Ain't Politics Fun?

Truth be known, no they "ain't", in fact they have become too dirty and offensive. As an example, I refer to the recent column by Dave Miramant. The man got into office some two elections back through some shenanigans of the State Democrat party. He served his term, then in an attempted re-election came forth with aims of how he worked to lower taxes and other good things. This paper printed a letter from a political colleague of Mr. Miramant's which exposed the Miramant claims to be bogus. Fortunately and thankfully the voters saw through his offensive diatribe and voted Chris Rector into that office.

Apparently, now with Mr. Rector retiring, Mr. Miramant is giving it another go. In so doing, Mr. Miramant hasn't changed his fallacious political litany. This time, thanks to the letter in this paper (Sept. 4, by Paul Ackerman - "Puzzled by Miramant's take") Mr. Miramant is blown out of the political waters once again.

To disagree politically or otherwise is a precious prerogative of those of us in the free world. So why pollute it with untruths, especially when those untruths are blatantly intellectually offensive. Mr. Miramant accuses the governor of "creating more debt for the state" when in fact the governor paid back multi-millions of Medicare debt the state owed the hospitals. In addition, Maine now has a sizable surplus of some $93 million. Then again one needs remember that Democrats only generate debt much less accumulate surpluses. Paying back debts is alien to them. The fact that Mr. Miramant isn't running for governor seems to be irrelevant. To have read his column one needs conclude Mr. Miramant is amongst those Democrats who expect us to assume that our lakes and streams became polluted, (if in fact they are) with the election of a Republican governor. Does Mr. Miramant really expect us to be so obtuse as to forget that the same lakes and streams were flowing during the tenure of the four Democrat governors who preceded Governor LePage and no one raised the issue of pollution?? True, Governor LePage has his caustic and even his bawdy side, but he gets things done. Then again, who amongst us doesn't have a bit of the caustic and bawdy? The governor has lowered taxes, and his prime interest is the well-being of the state, not of his political party.

From the earliest of my 70 years of voting I used to look to vote "either side of the political aisle" if for no other reason but to assert my individual independence, but with the advent of the four musketeers headed by Obama, Biden, Pelosi and Harry Ried, heading the cesspool in D.C., it will be a cold day in hell before I consider adding to it by a local vote for Mr. Miramant.

Steve Masone
Camden

Chris Rector State Senate - on voter misinformation

Dear Voter,

It is personally distressing to me that there has been more misinformation, half-truth and outright lying in this election campaign about my voting record and positions on issues than I could ever have imagined possible. I am disheartened to think this is the new direction of politics in Maine.

The ability to discuss issues in a frank and candid manner is very important, and I certainly don’t mind honest disagreement about policy. I do, however, object to misinformation being spread as truth by those who do not even make an effort to verify its veracity. I hope you’ll agree that this behavior represents the worst form of subversion of our election process. Voters deserve to be armed with the facts, not the rumors or lies that someone presents as facts. We all know better than this!

To begin, the statement that I am a rubber stamp for the LePage administration is simply false. I have supported the Governor’s policies when I believed they were appropriate and I have objected to them when I have disagreed. For example, I fought hard to overcome the Governor’s veto of the R&D Bond proposal that would help to power Maine’s economy into the future. And I objected to the advance of “right to work” legislation as a distraction from a focus on serious issues affecting the Maine Economy such as spending priorities, debt, taxation and regulations.

Early in this Administration with seven of my Senate Republican colleagues, I signed a letter to the Governor, and met with him, objecting to the tone and the style with which he presented his message. It was offensive to many and unproductive for Maine.

I am proud of my record of protecting Maine’s Environment, as evidenced by my endorsement by Maine Conservation Voters.

I am also proud of my support of the business community, and the recognition of that effort, I have received the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Businesses. This stands as proof that Maine can certainly have a healthy environment and a strong economy.

I am proud of my support of education, including an increase in the current biennial budget of $62M to support K-12 public education that also helps to reduce property tax burdens back home.

And I am particularly proud of my record of reaching across the aisle to colleagues, evidenced by my endorsement by One Maine. Contrary to common belief, virtually all of the major initiatives in the 125th Legislature were supported by both parties. Legislative reforms of taxes, pensions, government regulations, small business and insurance reforms were all supported with bi-partisan votes in the Legislature. I am a leader of the effort to find common ground.

I have always taken my legislative responsibilities seriously. I have labored to represent the many diverse interests of my district and the best interests of the State of Maine. I am proud of my opportunity to be the Senator from Knox County and hope that I can return to that role in the126th legislature. Win or lose, I believe it is essential that voters have the truth about the many issues that have been circulated in a less than honest manner.

Please feel free to circulate this letter as you see fit to any who you think may not have all the facts, and please contact me directly if you have specific questions. I can be reached by e-mail at cwrector@hotmail.com, or by telephone at 354-6571. Everyone deserves to be informed when they vote.

Sincerely,Christopher Rector
State Senator District 22,
Knox County

Todays youth and Educational Reform - Bob Carter and Chris Rector

Many are saying that throwing more money at the problem will fix what is wrong with education. There are those who feel otherwise. Candidates such as Chris Rector and Bob Carter are taking a chance and advocating for a change in the education system – to stir things up a bit so that our education system is the best that it can be. So that our children can change and adapt as our future changes.

Facebook is an engine of change and reveals who we are. If also shows and reveals who we are as a society. We are presenting actual posts that were found on Facebook. Reading them should scare you and should solidify any doubt you may have as to why there needs to be a change in the way we educate our children:

“We have to work together all racist hand & hand.” - what this person is saying is that all races must work together hand in hand. Or maybe what the author is saying is that the Black Panthers and ku klux klan should be holding hands.

“I told u before I'm voting for Obama because he is black” - for no other reason than this?

“Plus the fact they have disrespected him. Plus the fact he worships $.” - what the writer is saying here is that the GOP has disrespected Obama and that Romney worships the dollar. You wouldn't know it by the way it was written though.

“Here is why because GOP party started changing again. Now the party has moved all the way to the right.” - does this mean that the GOP was middle of the road and they are now right leaning or that the GOP are now Nazis?

Or how about this one:

“Obama don't want people to be on warfare Cathy why u think his daughters are so smart.” - what does this mean?

Although these are only a few quotes you should get the picture. The money that you are paying in taxes for education is being thrown away. We have kids who are being passed along through the grades that cannot construct an intelligent sentence. Does this reflect well on the educational system? You be the judge. If the above sentences are any indication it shows that the current educational system is in need of a major overhaul.

Vote Republican, vote for change vote for your future.

Running for Office is a True Test of Character - Can Your Candidate handle the Pressure?

The political season is fast coming to a close and the attacks will only become stronger and more pointed. The attacks will come from both sides and aimed towards the other. What is interesting is the fallout from these ads. For instance we have seen the fallout from PAC ads against Jeff Evangelos running in district 49 against Bob Carter. Supporters for Jeff have come out in local papers where people have expressed their outrage about these negative ads and rightly so. The character of this man is being called into question. Are the statements untrue or are they just a little to close to home? That is something you as the voter will have to decide in just a few days.

As a voter you should look to see how your candidate handles being under the gun. Is this person a poor sport in the way he/ she handles criticism or does he/ she show grace under fire. Brushing aside the attacks and not falling for being set up. Does the candidate respond from the heart or the head. Running for office is a test of character. Do we really want someone in Augusta that ignores the competition and acts in a childlike manner? Of course not.

That is why we ask that you cast your vote for the Republicans in Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties. They have come under fire and have shown grace that one would expect our political leaders to display. Vote Republican, vote for change and vote for our future.

Chris Rector and his promise for Health Care Reform in Maine

2010 Chris Rector promised Maine families that he would reform the health care system in Maine. Chris Rector kept that promise to Maine's families with more choices and lower costs.

Mainers will soon be able to purchase health care coverage plans from other states - Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut as well as Maine. This will broaden the choices and increase the competition for all of us.

Because of this competition amongst these out of state plans for your business the cost for health care will be driven down. This will keep more of your money in your pocket.

There will be no loss of consumer protection as these out-of-state plans are subject to the same consumer protections that Maine plans are.

Senator Chris Rector is concerned about about health care for the families of Maine. In 2010 he made a promise and because of this Chris Rector has delivered. Support Chris Rector this coming election on November 6.

Maine Coast Television Channel 7 - Republican Candidate Schedule

10/22  2pm & 9pm  Carole Gartley

10/24  2pm & 9pm  Bob Carter

10/27  2pm & 9pm  Les Fossel

10/29  2pm & 9pm  Deb Sanderson and Jethro Pease (will play back to back)

10/31  2pm & 9pm  Mike Collins and Chris Rector (will play back to back)

11/03  2pm & 9pm  Jon Courtney

11/05  2pm & 9pm  Carole Gartley and Deb Sanderson (will play back to back)

These are interviews with the Republican candidates and it is a good opportunity to become familiar with the issues that your candidate stands for.

Meet the Candidate Chris Rector today and tomorrow

Today you can find Chris Rector knocking on doors in Owls Head. Tonight there is a forum starting at 6:30 pm at the Rockport Opera House - this is going to be a great chance to hear what the candidates stand for. This forum is sponsored by PenBay Pilot and the Rockport Public Library.

Tomorrow (Saturday 10/20) - Chris will be knocking on doors. We don't have the location - yet. The evening will find Chris at the Lincoln-Knox Farm Bureau Dinner in Washington (ME).

On the Campaign trail with Chris Rector

Last night Vianlhaven had a candidate forum in which both Chris Rector and Ed Mazurek participated. Chris Rector managed to do better than hold his own in this traditionally Democrat stronghold. This forum should be considered a "win" for Chris.


Tonight there is a forum sponsored by the Union Chamber of Commerce. There is a pot luck dinner from 5:30 - 6:30 and the forum starts at 6:30. We do not know what the format will be. Other Republicans of note who will be there are Les Fossel (Senate dist 20), Jethro Pease (House dist. 44), Bob Carter (House dist. 49) and Deb Sanderson (House dist. 52). Please come out and support these candidates.
 
Tomorrow (October 12) Chris Rector will find himself in Augusta. He will be co-chairing the Maine Economic Growth Council. This should should keep him occupied until the afternoon. Later in the afternoon expect to find Chris knocking on doors in the Rockport or Camden area.
 
Saturday (October 13) expect to find Chris Rector greeting the guests visiting from the cruise ship visiting Rockland that day. The afternoon will find Chris Rector in Thomaston as part of an Historical tour of the Thomaston Cemetery with the Thomaston Historical Society. Chris will be reading some information about notable citizens buried there.
 
Sunday (October 14) Chris can be found in the afternoon will be attending a meeting at the Second Congregational Church in Warren. The new pastor, Andrew Stinson will be giving a speech about his duty as a military Chaplin.

The Knoc County Republican Committee meeting of 10/09/2012

Last night the Knox County Republican Committee had a meeting that included Michael Collins, Jethro Pease, Carole Gartley, Les Fossel, Bob Carter, Chris Rector and Bruce Poliquin – Maine's State Treasurer.

The meeting started with Bruce who was articulate, engaging and funny. He also laid out what was on the line for the candidates running for office. Bruce’s speech lasted almost 30 minutes in which he covered a wide range of issues that concern Maine's citizens.

Bruce gave encouragement to those that attended the meeting by saying “Look at all of these signs... everybody look at what you've done” and pointed out all of the signs and work that the volunteers have done for the Republican party in Knox County.

He asked the audience “Who saw Obama get nailed” which brought a lot of applause from those attending.

Bruce also pointed out that “things are changing in this state.. the reasons things are changing is because we are doing it differently from the characters in DC”. He went on to point out what everyone knows what the problems and issues are. Everyone knows that our government is too big. What happens with big government? Bruce went on to explain that government will have to charge a fortune in taxes and fees to pay for things. The issue is that in doing so we draw business investment away, jobs are drawn away and out kids end up leaving. What is left? Nothing but a series of fiscal calamities. Greece is a prime example of this very reality.

Bruce Poliquin went on and discussed the National debt as being a 600 lb Gorilla. When the interest rates start to go up we will be saddled with a spike in interest payments. The Gorilla is a beast that is in need of being tamed. To tame this beast is going to require reform. Can reform be done? As Bruce pointed out – yes it can – and he gave an example right here in Maine where government has been able to eliminate 41% of the pension debt. 41%.

What would happen if this mess was fixed? A renaissance. Our country would go through a renaissance where business investment and employment would come together. Investing in business makes them grow, business expands, more people are hired and incomes go up. This idea makes sense and the enthusiasm as displayed by the crowd was resounding.

One of the major points that Bruce Poliquin was making was that in the last few years we have turned this state around. Maine is spending less and borrowing less according to Bruce. There is fiscal responsibility that is being introduced to the state on a level that has not been seen for decades. Supporting the Republican candidates in Maine come November 6 will ensure that Maine continues down the path of fiscal responsibility and that what we have gained will not be lost.

October 9, 2012 - Knox County Republican Committee - Meeting

Come show support for Republican Candidates in Knox County on Tuesday at 6 pm. Jon Courtney, Carole Gartley and Chris Rector will be there to answer questions and this will be an opportunity to hear what is going to happen for the last 30 days of the campaign.

Come meet Senator Chris Rector, Carole Gartley and Jon Courtney Sept. 26

The Knox County Republican women will be holding a business meeting on Wednesday September 26. This meeting will be held at the Helm - located on route 1 in Rockport.

Guest will include State Senator Chris Rector and House Candidate Carole Gartley. Also planning on attending is Jon Courtney - US Candidate for US Congress.

This meeting starts at 11:30 and runs until noon at which point lunch will be served. There will be a silent auction and the results will be announced at then conclusion of lunch.

For more information please contact Linda Brawn at 236-3123.

We have learned that Charlie Summers is supposed to be attending this meeting also. To find out more about Charlie visit him at: summersformaine.com or on facebook

Chris Rector - visits Sea Hag Seafood Co

This past Thursday Chris Rector (State Senate District 22) was down in Tennants Harbor visiting with Kyle Murdock, owner of Sea Hag Seafood Co. Sea Hag Seafood is a Lobster-processing facility which is located at the former Great Eastern Mussel Farm – has plans to process and ship out of state frozen and cooked tail, claw and knuckle meat.

Chris Rector who is seeking to be re-elected cares about local businesses. Being a local business man and owner of Camden Cone, Chris understands the need that businesses have. To keep up with Chris Rector like him on Facebook.

For Chris Rector it is not all about serving ice cream

As the summer season winds down Chris Rector (District 22) can often be found working at his ice cream business – The Camden Cone – which by the way has super ice cream and service. He does not stop there. Starting next week (August 26) Chris will be working for you in Augusta as an active participant in the State Human Resource Directors Convention where he will be giving a speech on Worker's Comp reforms that were put into place this year. Chris will be back in Augusta starting September 4th through the 6th where he will be chairing his committee in public hearings. He will also be in session on September 6th in the Maine Senate. Finally on Friday September 7th Chris will be serving as part of a panel in a daylong workshop dealing with expanding science literacy in Maine. This workshop will be in Portland at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

As the District 22 candidate let Chris know your thoughts about what the issues are. Although his schedule may appear full he will take the time to listen to what you have to say. Show your support for Chris Rector by putting a sign on your lawn or letting him know you endorse him. Chris can be contacted by phone (207-354-6571) or email (cwrector@hotmail.com). For a lawn sign contact Chris or the Knox County Republican Party (207-594-5118).