Silly question?
Maybe.
But her recent political antics certainly provoke much widespread puzzlement and confusion. Either Susan is badly out of step with the Republican Party, or many in the Republican Party are out of step with Susan. As a very troubling symptom of Senator Collins political "pivots", the very left-leaning Portland Press Herald has been keeping her front and center in the paper on an almost daily basis, as she gives various Republicans a "black eye". It has kept most Republicans very unhappy!
These days Republicans come in many different "political flavors. There are: conservative "Tea Partiers", Libertarians, Middle of the Road types, RINOs, and then there is Senator Susan Collins. Is she an Independent, or an-almost Democrat, or what?
In all fairness, Senator Collins has many years of admirable public service as a Maine Republican Senator. She used to be a fairly recognizable "middle of the road Republican", able to compromise on legislation when it seemed appropriate to get things done. This was compromise without "surrender" of core Republican principles. Now we are left wondering as she jumps ship on core Republican issues like Obamacare - repeal and replace. Senator Collins recently proposed a bill to rescind President Trump's decision to disallow transgender persons in the military. The president's decision recognized the difficulty of having a functional, combat ready military if there is an array of internal social turbulence.
Here in Maine, there is much Republican perplexity about Senator Collins "next political move". Will she run for Governor of Maine? On which party? Republican, Independent, or Democrat? When will she make known her decision? Some suggest it will happen within a month. There is considerable concern being privately expressed among some Republicans that a Collins run for Governor could be a "spoiler" for those Republicans who have already announced that they are in the gubernatorial race. The speculation is that, having offended Maine Republican leadership, and therefore damaging her her chances in the Republican primaries, that she might enter as an Independent candidate. As an Independent, with great name recognition and with constant press approval of her rebellions against the Republican party, she might scoop up supporters from among more liberal Republicans and from a large number of Democrats, who like her attacks on Republicanism.
The word in the street is that over the years, Collins has accumulated a huge "election war chest" and doesn't need any financial support from the Maine Republican party. Furthermore, it is being whispered behind closed doors that she is hinting at helping with financial support for Maine politicians seeking Maine or national political offices. Loyalty to Susan Collins is the 'quid pro quo'. The "Collins marketing pitch": Imagine a "Republican Governor for 8 years. Imagine a Republican majority in the Maine House and Senate. Imagine an all Republican congressional delegation.
Just "make nice" to Susan Collins in the primaries and it all could fall into place.
Has she "cooked her goose", as Gov LePage claims, or can she entice with "a chicken in every pot" for loyal candidates?
Showing posts with label Paul LePage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul LePage. Show all posts
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Alan Caron: Maine Democrats have only themselves to blame for LePage victory
An article that was posted on November 6 in the PPH (Pingree Press Herald) takes the view of why the Democratic party may have taken such a beating. This from the perspective of a Democrat. When done with the article check out the comments as many of them offer an interesting view of the election.
PPH (Pingree Press Herald)
Congratulations to Republican Gov. Paul LePage and his team for a well-run, smart campaign. They never wavered on making government spending, welfare and immigration their galvanizing issues. LePage didn’t commit a major gaffe. His debate performance was strong, and he actually gained support during the race.
In the wake of Tuesday’s losses, the first instinct of Democrats will be to blame others: big money from away, independent candidate Eliot Cutler and a Republican “wave.” That would be both a mistake and a lost opportunity.
Democrats need to go back to the drawing board and take a hard look at their priorities, their messaging and who they’ve been nominating for higher offices. They need to look inward rather than outward. They promised to do that kind of “soul-searching” after 2010, but there wasn’t much evidence of it this year.
Those who can’t imagine why LePage was re-elected have not been listening carefully enough to Maine people. In growing numbers, Mainers are frustrated about the state’s economy and stagnation. In part, they blame a government that has outgrown our means and that cannot be sustained without continuing tax increases, which, in turn, hurt the economy.
The election of Paul LePage was made possible because of the growing perception that Democrats have forgotten the working people and taxpayers of Maine, and that won’t change until Democrats in Maine pay more attention to those voices, and actually do something about it. Rightly or wrongly, voters are coming to feel that Democrats are incapable of changing a government that they are so busy defending.
Full story: PPH (Pingree Press Herald)
PPH (Pingree Press Herald)
Congratulations to Republican Gov. Paul LePage and his team for a well-run, smart campaign. They never wavered on making government spending, welfare and immigration their galvanizing issues. LePage didn’t commit a major gaffe. His debate performance was strong, and he actually gained support during the race.
In the wake of Tuesday’s losses, the first instinct of Democrats will be to blame others: big money from away, independent candidate Eliot Cutler and a Republican “wave.” That would be both a mistake and a lost opportunity.
Democrats need to go back to the drawing board and take a hard look at their priorities, their messaging and who they’ve been nominating for higher offices. They need to look inward rather than outward. They promised to do that kind of “soul-searching” after 2010, but there wasn’t much evidence of it this year.
Those who can’t imagine why LePage was re-elected have not been listening carefully enough to Maine people. In growing numbers, Mainers are frustrated about the state’s economy and stagnation. In part, they blame a government that has outgrown our means and that cannot be sustained without continuing tax increases, which, in turn, hurt the economy.
The election of Paul LePage was made possible because of the growing perception that Democrats have forgotten the working people and taxpayers of Maine, and that won’t change until Democrats in Maine pay more attention to those voices, and actually do something about it. Rightly or wrongly, voters are coming to feel that Democrats are incapable of changing a government that they are so busy defending.
Full story: PPH (Pingree Press Herald)
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Governor Paul LePage and First Lady Ann LePage on Veterans Day
Today
is Veteran's Day. Please take a moment to stop and honor a family
member, a friend, or a member of your community who served in uniform.
First Lady Ann LePage said, "to all veterans and their families, our simple thank you will never be enough. You maintain and strengthen the presence of freedom in our nation for generations to come. We want to extend our most sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for your courage and dedication."
Paul LePage, Maine's Governor on Facebook.
First Lady Ann LePage said, "to all veterans and their families, our simple thank you will never be enough. You maintain and strengthen the presence of freedom in our nation for generations to come. We want to extend our most sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for your courage and dedication."
Paul LePage, Maine's Governor on Facebook.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Ebola: Public Health Practice vs post modern politics
Traditionally, public health practice looks at any epidemic in terms of levels of prevention: primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. For a successful battling of an epidemic all three types of prevention activities are needed, if possible. Primary prevention is the notion of an absolute prevention of new cases (reducing incidence), using whatever methodologies are available. A vaccination program - when vaccine exists- is one excellent example of primary prevention. Eliminating infected water or food sources is another tactic for food or water borne infections. Isolating or strictly localizing infected persons is yet another classic preventive approach, which aims at halting further spread of the disease.
Secondary prevention is treating actual, existing, known cases of the disease and conducting the treatment in such a manner as to prevent spread of the illness from the known cases of the illness to those around them, in contact with them: family, friends, caregivers, children. The aim here is to reduce the prevalence by reducing the numbers of sick by early treatment and intervention- and thereby eliminating spread of the disease to the extent possible.
Tertiary prevention is reducing the pools of disability and dysfunctions that may result in people who have recovered from the infectious stage of the illness, but who retain secondary damage, dysfunction or disability. It is commonly thought of as "rehabilitation" from secondary (non-infectious) disabling effects of an illness (such as paralysis in polio).
In all of its activities public health aims at keeping the public well and functioning. It is what is called a "population oriented approach" defining populations at risk and intervening in the ways noted above. It works for the greater good of the "at risk" population, and to do so it must have medical control over those who can cause contamination/infection of those who are potential victims of the epidemic.
This classic public health approach is at odds with the rampant, "I have a right", personal rights of the post-modern generation. Officials must minutely titrate risk/benefit so as to avoid offending politically. In the present Ebola epidemic there are larger, always latent political issues: the epidemic is in a "black African country" (watch out for the "race card"), there are national interests vs the liberal fear that we don't want to appear "nationalistic". We have elements in the country (US) that believes passionately in "diversity" and in the myth of "the international community". The liberal concern is "what will our neighbors think".
So public health becomes "political health" and our leaders try to cut things as close as possible to protect individualistic rights, feminist rights in the face of potential contagion. Is it better to exhibit "politically correct" 'bona fides' than to protect our huge population from death? Today's Portland Press Herald has multiple reportages, editorials, opinions about Ebola is a near perfect demo of the liberal interpretation of the issue and the problems for partisan political purposes. Since the epidemiology of Ebola, or any viral disease, is not a precise matter, the mantra of "only if you have contact with body fluids" gets repeated again and again. But viruses are prone to change genetically over the course of an epidemic, and human resistance/immunity is highly variable.
Does the Ebola virus know that the US President will only allow it to cause disease via body fluids? What about used Kleenexes, door knobs, cutlery, dinner plates, clothing wash basins, bath tubs, towels, face cloths? And ... which body fluids: spray from coughing and sneezing, sputum, sweat, feces?
The question for the US public is: How safe do we want to be? How much risk of medical danger can we tolerate? Is being scrupulously politically correct more important to everyone than getting a potentially deadly disease? Look what the military is recommending. Look at other countries.
Secondary prevention is treating actual, existing, known cases of the disease and conducting the treatment in such a manner as to prevent spread of the illness from the known cases of the illness to those around them, in contact with them: family, friends, caregivers, children. The aim here is to reduce the prevalence by reducing the numbers of sick by early treatment and intervention- and thereby eliminating spread of the disease to the extent possible.
Tertiary prevention is reducing the pools of disability and dysfunctions that may result in people who have recovered from the infectious stage of the illness, but who retain secondary damage, dysfunction or disability. It is commonly thought of as "rehabilitation" from secondary (non-infectious) disabling effects of an illness (such as paralysis in polio).
In all of its activities public health aims at keeping the public well and functioning. It is what is called a "population oriented approach" defining populations at risk and intervening in the ways noted above. It works for the greater good of the "at risk" population, and to do so it must have medical control over those who can cause contamination/infection of those who are potential victims of the epidemic.
This classic public health approach is at odds with the rampant, "I have a right", personal rights of the post-modern generation. Officials must minutely titrate risk/benefit so as to avoid offending politically. In the present Ebola epidemic there are larger, always latent political issues: the epidemic is in a "black African country" (watch out for the "race card"), there are national interests vs the liberal fear that we don't want to appear "nationalistic". We have elements in the country (US) that believes passionately in "diversity" and in the myth of "the international community". The liberal concern is "what will our neighbors think".
So public health becomes "political health" and our leaders try to cut things as close as possible to protect individualistic rights, feminist rights in the face of potential contagion. Is it better to exhibit "politically correct" 'bona fides' than to protect our huge population from death? Today's Portland Press Herald has multiple reportages, editorials, opinions about Ebola is a near perfect demo of the liberal interpretation of the issue and the problems for partisan political purposes. Since the epidemiology of Ebola, or any viral disease, is not a precise matter, the mantra of "only if you have contact with body fluids" gets repeated again and again. But viruses are prone to change genetically over the course of an epidemic, and human resistance/immunity is highly variable.
Does the Ebola virus know that the US President will only allow it to cause disease via body fluids? What about used Kleenexes, door knobs, cutlery, dinner plates, clothing wash basins, bath tubs, towels, face cloths? And ... which body fluids: spray from coughing and sneezing, sputum, sweat, feces?
The question for the US public is: How safe do we want to be? How much risk of medical danger can we tolerate? Is being scrupulously politically correct more important to everyone than getting a potentially deadly disease? Look what the military is recommending. Look at other countries.
Governor LePage Issues Statement About Healthcare Worker in Fort Kent Who Worked in West Africa
October 29, 2014
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary (207) 287-2531
AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage issued a statement Wednesday morning about a healthcare worker who had been quarantined in New Jersey and is now in Fort Kent still under voluntary quarantine.
“We commend all healthcare workers for their humanitarian work in West Africa and other regions in the world, and we are proud that Americans are always ready to help others,” said Governor LePage. “However, the healthcare worker who is in Fort Kent has been unwilling to follow the protocols set forth by the Maine CDC and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control for medical workers who have been in contact with Ebola patients.”
“We hoped that the healthcare worker would voluntarily comply with these protocols, but this individual has stated publicly she will not abide by the protocols,” Governor LePage said. “We are very concerned about her safety and health and that of the community. We are exploring all of our options for protecting the health and well-being of the healthcare worker, anyone who comes in contact with her, the Fort Kent community and all of Maine. While we certainly respect the rights of one individual, we must be vigilant in protecting 1.3 million Mainers, as well as anyone who visits our great state.”
Upon learning the healthcare worker intends to defy the protocols, the Office of the Governor has been working collaboratively with the State health officials within the Department of Health and Human Services to seek legal authority to enforce the quarantine.
Governor LePage and the Maine CDC have been following the care and movements of the healthcare worker since Monday. The Maine State Police will monitor the residence in Fort Kent where the healthcare worker is staying, for both her protection and the health of the community.
To protect privacy and security, neither this person’s identity nor the location of quarantine will be released by the state.
The original press release may be found by following this link: Governor Paul LePage
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Lawyers, Divorce Industry Like Mike - Should You?
Several years ago I went through a divorce which involved a Guardian ad litem (GAL). At the time I believed in the court system and had not reason to mistrust a GAL. As the divorce went from weeks to months it became apparent that this "officer of the court" was nothing more than an unmonitored GOD allowed to do an say and do anything they wanted. The very idea of a GAL in itself violates the rights that we have as citizens. Aside from the Guardian ad litem the whole process in Family Court has been and continues to be very revealing. It is a corrupt system that is in a slow state of decay.
Why is this important to you - A Republican, Independent or Democrat?
Three years ago I started to become politically active - being motivated by the corruption and decay I was seeing with Guardians ad litem and our Family Courts. There were few politicians that would give me the time of day - most brushing me aside as being sour grapes because of a divorce gone wrong.
Slowly though that has changed. In three years a grass roots group of like minded people have come together and managed to have legislation enacted (LD 872) which was signed by Gov. Paul LePage (July 2013). Since then there has been numerous pieces of correspondence with him regarding the issues in Family Court. This from myself and the many others who have been abused by the system. It has taken years to educate Gov. Paul LePage but he gets it and as a result the governor is clearly a Politician Putting Kids First.
The Governor has earned the wrath of many over the years. In the past few months he has been in the sights of the Judicial Branch (which has silently endorsed Mike Michaud), lawyers (with Mike Asen publicly stating that he and other lawyers do not want another 4 years of LePage), Guardians ad litem (which like the Judicial Branch has silently been endorsing Mike Michaud) and many who make their living off of divorcing families (the Divorce Industry) going through the Family Court system.
As a parent who has gone through or is going through a divorce and is considering a vote for Mike Michaud because of the values he may bring to the table, or the fact that he may be more polished than our current governor. I would ask this of you:
Why is it that the Judicial Branch, Family Court lawyers, GALs and the Divorce Industry like Mike so much? Why is it that they are raising money for Mike as if it were going out of style? Do you think they have your interest at heart?
If Mike is elected will he listen to your voice as a concerned parent or the voice of the Divorce Industry which has supported him financially?
We are asking you with this election to vote for anyone other than Mike Michaud. A vote for Mike in our eyes is a vote for the Divorce Industry and the status quo.
Some of the lawyers who like Mike:
Michael Asen Esq (MittelAsen) - has helped fundraise for Mike on several occasions - 07/25/2014; 08/11/2014; 08/14/2014;
Michael Asen Esq has also been quoted by the Portland Press Herald as saying “My highest priority is making sure we don’t have another four years of this governor.” in an August 12, 2014 posting and referring to Gov. Paul LePage. Remember Gov. Paul LePage signed the Dutremble bill LD 872 "An Act To Improve the Quality of Guardian ad Litem Services for the Children and Families of Maine" which the Judicial Branch hated as did lawyers and Guardians ad litem. Michael Asen Esq is also the chair of fund raising for Maine lawyers who like "Mike".
Diane Dusini Esq (MittelAsen) - has helped raise money for Mike on at least one occasion - 08/11/2014. It should be noted that is also the President of the Maine Bar.
Stephanie Cotsirilos - former Wall Street Lawyer - has helped raise money for Mike Michaud - 08/11/2014.
Robert Gips Esq (DrummondWoodsun) has helped raise money for Mike Michaud - 08/11/2014.
Neil Jamieson Esq (Prescott Jamieson Nelson & Murphy) has helped to raise money for Mike Michaud - 07/21/2014; 08/11/2014.
Brett D. Baber Esq (Lanham Blackwell & Baber) has helped to raise money for Mike Michaud - 08/11/2014.
Janis B. Cohen Esq. has helped to raise money for Mike Michaud - 08/11/2014.
Elizabeth Scheffee Esq. (Givertz Scheffee & Lavoie, PA) has helped raised money for Mike Michaud - 08/11/2014.
Richard S. Berne Esq. (Law Office of Richard Berne) - is helping Mike Michaud with campaign contributions - 08/11/2014.
Add to this list the fact that Senate President Justin Alfond has reportedly told Senators in his caucus - enough with GAL and Family Court reform……….
Why is this important to you - A Republican, Independent or Democrat?
Three years ago I started to become politically active - being motivated by the corruption and decay I was seeing with Guardians ad litem and our Family Courts. There were few politicians that would give me the time of day - most brushing me aside as being sour grapes because of a divorce gone wrong.
Slowly though that has changed. In three years a grass roots group of like minded people have come together and managed to have legislation enacted (LD 872) which was signed by Gov. Paul LePage (July 2013). Since then there has been numerous pieces of correspondence with him regarding the issues in Family Court. This from myself and the many others who have been abused by the system. It has taken years to educate Gov. Paul LePage but he gets it and as a result the governor is clearly a Politician Putting Kids First.
The Governor has earned the wrath of many over the years. In the past few months he has been in the sights of the Judicial Branch (which has silently endorsed Mike Michaud), lawyers (with Mike Asen publicly stating that he and other lawyers do not want another 4 years of LePage), Guardians ad litem (which like the Judicial Branch has silently been endorsing Mike Michaud) and many who make their living off of divorcing families (the Divorce Industry) going through the Family Court system.
As a parent who has gone through or is going through a divorce and is considering a vote for Mike Michaud because of the values he may bring to the table, or the fact that he may be more polished than our current governor. I would ask this of you:
Why is it that the Judicial Branch, Family Court lawyers, GALs and the Divorce Industry like Mike so much? Why is it that they are raising money for Mike as if it were going out of style? Do you think they have your interest at heart?
If Mike is elected will he listen to your voice as a concerned parent or the voice of the Divorce Industry which has supported him financially?
We are asking you with this election to vote for anyone other than Mike Michaud. A vote for Mike in our eyes is a vote for the Divorce Industry and the status quo.
Some of the lawyers who like Mike:
Michael Asen Esq (MittelAsen) - has helped fundraise for Mike on several occasions - 07/25/2014; 08/11/2014; 08/14/2014;
Michael Asen Esq has also been quoted by the Portland Press Herald as saying “My highest priority is making sure we don’t have another four years of this governor.” in an August 12, 2014 posting and referring to Gov. Paul LePage. Remember Gov. Paul LePage signed the Dutremble bill LD 872 "An Act To Improve the Quality of Guardian ad Litem Services for the Children and Families of Maine" which the Judicial Branch hated as did lawyers and Guardians ad litem. Michael Asen Esq is also the chair of fund raising for Maine lawyers who like "Mike".
Diane Dusini Esq (MittelAsen) - has helped raise money for Mike on at least one occasion - 08/11/2014. It should be noted that is also the President of the Maine Bar.
Stephanie Cotsirilos - former Wall Street Lawyer - has helped raise money for Mike Michaud - 08/11/2014.
Robert Gips Esq (DrummondWoodsun) has helped raise money for Mike Michaud - 08/11/2014.
Neil Jamieson Esq (Prescott Jamieson Nelson & Murphy) has helped to raise money for Mike Michaud - 07/21/2014; 08/11/2014.
Brett D. Baber Esq (Lanham Blackwell & Baber) has helped to raise money for Mike Michaud - 08/11/2014.
Janis B. Cohen Esq. has helped to raise money for Mike Michaud - 08/11/2014.
Elizabeth Scheffee Esq. (Givertz Scheffee & Lavoie, PA) has helped raised money for Mike Michaud - 08/11/2014.
Richard S. Berne Esq. (Law Office of Richard Berne) - is helping Mike Michaud with campaign contributions - 08/11/2014.
Add to this list the fact that Senate President Justin Alfond has reportedly told Senators in his caucus - enough with GAL and Family Court reform……….
Monday, October 27, 2014
In the Home Stretch - Help Gov. Paul LePage Retain the Blaine House
Governor LePage needs your help! We need volunteers to help get out the
vote in this last week before the election to make sure we can continue
the common sense reforms and keep the pro-job growth environment that
the Governor has created in his first term. If you are available to help
please call our office 621-6720 and ask for Kevin, or send us a message
here on Facebook. Even an hour can make a big difference on election
day! "If it is to be, it is up to us!"
Friday, September 19, 2014
Response to Dave Miramant Guest Column
To the Editor:
The recent guest
column by Dave Miramant of Camden initially left me puzzled, as much of it was
a diatribe against Governor Paul LePage. I momentarily wondered if Dave was
running for governor against Paul LePage.
Further reading
cleared things up, Dave Miramant thinks he is running against a partisan mirage
of Governor LePage's record. Imagine that? Maybe he hasn't met his opponent
Paula Sutton yet?
Miramant's comments:
"...we can't take any more bullying and obstructionism of the present
governor.." ; "..he has undone years of good environmental work and
created more debt for our state.." ,are just remarkably twisted
statements.
Granted it is
obvious that Dave does not like Governor LePage, but lets be realistic about
these specious claims.
The past legislative
session saw about 2000 bills introduced, and the governor vetoed 180 of them.
It is not obstructionism to veto bills, in fact it is usually the result of
fiscal prudence, or the odor of legislative over-reach, that prompts a governor
to fulfill his responsibilities of office and veto bad legislation.
Created more debt?
Really Dave? Last budget numbers I saw (MEGOV) showed the state now has a surplus at fiscal year end, $39.1 million, and a
balance in the general fund of $9.8 million.
When was the last
time a Democrat governor in Maine put the brakes on overboard spending and
waste,and helped the state to show a surplus?
Would it be too much
for Dave Miramant to provide specifics of his environmental work
"undone" claim. Isn't this just the perfect straw man?
Contrary to the
claim, this administration has a very pro-active record trying to streamline
and improve the efficiency of state agencies that deal with environmental
matters.
In addition, the
LePage administration overhauled the Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife,
changed the Land for Maine's Future charter to require the prioritization of
acquiring deer wintering habitat, repealed the unnecessary 2009 saltwater
fishing license mandate, and supported the creation of a fisheries tax credit
to encourage private sector investment in fish hatcheries and docks.
No, Governor LePage
isn't poisoning streams and dumping pollutants into rivers.
The drum beat about
Medicaid expansion is truly absurd. Claiming that we ought to take federal
money for three years to expand a program that already costs Maine $2.4 billion
per year defies logic. As if after the 3 years of "free" federal money
we will magically come up with the hundreds of millions in addition to current
costs per year to cover the expansion.
Sorry Dave did not
knock on my door when he was making his 10,000+ calls, as a former Democrat of
30+ years I'd have enjoyed listening to his pitch.
Paul Ackerman
Tenants Harbor,Maine
372-6204 - cell
712-5601
Monday, September 15, 2014
Where do the candidates stand on welfare reform?
Today Michael Michaud announced a health plan which actually calls for spending more taxpayer money on welfare. That's right, Michael Michaud who in the State Senate helped expand welfare and create the hospital debt, is now calling for even more welfare. Haven't we had enough welfare expansion?
You can probably guess where Governor Paul LePage stands on this issue.
Support Gov Paul LePage by making a donation so that the state does not see welfare expansion.
Facebook
Donate: Facebook / Website
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www.LePage2014.com/donate
You can probably guess where Governor Paul LePage stands on this issue.
Support Gov Paul LePage by making a donation so that the state does not see welfare expansion.
Donate: Facebook / Website
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www.LePage2014.com/donate
Saturday, September 13, 2014
2014 Gov Paul LePage is Putting Kids First - He cares
Out of all three candidates for Governor - Paul LePage gets it when it comes to our kids. Because of the experiences he had as a child has made him a champion for children. In 2013 he signed into law the bill Sen David Dutremble submitted - LD 872. Just recently in a radio interview he spoke of an incident that had a profound impact on his life:
2014-09-13 PPH: “Listen. My dad, I remember, my dad, being about 10 years old, my dad kicking my mother seven months pregnant. A week later, it’s a stillborn. I blame my dad. End of story. End of story.”
Gov. Paul LePage is going to bat for parental rights - have Mike Michaud or Elliot Cutler done the same? The last four years Gov. Paul LePage has been putting kids first. Voting for Gov Paul LePage will ensure that our kids continue to stay in the front.
2014-09-13 PPH: “Listen. My dad, I remember, my dad, being about 10 years old, my dad kicking my mother seven months pregnant. A week later, it’s a stillborn. I blame my dad. End of story. End of story.”
Gov. Paul LePage is going to bat for parental rights - have Mike Michaud or Elliot Cutler done the same? The last four years Gov. Paul LePage has been putting kids first. Voting for Gov Paul LePage will ensure that our kids continue to stay in the front.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Maine GOP Praises Court Decision on Pension Reform
One of Gov. LePage, Republicans' signature achievements
AUGUSTA -- The Maine Republican Party on Tuesday praised a recent decision by the federal First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, which upheld the monumental pension reforms implemented by Governor Paul LePage, then-State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin, and Republican majority lawmakers in 2011.
"Our state faced a looming cloud of fiscal disaster that had been ignored for years until Governor LePage reduced the state's long-term pension shortfall by $1.7 billion, protecting Maine taxpayers and keeping our promises to retired state employees," said Maine Republican Party Vice-Chairwoman Susan Morissette, who served in the 125th Legislature of 2011-12 and voted to pass the pension reform package. "It takes bold leadership to fix big problems, and Governor LePage and Republicans showed that they have it in abundance."
The case, Maine Association of Retirees v. Board of Trustees of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System, was decided unanimously in the favor of pension reformers against a challenge by various state employee labor unions in a brief opinion by a three-member panel of the First Circuit, which included former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter.
The Republican pension reform initiative was enacted as a part of the 2011 biennial state budget and reduced the state's long-term pension shortfall from $4.1 billion to $2.4 billion -- a reduction of 41 percent -- by raising the retirement age from 62 to 65 for non-vested employees and freezing cost of living adjustments temporarily.
"If Michael Michaud were to return to Augusta, he would surely bring back the old ways of tax, spend, promise, and pass the buck to the next legislature and the next generation," added Maine Republican Party Executive Director Jason Savage. "He is too indebted to the union bosses and too entrenched in the old, machine politics of the past to fix Maine's finances and economy. The very problems that this reform fixed were created by Michael Michaud and other liberal politicians in the '80s and '90s who refused to change the status quo. They lied to Maine state workers by telling them that their pension system is sustainable."
Michaud has received $1.65 million in Big Labor campaign contributions throughout his 12-year career in Congress. One major union alone contributed $300,000 this year to the Maine Democratic Party to support Michaud's gubernatorial bid. Powerful Democratic Party elder and lobbyist Severin Beliveau recently said that Gov. LePage is "the first governor in ages that is not indebted to the MSEA, NRCM and MEA."
AUGUSTA -- The Maine Republican Party on Tuesday praised a recent decision by the federal First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, which upheld the monumental pension reforms implemented by Governor Paul LePage, then-State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin, and Republican majority lawmakers in 2011.
"Our state faced a looming cloud of fiscal disaster that had been ignored for years until Governor LePage reduced the state's long-term pension shortfall by $1.7 billion, protecting Maine taxpayers and keeping our promises to retired state employees," said Maine Republican Party Vice-Chairwoman Susan Morissette, who served in the 125th Legislature of 2011-12 and voted to pass the pension reform package. "It takes bold leadership to fix big problems, and Governor LePage and Republicans showed that they have it in abundance."
The case, Maine Association of Retirees v. Board of Trustees of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System, was decided unanimously in the favor of pension reformers against a challenge by various state employee labor unions in a brief opinion by a three-member panel of the First Circuit, which included former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter.
The Republican pension reform initiative was enacted as a part of the 2011 biennial state budget and reduced the state's long-term pension shortfall from $4.1 billion to $2.4 billion -- a reduction of 41 percent -- by raising the retirement age from 62 to 65 for non-vested employees and freezing cost of living adjustments temporarily.
"If Michael Michaud were to return to Augusta, he would surely bring back the old ways of tax, spend, promise, and pass the buck to the next legislature and the next generation," added Maine Republican Party Executive Director Jason Savage. "He is too indebted to the union bosses and too entrenched in the old, machine politics of the past to fix Maine's finances and economy. The very problems that this reform fixed were created by Michael Michaud and other liberal politicians in the '80s and '90s who refused to change the status quo. They lied to Maine state workers by telling them that their pension system is sustainable."
Michaud has received $1.65 million in Big Labor campaign contributions throughout his 12-year career in Congress. One major union alone contributed $300,000 this year to the Maine Democratic Party to support Michaud's gubernatorial bid. Powerful Democratic Party elder and lobbyist Severin Beliveau recently said that Gov. LePage is "the first governor in ages that is not indebted to the MSEA, NRCM and MEA."
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Will Illegal Aliens Receive Benefits in Maine?
Not if Governor Paul LePage has taken a common sense action - declaring to Maine cities and towns that the State will no longer fund general assistance welfare for illegal aliens. In doing this Maine will be in compliance with Federal law which prohibits states from providing welfare assistance to illegal aliens.
"Illegal aliens who choose to live in Maine are not our most vulnerable citizens. We need to take care of Mainers first. I think most Mainers would agree" Governor Paul LePage is quoted as saying. Illegal aliens contribute little to the state but manage to drain the limited resources that should be available to law abiding citizens. The citizens of this state should come first.
To keep current with Governor Paul LePage's reelection campaign follow him on Facebook.
"Illegal aliens who choose to live in Maine are not our most vulnerable citizens. We need to take care of Mainers first. I think most Mainers would agree" Governor Paul LePage is quoted as saying. Illegal aliens contribute little to the state but manage to drain the limited resources that should be available to law abiding citizens. The citizens of this state should come first.
To keep current with Governor Paul LePage's reelection campaign follow him on Facebook.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Michael Michaud Claims Gov Paul LePage Hurts the Homeless
Yesterday Michael Michaud made the claim that Gov. Paul LePage is hurting the poor and if elected again will continue to hurt the poor. Keep in mind that the Governor was homeless when he was younger and has made it a point to give those less fortunate a hand up not a hand out while in office.
To find out more on the Gov LePage campaign find him on Facebook.
To find out more on the Gov LePage campaign find him on Facebook.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Gov Paul LePage - Reform of EBT Cards in Maine
Today Governor Paul
R. LePage announced he has started blocking welfare EBT cards from being used
in ATM’s in prohibited locations. This comes after a LePage Administration
effort to gather data on usage. Welfare EBT cards are now blocked in 44 ATMs
around the state and more than 200 locations will be blocked by August. Blocked
locations include: PT’s Showclub, Portland; Diamond’s Gentlemen’s Club, Bangor;
Styxx, Portland; Bayside Liquors, Bar Harbor; Foreplay Sports Pub, Portland;
Joka’s Discount Beverage, Waterville. The Governor said today: "This is
not about politics – it’s about making sure that each public dollar spent on
welfare is used appropriately. These tax dollars are designated for daily
necessities like diapers and healthy meals that vulnerable families and
children need to survive. To think these dollars may have been spent on liquor
and adult entertainment is incomprehensible, and this administration will not
tolerate it.”
To find out more about what Goc Paul LePage is doing to help turn Maine around find him on Facebook.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Is a Governor supposed to play politics or work for Maine?
It appears that Mike Michaud is at it again playing politics - meanwhile Governor Paul LePage is out working for the state.
When Gov LePage took over from the outgoing Gov Baldacci unemployment was 8%. Since then Maine has seen its unemployment rate drop to 6.1%. Maine is ahead of the curve beating out the New England average of 6.4% and the National average of 6.7%.
Private sector jobs are being created during one of the worse economic times of modern history under the current administration. Will a change to someone who knows how to work in Washington DC be better for Maine? Or do we stay the course with Gov LePage?
Keep Maine growing, keep Gov Paul LePage......
For more on Gov Paul LePage follow him on Facebook.
When Gov LePage took over from the outgoing Gov Baldacci unemployment was 8%. Since then Maine has seen its unemployment rate drop to 6.1%. Maine is ahead of the curve beating out the New England average of 6.4% and the National average of 6.7%.
Private sector jobs are being created during one of the worse economic times of modern history under the current administration. Will a change to someone who knows how to work in Washington DC be better for Maine? Or do we stay the course with Gov LePage?
Keep Maine growing, keep Gov Paul LePage......
For more on Gov Paul LePage follow him on Facebook.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Baby It’s Cold Outside, And It’s Expensive
Today, the RGA released this: Baby It’s Cold Outside, And It’s Expensive
But If Mike Michaud Had His Way, It Would Be Worse
“Maine, like many other parts of the country, has been gripped by freezing weather and soaring heating costs. If Mike Michaud had his way, the cost to heat your home would be even more expensive. In June 2009, Michaud voted to pass Cap & Trade, a national energy tax that would have been like increasing Mainers’ personal income taxes by 15%, costing the average household an additional $1,761 per year and would have caused an increase in electricity prices by 90%. Maine can’t afford Mike Michaud’s failed policies.”
Facts: Barack Obama said “Under My Plan Of A Cap And Trade System, Electricity Rates Will Necessarily Skyrocket.” According To An Analysis By The Heritage Foundation, Gas Prices Would Increase 58%.
.
To find out more about what Governor Paul LePage can do for you and the state visit his Facebook page.
But If Mike Michaud Had His Way, It Would Be Worse
“Maine, like many other parts of the country, has been gripped by freezing weather and soaring heating costs. If Mike Michaud had his way, the cost to heat your home would be even more expensive. In June 2009, Michaud voted to pass Cap & Trade, a national energy tax that would have been like increasing Mainers’ personal income taxes by 15%, costing the average household an additional $1,761 per year and would have caused an increase in electricity prices by 90%. Maine can’t afford Mike Michaud’s failed policies.”
Facts: Barack Obama said “Under My Plan Of A Cap And Trade System, Electricity Rates Will Necessarily Skyrocket.” According To An Analysis By The Heritage Foundation, Gas Prices Would Increase 58%.
.
To find out more about what Governor Paul LePage can do for you and the state visit his Facebook page.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Maine has an Obligation to Help Our Most Vulnerable and Pay its Bills
Governor LePage's Radio address today: "Welfare expansion will cost
Maine more than $800 million dollars over the first 10 years.
Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.
While liberals are busy blasting me and the Administration about hiring a consultant to analyze whether we should expand Maine's Medicaid program, the reality is the report provides a road map to save taxpayers money and improve services for the truly needy. If Maine opts to expand Medicaid as it did 10 years ago, the report estimates it will cost the state more than $800 million—and that’s without additional risk factors. It does not include the hundreds of millions of dollars that will be shifted onto the middle class who buy their insurance. This will cause private insurance premiums to skyrocket. Maine already has the third-highest spending on Medicaid in the nation. Expanding is not affordable. The report also predicts between 31 and 36 percent of all Mainers will be receiving taxpayer-funded health care by 2023. In other words, for every three Mainers, one will be on Medicaid at the taxpayer’s expense. Today, Maine’s welfare program is not financially solvent. Last week, I alerted legislative leadership of a major shortfall in the budget. The culprit? The Medicaid program. There is a multimillion-dollar shortfall for several reasons, including a rise in the use of services and increasing health care costs. Like everything else, prices are going up and health care is no exception. I do not want to see Maine falling behind in paying its bills again. It was a battle with liberals for three years to get them to do the right thing and finally pay 750 million dollars to Maine’s hospitals. The state had an obligation to pay its welfare bills. And we have an obligation to continue to pay them. I talk frequently about fiscal responsibility, but as important is the quality of care provided by our welfare programs. Medicaid is supposed to help our most vulnerable citizens – the children, elderly, disabled and mentally ill. However, there are thousands of Mainers on wait lists who need health care services. We have nursing homes on the brink of closing due to below cost reimbursement rates. Our Administration wants a welfare system that works for Maine people. Mainers deserve a safety net that provides quality and accessible care. That’s why we are striving to gain greater flexibility from the federal government to improve services for those who need it most.
Follow Governor Paul LePage and his campaign for reelection on Facebook
Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.
While liberals are busy blasting me and the Administration about hiring a consultant to analyze whether we should expand Maine's Medicaid program, the reality is the report provides a road map to save taxpayers money and improve services for the truly needy. If Maine opts to expand Medicaid as it did 10 years ago, the report estimates it will cost the state more than $800 million—and that’s without additional risk factors. It does not include the hundreds of millions of dollars that will be shifted onto the middle class who buy their insurance. This will cause private insurance premiums to skyrocket. Maine already has the third-highest spending on Medicaid in the nation. Expanding is not affordable. The report also predicts between 31 and 36 percent of all Mainers will be receiving taxpayer-funded health care by 2023. In other words, for every three Mainers, one will be on Medicaid at the taxpayer’s expense. Today, Maine’s welfare program is not financially solvent. Last week, I alerted legislative leadership of a major shortfall in the budget. The culprit? The Medicaid program. There is a multimillion-dollar shortfall for several reasons, including a rise in the use of services and increasing health care costs. Like everything else, prices are going up and health care is no exception. I do not want to see Maine falling behind in paying its bills again. It was a battle with liberals for three years to get them to do the right thing and finally pay 750 million dollars to Maine’s hospitals. The state had an obligation to pay its welfare bills. And we have an obligation to continue to pay them. I talk frequently about fiscal responsibility, but as important is the quality of care provided by our welfare programs. Medicaid is supposed to help our most vulnerable citizens – the children, elderly, disabled and mentally ill. However, there are thousands of Mainers on wait lists who need health care services. We have nursing homes on the brink of closing due to below cost reimbursement rates. Our Administration wants a welfare system that works for Maine people. Mainers deserve a safety net that provides quality and accessible care. That’s why we are striving to gain greater flexibility from the federal government to improve services for those who need it most.
Follow Governor Paul LePage and his campaign for reelection on Facebook
Friday, January 10, 2014
Who do you want managing your govenment? A politician or a Businessman?
If
you had two choices as a voter, which would you pick? A 30-year
politician who has voted for budget after budget which has helped
balloon the federal debt to over $17 trillion? Or a lifelong
businessman and job creator who solved a $500 million hospital debt
without raising taxes? Among your major party candidates that is your
choice this fall.
Follow Gov Paul LePage on Facebook.
Follow Gov Paul LePage on Facebook.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Gov Paul LePage - Maine Receives Good News
Business Insider magazine declared Maine’s economy as “booming” on
Friday following the release of new Federal data. Maine’s economy is
doing better than any other state in New England and better than most of
the nation measured over the last three months.
Ten days ago newly released unemployment rate figures indicate Maine has its lowest rate of unemployment since 2008. The jobs picture is continuing to improve.
Governor LePage announced Maine employers would see a full $30 million of savings that can be put back into the state’s economy because raising employment was lowing unemployment tax insurance rates to their lowest levels since 2009.
Maine’s economy is improving because of the pro-jobs reforms instituted by Governor LePage.
The first three years of private-sector job growth under Governor LePage were the best three years Maine has had in over a decade.
These achievements are remarkable when you think about the fact that under Governor Baldacci for some time Maine had a higher unemployment rate than the national average.
Now we must deliver this news to the people of Maine.
People complain the only news they get on the Governor is negative.
It has become clear the only way to ensure the people of Maine hear this good news is for the Governor’s campaign to deliver it.
The campaign must deliver this good news, and more of the Governor’s positive accomplishments, directly to the voters.
The campaign faces a major deadline in just a few short days. The end of December is a campaign finance deadline.
To ensure the people of Maine can learn about these positive accomplishments is it critical the Governor’s campaign has the resources necessary to deliver the message.
If you believe cutting red tape is a better way to create jobs rather than regulations which go above and beyond the national average – then the Governor’s campaign needs to hear from you.
If you believe cutting taxes encourages Maine people to spend more to grow the economy and incentivizes job creating businesses to move here and help Maine prosper – the Governor’s campaign needs to hear from you.
If you believe private sector jobs, and small business growth, are more essential to a thriving economy as opposed to just increasing the size of government bureaucracy – the Governor’s campaign needs to hear from you..
Help get the message out. Support the Governor here today.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Brent Littlefield
Senior Political Adviser to the Governor
Ten days ago newly released unemployment rate figures indicate Maine has its lowest rate of unemployment since 2008. The jobs picture is continuing to improve.
Governor LePage announced Maine employers would see a full $30 million of savings that can be put back into the state’s economy because raising employment was lowing unemployment tax insurance rates to their lowest levels since 2009.
Maine’s economy is improving because of the pro-jobs reforms instituted by Governor LePage.
The first three years of private-sector job growth under Governor LePage were the best three years Maine has had in over a decade.
These achievements are remarkable when you think about the fact that under Governor Baldacci for some time Maine had a higher unemployment rate than the national average.
Now we must deliver this news to the people of Maine.
People complain the only news they get on the Governor is negative.
It has become clear the only way to ensure the people of Maine hear this good news is for the Governor’s campaign to deliver it.
The campaign must deliver this good news, and more of the Governor’s positive accomplishments, directly to the voters.
The campaign faces a major deadline in just a few short days. The end of December is a campaign finance deadline.
To ensure the people of Maine can learn about these positive accomplishments is it critical the Governor’s campaign has the resources necessary to deliver the message.
If you believe cutting red tape is a better way to create jobs rather than regulations which go above and beyond the national average – then the Governor’s campaign needs to hear from you.
If you believe cutting taxes encourages Maine people to spend more to grow the economy and incentivizes job creating businesses to move here and help Maine prosper – the Governor’s campaign needs to hear from you.
If you believe private sector jobs, and small business growth, are more essential to a thriving economy as opposed to just increasing the size of government bureaucracy – the Governor’s campaign needs to hear from you..
Help get the message out. Support the Governor here today.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Brent Littlefield
Senior Political Adviser to the Governor
Thursday, December 5, 2013
International Jobs Come to Maine - Gov. Paul LePage
More jobs are coming to Maine as a result of climate change and the hard work that Gov. Paul LePage has done with an Icelandic shipping company. This is a huge win for the state because of its strategic location and is the only port of call for this international company - Eimskip. So important is the state that back in May the President Olafur Ragnar Grimmson of Iceland made a personal trip to Maine and spoke in South Portland about newly opened shipping lanes and how they would benefit Maine.
Gov, Paul LePage echoed those comments.
While the jobs are welcome to Maine - politics are creeping in to spoil what should be celebrated. Michael Michaud feels it is better to criticize Gov. LePage for a choice of words. Is Michaud really for people or politics? Gov LePage has been working for Maine - what has Michaud done for the state?
Actions Speak Louder than Words. Follow Gov LePage on Facebook.
Gov, Paul LePage echoed those comments.
While the jobs are welcome to Maine - politics are creeping in to spoil what should be celebrated. Michael Michaud feels it is better to criticize Gov. LePage for a choice of words. Is Michaud really for people or politics? Gov LePage has been working for Maine - what has Michaud done for the state?
Actions Speak Louder than Words. Follow Gov LePage on Facebook.
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