Maine: Republican Party

Charlie Webster, the new chair of the Maine Republican party was quoted in an NPR piece yesterday on the Steele-Limbaugh brouhaha over who is the leader of the Republican Party. Webster praised Steele, but also defended the independence of Maine's Republican senators.

Charles Webster, chairman of the Republican Party in Maine, is a fan of both Steele and Limbaugh.

"Steele is an impressive guy," says Webster, who reported that there was a "mini revolution" among state party members when they learned that their three RNC members did not plan to vote for Steele for party chair.

"There was huge support for him up here," he said.

AUGUSTA, Maine — An Embden woman has been indicted on charges of embezzling almost $50,000 from the Maine Republican Party.

Constance A. Wilkins, 64, who handled the bookkeeping for the party, is accused of committing felony theft and forgery between March 25, 2005, and Sept. 1, 2008, while working at a Waterville accounting firm.

The Kennebec Journal says the indictment was handed up Thursday by a grand jury in Kennebec County.

The newspaper reported Friday a statement issued by Republican Party Chairman Charlie Webster and former chairman Mark Ellis said unauthorized expenditures were discovered by party treasurer Phil Roy and executive director Julie O’Brien.

“Ms. Wilkins has admitted in writing to embezzling a significant amount of money from the state party and abruptly resigned in September of 2008 after being questioned,” they said.

The newspaper said her attorney, Francis Griffin, said the case is ongoing and declined comment.

There are a few major differences between state Rep. Tom Saviello (I-Wilton) and U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.): Saviello left the Democratic Party by choice, Lieberman left it by force.

Another difference: In the U.S. Senate, Lieberman’s vote holds great weight because of the narrow margin. In the 151-member Maine House, however, the Democrats hold a 42-seat majority, so Saviello’s vote is relatively insignificant.