the table” after North Korea launched ballistic missiles over Japan. Trump says in a written statement Tuesday that “threatening and destabilizing actions” only increase North Korea’s isolation in the region and around the world. The president says North Korea’s actions show “contempt for its […]