Maine News by Jessica Alaimo

Thu, 12/11/2008 - 23:48

Snowe, Collins oppose filibuster on auto bailout

U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-Falmouth) and Susan Collins (R-Bangor) voted to end a filibuster on a bill which would have given a $14 billion loan to the auto industry. The vote took place Thursday night.

The motion to invoke cloture – or to stop debate – needed 60 votes to pass. It fell short, 52 to 35.

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Thu, 12/11/2008 - 15:34

Baldacci prepares for impending storm

Gov. John Baldacci has already declared a state of emergency for the winter storm that is supposed to intensify later Thursday.

This will be the first bad winter storm of the season and Baldacci made the declaration to gie power companies more flexibility in restoring any power that gets lost, while also allowing work crews from other states to assist with power restoration.

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Thu, 12/11/2008 - 14:32

H.D. 89 election could be Jan. 22

Farmington selectmen hope a special election to fill state House District 89 will be held on Jan. 22, the Lewiston Sun Journal reported today.

The seat is being vacated by Janet Mills (D-Farmington), who was elected Attorney General. The district also includes the neighboring town of Industry.

So far, two candidates have emerged for the seat: Lance Harvell (R-Farmington) and Dennis Haszko (D-Farmington).

Thu, 12/11/2008 - 14:27

Snowe and Collins could be swing votes in EFCA debate

U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-Falmouth) and Susan Collins (R-Bangor) are widely considered to be the two swing votes in the U.S. Senate, and will be the most sought after votes on a number of upcoming bills that break down partisan lines.

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Wed, 12/10/2008 - 22:48

Allen, Michaud support auto bailout

Both U.S. Reps. Tom Allen (D-Portland) and Mike Michaud (D-East Millinocket) supported $14 billion in bridge loans to the auto industry.

The House voted on the bill at 8:46 p.m. Wednesday night.

In a statement, Michaud said his support was reluctant. He cited jobs as a key factor in his decision – one in 10 jobs is linked to the industry, he said. Click here for his full statement.

Wed, 12/10/2008 - 15:33

Gallant says U.S. Marshal post a possibility

Oxford County sheriff Wayne Gallant said Tuesday that he may be interested in the U.S. Marshal post, although he has yet to hold any conversations about the job.

He called the opportunity "intriguing" and said he'd be happy to consider a job that would involve serving the President.

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Wed, 12/10/2008 - 14:03

Lawrence considering U.S. Attorney post

York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence is gunning for the U.S. Attorney job.

He said he has spoken to people close to the process, and is “definitely considering the job.”

However, he said he is also happy serving as district attorney.

Lawrence is serving his second term as district attorney, and he will be up for reelection in 2010. This year he also ran an unsuccessful primary campaign for the 1st Congressional District earlier this year.

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Wed, 12/10/2008 - 13:42

Baldacci’s office receives suspicious letter

Gov. John Baldacci’s office received a suspicious letter containing “non-toxic powder” yesterday, the Portland Press Herald and the Associated Press is reporting.

Seven other governors received letters as well. Baldacci’s was intercepted by office staff, and sent to a state lab to be analyzed.

Click here for the full story.

Wed, 12/10/2008 - 13:36

$100K in debt and absolutely worth it

John Frary (R-Farmington) ended his long-shot campaign for the 2nd Congressional District $100,000 in debt.

He calculates that he has to live on Social Security for 27 months to make up for it.

It was worth it, he said Wednesday.

Frary said that the sheer fact that an “obscure, small town selectman” could garner 33 percent of the vote against U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud (D-East Millinocket) proved the incumbent’s vulnerability.

“He’s a nice guy but not too bright,” Frary said.

Tue, 12/09/2008 - 16:41

From '04 to '08, 110 towns shift color on Maine map