Topic: Maine Politics

Chellie Pingree, Maine Rep., decides against Senate bid

Pingree said it was a difficult decision and that she's grateful for the support she's received from across Maine and the country.

GOP governors see Mitt Romney as one of their own, but hesitate to endorse him

Just eight of the 29 Republican governors have endorsed Romney, and while he’s one of their own – a former state chief executive – there are good reasons to hold back, including the GOP’s divisive nominating campaign.

Republican governors worry about divisive GOP primary race

Republican governors say they are concerned the prolonged primary race has alienated independent voters and may have badly damaged the eventual nominee.

Eight who have gone from business to politics

From a billionaire publisher to a truck-stop magnate, many have traded the executive suite for political office.

Should Ron Paul demand a new vote count in Maine?

Evidence is mounting that the vote totals for the Maine caucuses, in which Mitt Romney edged out Ron Paul, were pretty messed up. In addition to towns that hadn't voted yet, others' totals were not recorded.

Should states use tax breaks to woo seniors?

State competition to provide tax breaks to older residents, especially wealthy seniors, is similar to the way states use tax subsidies to woo businesses. It may not make much sense, but it sure is trendy.  

Health insurance for poor? Maine eyes cutting it.

Health insurance program costs Maine $40 million in the past two years, says governor, who's expected to unveil plan that cuts the health insurance initiative.

GOP candidates in the Tea Party crosshairs

The Tea Party movement is taking aim at Republican incumbents, including Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, Sen. Olympia Snow of Maine, and Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts. Will it succeed in unseating them?

A governor destroys history in the name of promoting business

Maine Governor Paul LePage is one of many Republicans across the country who is assaulting workers' rights and history to encourage business growth.

Around the US, rallies lend moral support to Wisconsin public workers

Public employees protesting Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to weaken collective bargaining in Wisconsin have been joined by steelworkers, teamsters, nurses, airline pilots, and other private sector workers. In state capitals around the country, supporters rallied as well.

'Tea party'-backed platform sails through Maine GOP convention

Maine is known for GOP moderates, but over the weekend, conservative activists succeeded in passing a platform that’s backed by tea party groups.

How to beat partisan politics? Ask your state government.

To avoid gridlock and partisan politics look to your state government. The states increasingly hold the power and influence over Washington in shaping American law – from safety to energy to social justice.

Maine vote a devastating blow to gay marriage

Maine voters on Tuesday voted down a law that would have legalized gay marriage in the state. It became the 31st state to reject gay marriage at the ballot box.

Maine's vote on gay marriage draws national attention

For the first time, voters in the US could approve same-sex marriage. In other parts of the country – and in Washington – the push is on to legalize gay marriage.

In Maine, and other states, local fare is on the Fourth of July menu

A sustainable food advocate inspires governors' offices around the county to hold an "Independence Food Day," where they will serve foods native to their region.

Supreme Court rules smokers can sue over 'light' cigarette claims

The decision will make it easier for local residents to recover damages from national firms, consumer groups say.

USA

Supreme Court snuffs Maine's Internet cigarette sales rule

The justices, citing need for unfettered interstate commerce, say delivery companies cannot be required to verify that tobacco recipients are over 18.