Governor Janet Mills was inaugurated on Jan. 2, making her election official. Her “welcome home” theme might speak to Mainers living in exile, but what does “welcome home” convey to those Mainers who haven’t been away? We’ve all been “away” in one sense. The soundtrack of our public life has been full of discord. The …
Former Maine Congressman Bruce Poliquin finally threw in the towel, abandoning his effort to reverse the outcome of the November election for Maine’s Second District. Having received no encouragement from the courts as he pressed his objections, he announced the end of his legal challenges last week. There is no doubt the congressman was sincere …
By Fred Benson “It is always dangerous for soldiers, sailors, or airmen to play at politics. They enter a sphere in which the values are quite different from those to which they have hitherto been accustomed.” — Winston Churchill, “The Gathering Storm,” 1948. Civilian control of the military is so thoroughly ingrained in our …
All was calm, all was bright as a big December moon ushered in the winter solstice. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is usually a quiet one as the frenzy of the holidays gives way to sitting around in your cozy new slippers and reading a book. Always give yourself a book at Christmas …
Organizing a new legislature is not a simple proposition. There are details large and small. The election of leadership. The allocation of staff and offices. Seating. Yes, seating. Front row? Back row? Aisle? Or buried in the middle of the chamber? Legislators make the request, leadership makes the call. The customary arrangement is to lump …
The 129th Maine Legislature convened on Dec. 5 for its organizational meeting. The list of senators certified by the Secretary of State to have won election was duly “examined and reported.” A provision was made for the designation of Chaplains of the Senate, to be paid $30 for “each officiation.” A process was provided for …
On Dec. 5 the 129th Legislature convenes in Augusta for the ceremonial kick-off of the new session. In a one-day event the presiding officers of the House and Senate will be formally elected and legislators sworn in. Friends, family and campaign workers will fill the statehouse, proud of those who have stepped forward to serve …
No sooner have we given thanks for the last turkey sandwich slathered with mayo and cranberry sauce then we are urged by retailers to hit the stores. When the December holidays have come and gone we are left with a mountain of waste. Back in the day much of it would have gone straight to …
It seems unkind to intrude upon your turkey dinner with politics, so let us look for something to be thankful for in these post-election days. Our Democratic brothers and sisters are now firmly in control of both the House and Senate in Augusta. It is always a cause for jubilation within a party when it …
How about that voter turnout? Many polling places had lines out the door for the better part of Election Day. It was a beautiful sight. Most voters were cheerful, chatting up their friends and neighbors as the line inched along. In Hancock County, Great Pond led the way with 37 of its 44 registered voters …
