Maine: Matthew Dunlap

AUGUSTA, Maine — Where state government goes, technology is not far behind: Maine is joining other states in passing rules to restrict text messages from electronic devices, hoping to stop lobbyists from calling signals from the legislative sidelines.

Rules adopted by the Maine House of Representatives reflect a growing trend in statehouses across the country, which are casting a wary eye on electronic devices.

The House of Representatives took up the issue after some lawmakers observed lobbyists sending messages from their laptops and hand-held devices from the gallery to the floor while representatives were debating a bill dealing with a state insurance program.

Rep. Herb Adams, D-Portland, recalled another example during a committee session, when he watched a lobbyist write on his computer screen, “Ask him THIS ONE!”

Adams, who pushed for the rules, said he has no problem with communications between a legislator and member of the public, lobbyist or not.

State House and Senate Republicans will forego their practice of nominating a slate of constitutional officers.

In a floor speech, Senate minority leader Kevin Raye (R-Perry), said he wanted to set a tone of mutual respect in both chambers. “We must seek consensus wherever possible, and we must make every effort to do what the people of Maine sent us here to do.”

Raye said that the Democrats have a clear majority for their constitutional officer candidates to prevail.

AUGUSTA -- There will be recounts in three state Senate races and one county commission race, according to the Secretary of State’s office.

In Senate District 2, Richard Burns (D-Berwick) has requested a recount. Burns lost to incumbent Sen. Richard Nass (R-Acton) by 385 votes.

In Senate District 15, incumbent Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello (R-Poland) has requested a recount. She lost to challenger Deborah Simpson (D-Auburn) by 102 votes.

Ryan Low, the deputy chief of staff to Gov. John Baldacci, earned the recommendation of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee to be the top money man in the state Wednesday.

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