(Main)e Political Report

The Start

According to George Smith, of the Morning Sentinel, “This is going to be a terrific campaign -- entertaining and maybe even enlightening.” In response to last Wednesday’s speech, the rift between the Republicans and Democrats have broken down to viewing each other as “Mr. Happy and Mr. Grumpy.” During the state address Governor Baldacci, expressed all of his success during office, which ranged from healthcare, income tax exemption, state spending, and economic development. "Over the past four years, state government spending has grown at just over 3 percent," Baldacci said. "That's the lowest increase in spending in over 30 years." Not only did Governor Baldacci outline the rest of 2006 but has given his outlook for the next five years if he wins the re-election. Some of the topics that were addressed included healthcare (DirigoChoice), job development, and energy. David E. Bowles, House Republican Leader, notes, “Maine has a spending problem, and increased taxes and fees have hurt Mainers.” "It doesn't matter if you take it out of the left pocket or right pocket," Bowles said, "it still comes out of the same pair of pants." Healthcare is a controversial topic in Maine, David Emory (R), candidate for election, sees DirigoChoice as “unsustainable”. With this comment Governor Baldacci said he will hire an expert to examine DirigoChoice and it’s complacencies. There are many opponents running against Baldacci and none of them seem to speak kindly of him. “If you are happy Nov. 7 and join the governor in his optimist outlook, he will easily win re-election. If you are grumpy that day, he is in trouble.”


http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/view/columns/2363493.shtml
Copyright © 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

posted by ASR @ 8:40 AM