GOVERNOR'S RACE
Train-riding LePage attacks Democrats
Candidate also jokes about opponent's age
BY REBEKAH METZLER Staff Writer
WISCASSET -- It was all aboard for the LePage for Governor campaign on Saturday, as the Republican candidate stumped along Maine's midcoast region on the Eastern Maine Railroad.
Confetti falls as candidate for governor Paul LePage stops in Bath during a train campaign tour on the Eastern Maine Railroad on Saturday.
Sunday Maine Telegram staff photo by Derek Davis:
Related headlines
Waterville Mayor Paul LePage, who convincingly won his seven-man primary in early June, met crowds of 50 or more in Wiscasset, Brunswick and Bath during his one-day fundraising and campaign junket that originated and ended in Rockland. He was joined by 1st District Republican congressional candidate Dean Scontras for most of the journey, as well as local State House candidates.
LePage's message was clear and consistent at every stop.
"We've got to send all those liberal Democrats to the unemployment line," he said to the crowd in Wiscasset. "It's time they stop digging in our pockets and we start digging in theirs."
The energetic crowds were receptive to his everyman persona and message of fiscal discipline, smaller government and welfare reform.
"We have to slow down this tax and spend mentality," LePage said in Bath, before a crowd of more than 100. "The state of Maine is like the person who bought a Lexus but can't put any gas in it. I say we go back to a Chevy and get a full tank."
The LePage campaign organized the scenic train ride as a fundraiser, charging $100 per person or $750 per person for VIP status, including seating with the candidate in the parlor car.
Campaign staff said the train had 84 passengers, a count that included members of the media as well as campaign helpers. A fundraising total for the trip was not yet calculated, staff said.
The events were attended by voters solidly in the LePage camp, who showed a level of enthusiasm that LePage said followed him throughout the primary season. Many cited LePage's compelling personal story as the inspiration for their support.
LePage grew up in Lewiston the eldest of 18 children in a family that was on welfare. He was also homeless for a time before attending Husson College and becoming a successful businessman and politician.
"He feels different," said Jennifer Chart of Brunswick. "There's no crap with him. I was an unenrolled voter and I registered as a Republican to vote for him."
Tom Chandel of Brunswick said he's concerned about spending deficits and the high unemployment rate.
"The Democrats are in control and it's time to do something different," he said after watching LePage speak at the new train station just off Maine Street in Brunswick.
Heather Brown of Bridgton said she became a LePage fan after watching him debate in the Republican primary.
"He didn't try to make his answers sound good, he didn't sound like a polished politician," she said. "We need to do something differently to relieve our kids from the current situation. Our kids just don't have the same opportunities we used have."
And though LePage said in an interview on the train that he wants his campaign to stick just to the issues, he wasn't shy about throwing the crowd a little red meat during the stop in Bath.
"Libby (Mitchell) had her 70th birthday a few weeks ago and I'm concerned about her," the 61-year-old said with a chuckle. "We should send her home."
Mitchell is LePage's Democratic opponent for the Blaine House.
The crowd roared its approval.
Rebekah Metzler -- 620-7016
rmetzler@mainetoday.com
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Copyright ©2010 MaineToday Media, Inc.
75 COMMENTS
revelation said...
And though LePage said in an interview on the train that he wants his campaign to stick just to the issues, he wasn't shy about throwing the crowd a little red meat during the stop in Bath. "Libby (Mitchell) had her 70th birthday a few weeks ago and I'm concerned about her," the 61-year-old said with a chuckle. "We should send her home." ------------------------ The dimocrats said John McCain was too old at a similar age running against Obama. So, maybe they've got something there. Mitchell is then also too old to be governor or is this another dimocrat hypocracy. Repubs can be too old but dims aren't? Libby has more than run her course and should have been sent out to pasture before now. -------- "He feels different," said Jennifer Chart of Brunswick. "There's no crap with him. I was an unenrolled voter and I registered as a Republican to vote for him." ------------- That about sums it up. LePage victory in November!
July 25, 2010 at 1:37 AM Report abuse
mpt1964 said...
Dear Paul LePage, First, You've won the primary! Mudslinging at the Democrats will only appeal to your base and very little else. Second, the largest voting block is the 40% unenrolled. So even though you'll get the 30-32% republican-base vote in the general election, your campaign will still have to get at least 12-15% of the unenrolled to win. Further, the slash-and-burn rhetoric about reducing the size of state government only rallys the state's largest voting block, the SEIU. They know there is job security with Mitchell. Fourth, your campaign hasn't said how you will deal with the 800lb gorilla in the room...the State Legislature. While the Senate maybe even, the House is almost two to one Democrats; and I seriously doubt they're going to lose that majority any time soon. And while you may appeal to public if the legislature doesn't let you have your way(Reagan's favorite tatic), you're still will have to work with them eventually...which may frustrate the hell out of you.
July 25, 2010 at 3:37 AM Report abuse
Jazz11 said...
I find it ironic that someone who is running as a Republican would ride the rails on a train. After all is it not his party that did everything it could to derail train service and destroy several hundred jobs at the same time?
July 25, 2010 at 3:56 AM Report abuse
Jazz11 said...
I find it ironic that someone who is running as a Republican would ride the rails on a train. After all is it not his party that did everything it could to derail train service and destroy several hundred jobs at the same time? Oh wait.... this was for a ticket costong from $100 to $750 dollars. Something the average Maine family cannot afford.
July 25, 2010 at 3:59 AM Report abuse
darbyshaw said...
guess what I am liberal democrat and I was going to vote for you but now I don't think so, don't like the snarky attiude. Big deal Libby is 70 your 61 and could drop dead tomorrow.
July 25, 2010 at 5:47 AM Report abuse
dG90YWxzbGFt said...
Dems and luberoils are squirming in here. LOL
July 25, 2010 at 6:00 AM Report abuse
whoswho said...
I was voting for him until he said no to a dispensary for medical marijuanna in waterville.
July 25, 2010 at 6:11 AM Report abuse
dG90YWxzbGFt said...
My first comment was censored! I see Dems and Libbs are squirming in here. You need to tip toe around the PC to get a piece in here.
July 25, 2010 at 6:24 AM Report abuse
cranky-yank said...
Someone please explain to me why it is that the Repub;i-CONS have to run their campaigns with lies and disparaging comments instead of actually sticking to the issues. So far, LePage has not said one word about WHERE he thinks state government is wasting money. He hasn't said ONE THING about how he's going to increase revenue. Sure, he's said repeatedly that he's going to lower taxes and bring new jobs to Maine, but he hasn't said one word on HOW he's going to do it. Maybe he'll open a Mardens in every town and put all of the unemployed to work as part-time minimum wage workers.
July 25, 2010 at 6:29 AM Report abuse
DTOM said...
"The LePage campaign organized the scenic train ride as a fundraiser, charging $100 per person or $750 per person for VIP status, including seating with the candidate in the parlor car." ++++ Seems pretty reasonable to me. (cheaper than a $30,000 donation to the DNC if you want to attend Obama's birthday party.) ++++ You can BET he'll be 'attacking Republicans' there too. ++++ http://www.suntimes.com/news/sneed/2526490,CST-NWS-SNEED23.article ++++ LePage - "The Democrats are in control and it's time to do something different" ---- That's an 'attack' ???? What thin skins we have out there.
July 25, 2010 at 6:29 AM Report abuse
ThistleDew said...
Jazz, I think you're missing the point. LePage is stumping for his cause the good old fashioned way... by working his ar$$e off. You may also forget that he is funding his campaign by raising his own money rather than soaking the taxpayers like your candidate. It has been my experience that hard work is almost always rewarded with success. Paul wants to take the pressure off the taxpayers by attracting business to Maine and putting people back to work. Sounds good to us, how about you?
July 25, 2010 at 6:39 AM Report abuse
Divinity said...
30 reporters and photographers from two dozen print, television, radio, and blogosphere outlets accompanied the big choo on its run. Free cigars and bourbon were served by four staff members, one assigned to each of the four "VIPs" riding with Paul and Dean in the parlor car. Another four staff members, recruited from daughter Lauren's sorority Sigma Tau Delta, served day-old Whoopie Pies to the forty Hundred-Dollar Donors in the cattle car. Paul instructed Kim, who had been busy doing quality-control checks on the bourbon while serving the VIPs, to count up the take. Too tipsy to find the multiply key on her calculator, Kim deferred to a recent FSU graduate who stated emphatically that she was a bio/chem major not a mathematician. A check with the campaign finance mgr confirmed that there was plenty of time before reports were due and no rush to compute the sum of the products of 40*100 and 4*750. Paul concluded, "It sounds like a lot to me; should cover the $7500 train bill."
July 25, 2010 at 6:40 AM Report abuse
WhoME said...
Funny he really didn't attack; he simply pointed out that the state of Maine has been in democratic control for the past 30+ years. Government on all levels spending has continued to far out pace inflation, employment is down. You know ecaxtly what you will get with Libby and Cutler more of the same; if the people of Maine truely want change they need to vote LaPage. When it comes to welfare reform, Paul is the only candidate who has actually had to use the welfare system, he should know how it can be reformed to provide a safety net while providing incentives to get off welfare.
July 25, 2010 at 6:48 AM Report abuse
JoeSchmoe said...
Not thin skins DTOM......they still have their heads buried in the sand. Or maybe it's their drunken stupor from drinking too much kool-aid. Cranky_yank.....Government in general wastes our hard-earned. Let's see, DHHS would be a good example of an agency where streamlining and wiser spending could go a long way. Look at the tax bill we just defeated. They wanted to, well, you know, increase their number of revenue sources.
July 25, 2010 at 6:52 AM Report abuse
lotekguy said...
Jennifer Chart of Brunswick said:"There's no crap with him..." Maybe not,but you can bet the dems will be throwing a lot of crap AT him. Some are already calling him a mud-slinger,though I've yet to see much of that. Over the next couple of months,the desperate dems will watch in horror as the clueless Libby drops like a stone in the polls. Her canned soundbites and old-school political tactics will look pretty shop-worn alongside the"unpolished"Francophone LePage,who I hope will stay on-message with the Tea Party patter. His message will resonate with many,buy this is still Maine,a reliably liberal/democrat state. Stay tuned....this'll be fun to watch.
July 25, 2010 at 7:08 AM Report abuse
ThistleDew said...
Vini! You've got such a mind. I guess this tidbit of fiction will make some believe that you were on the train ?! :-) You would need an expensive ticket to get that close and that simply ain't happenin'! :-D Or... Please join Divinity & I as we pour money into the LePage for Gov. coffer!
July 25, 2010 at 7:09 AM Report abuse
papa2 said...
Who is paying to keep LePage's face on the news paper every day or does he own a piece of the paper? Give us a break and a day off from LePage and his mud slinging big ego. How stupid does he think the people of Maine are to keep handing out his BS. Give us a break...
July 25, 2010 at 7:20 AM Report abuse
Relax said...
Oh yes, here we go again with the sad upbringing story. Only this time the reporter left out those little tidbits about running errands/doing work for “Gentlemen” down on Lisbon Street. Oh well, I can see from some of the comments coming here already that what I suspected would happen when folks get a gander and a listen to Mr. LaPage is just beginning to come to fruition. Common man wants to cut taxes but offers up nothing but childish blurbs to a public angry over the economic downturn that has affected nearly every nation on the planet. That will get him some traction, but it’s unlikely to get him elected. The more he puts his face and thoughts before the public the more the public will be turned off by what they’re being offered (Or in this case, not offered). Perhaps at 61 and morbidly obese it is he who should be put out to pasture. Enjoy the time he has left because health wise it doesn’t look like time is something he has in abundance.
July 25, 2010 at 7:20 AM Report abuse
lotekguy said...
Relax said"...at 61 and morbidly obese it is he who should be put out to pasture". You may have noticed a morbidly obese governor in New Jersey is busy shaking up the establishment,following the same playbook as LePage. Fiscal responsibility and less government intrusion in our lives appears to be a very popular theme among the citizenry lately. Oh by the way,Relax,keep up the character assassination. That'll only serve to fire up Paul's base,which of course is all of us who aren't government-worshipping liberals.
July 25, 2010 at 7:37 AM Report abuse
Ripple said...
We also need a complete change in the "nanny" legislature. Decades of tax and spend, business/job killing legislation is the Maine reason our economy has been going backwards for years. A change of party in the Blaine House is a beginning but a change on the legislative level would complete the process transferring Maine from a welfare state to a working one.
July 25, 2010 at 7:43 AM Report abuse
hallowellboy said...
An old and obese Tea Bagger playing the "age card". Lepage is a typical political hack that has nothing positive to say. Too bad the train didn't go south like his campaign. Get a life dude.
July 25, 2010 at 7:53 AM Report abuse
TiredMainer said...
whoswho. The Waterville city council voted 7-0 to put a moritorium on dispenseries. The council is made up of 6 democrats and one independent. Why not blame them as well as LePage?
July 25, 2010 at 7:57 AM Report abuse
AmazedAgain said...
We don't have to attack Democrats..they are self-destructing on their own. The big battle will be between Sen. Mitchell and Candidate Cutler. And hopefully leaving the victory to LePage.
July 25, 2010 at 8:02 AM Report abuse
Relax said...
Lotekguy, "Character Assassination?" Please specify. Are you referring to his PROCLAIMED and REPORTED duties for "Gentlemen” down on Lisbon Street or the unavoidable FACT that he has weight issues that are so extreme that they will undoubtedly be the cause of his early death? No one need engage in character assignation of this candidate. Just state the facts and let him through deed, comment, and appearance put himself in his own grave. I think the old saying is, “As Maine goes, so goes the nation.” I don’t recall ever hearing, As NJ goes, so goes the nation.” Maine is not NJ. Are you actually trying to compare the guy running Marden’s to Governor Chris Christie? I might not vote for Mr. Christie but I certainly would respect his multitude of qualifications to sit in the Governor’s chair. You insult Mr. Christie with such comparisons. Hope he doesn’t hear about it. Those boys in NJ play rougher than the “Gentlemen” on Lisbon street.
July 25, 2010 at 8:13 AM Report abuse
Merrigan said...
I can't wait till LePage wins. The weight comments are hilarious--people hate religion, except the new acceptable dogma that being thin equals goodness,character and integrity. This is part of liberal dogma now. Do Mainers know that the health reform legislation MANDATES body fat measurement as part of your electronic medical record along with height and weight? Get ready for the jumping jacks in the re-education camps, Mainers! But meanwhile....Vote LePage!
July 25, 2010 at 8:24 AM Report abuse
Govt2Big said...
The Extreme Far-Lefties are getting nervous, as proven by some of the above comments. Maine needs a strong fiscal conservative to fix all of the damage that has been done in our state. Paul LePage is the only candidate who can tackle that problem and get us back-on-track. Please visit his website at http://www.lepage2010.com and take a few minutes to review his position statements and informational videos. It's time for the political games with our tax dollars to stop before it's too late for our future generations.
July 25, 2010 at 8:26 AM Report abuse
lotekguy said...
Relax,did I read that correctly--you might not have voted for Christie??? Had you been a NJ resident,the Jon Corzine signs in front of your house would have blocked enought sunlight to kill your lawn. LePage is receiving the same treatment Sarah Palin got. Just a dumb hick,no Ivy League education,not enough gravitas to play with the big boys. Fact is,she was arguably more qualified than McCain,Biden,and Obama. Having been both a mayor and governor,she had proven executive and administrative chops that were lacking in her"debate club"counterparts. Instead of a lightweight like Palin,we ended up with the slick,polished,articulate Professor-in-Chief,providing us with"teachable moments". Dr.Phil might ask"How's that working out for you?" Former Mayor and soon-to-be Governor LePage has far greater qualifications than Libby,who's just another hack politician running on my dime. Enough already.
July 25, 2010 at 8:39 AM Report abuse
Hipupchuck said...
Republicans, working hard to make government ineffective.
July 25, 2010 at 8:42 AM Report abuse
lotekguy said...
Democrats,working hard to make the private sector extinct.
July 25, 2010 at 9:00 AM Report abuse
c2FtYWRhbXM%3D said...
Whoswho, You should ask Paul what he thinks of the Med Marijuana Law you might be surprised. And why would you want to support the government monopoly? Look, North East Patients Group is really Berkley Patients Group from California. They were awarded 4 of the 8 dispensary sites on their board of directors there are three people of interest, Faith Benidetti, and Dan Walker both of these folks were appointed to the governors Task force. The Californian, Rebecca DeKeuster, (Spelling?)that is listed as the CEO of NEPG has established her Maine state residency in Dan walkers house.! Walker helped to write the citizens bill, then was appointed to the task force, and now he is on the board of directors of the out of state company that is going to control 50% of the Maine medical Marijuana market?? Whswho you should just find a good local caregiver to grow your medicine or you should grow your own! do not allow the the corruption to continue!!!!
July 25, 2010 at 9:05 AM Report abuse
oldgrump said...
How nice. LePage did an old fashion train tour, threw out a few more tidbits about his "rough life in the streets", made a few jokes at the Democrats expense, but has yet to really talk about any solutions. We already know what the problems are, quit telling us the problems, tell us your plans to solve them. Same goes for the other side. Both sides offer nothing but canned soundbites to appease the masses and in hopes of deflecting from the fact that they have yet offered any real solutions or plans.
July 25, 2010 at 9:06 AM Report abuse
Govt2Big said...
oldgrump, why haven't you read the LePage website at http://www.lepage2010.com ? The details are there! All votes for anyone but LePage on November 2nd will support the Status Quo that put us in this mess.
July 25, 2010 at 9:22 AM Report abuse
Yopeace said...
NH tried this formula a few years back...electing Craig Benson governor because he didn't talk like a politician. It was a big mistake and the entire system stalled out. Benson was the only one term governor in NH in decades...he just couldn't do the job and nobody was happy about how it played out. The problem is, government is not a business. LePage should know that if he was on welfare. Government is of, for and by the people. Business is only about one thing: profit. I hope Maine doesn't make the same mistake NH made, it takes a long time to recover from the bumbling.
July 25, 2010 at 9:33 AM Report abuse
Ladydiodes2 said...
I agree it's time that the Democrats in Washington are sent packing. They are giving away more dollars and taxing us to death. It's time for people to stop this mentality that the government should pay for everything including extending unemployment benefits for ever. There are people who have been collecting unemployment benefits for over 2 years. Give me a break, there are jobs out there, but maybe not in the field that you want. Any job is better than none, and it's time to get off my tax dollar. Republicans are going to take back Washington in November and it's about time.
July 25, 2010 at 9:35 AM Report abuse
workingclass said...
"There's no crap with him" "He didn't sound like a polished politician." GO LEPAGE!!
July 25, 2010 at 9:43 AM Report abuse
oldgrump said...
Govt2Big said... oldgrump, why haven't you read the LePage website at http://www.lepage2010.com ? ******* On your advice, I have made another visit to his site. Nice to see he has added some actuall "plans". After reading the site and his "plans", I have made my decision on whome to vote for. Is Cutler actually on the ballot, or will I have to write him in?
July 25, 2010 at 9:54 AM Report abuse
Divinity said...
WhoME said… “Paul is the only candidate who has actually had to use the welfare system, he should know how it can be reformed …” ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ____ ____ _____ ____ _____ ______ ______ _________ _______ I flew on a Boeing P-26 Peashooter fifty years ago. Do you suggest that I am best prepared to redesign the new fleet of Boeing P-8 Poseidons?
July 25, 2010 at 9:55 AM Report abuse
lotekguy said...
Yopeace,like any state,New Hampshire's problems can't be solved by the governor alone. Benson may not have been the best choice,but NH,until recently a solid red state,is almost completely controlled by democrats. Being a former resident of the seacoast area,I've seen how active and well-organized the dem machine is. Education in NH,as in every state,is a huge issue. But the Granite state ranks very high in economic and quality of life categories,and,I predict,will soon return to its traditional conservative ways. Benson,it's true,was strictly a private-sector guy. LePage has both successful private and public sector qualifications that will serve him--and us--well,but,like Craig Benson,he'll have to do battle with the opposition.
July 25, 2010 at 10:00 AM Report abuse
Relax said...
Lotekguy, You appear to read correctly. It's your thinking that is confusing. PALIN? Ha! So inept she has to write notes on her hand like a little school girl cheating on a "spellin" test. Confused by the simplest of questions. Quitter. Money grabber. Yuk! The poor lady isn’t even qualified to be a dog catcher. Apologies to all dog catchers here for even suggesting she might be qualified to even apply. My goodness, why not go out on the street and find some obese old man who talks a lot in red faced anger but is incapable of saying anything meaningful or productive to lead your state? Woops, guess that’s where you’re already at huh? Unlike you, not everyone sets their standards so low that just about anyone could pass muster. Maine voters want solutions not the enraged shallow verbiage we have gotten from this man or your doll Sarah. Times are tough, but it’s not time to follow subpar fools. Apologies to all fools for even making such comparisons.
July 25, 2010 at 10:04 AM Report abuse
Polock79 said...
Republicans are going to take back Washington in November and it's about time. By all means lets get the Republicans back in there because they did such a wonderful job of deregulating Wall Street and giving tax breaks to the top 0.5% and large corporations and setting out to destroy the middle and working class. This election season appears to be about who can shout the loudest no matter what is coming from their mouths. And sadly if said candidate is entertaining, people will believe them. The Republicans like to shout and like to throw roadblocks in the way of progress and reform and then blame the Democrats. The Republicans are the party of "NO," "NO" to the middle class and "NO" to moving the state and country forward. So if you want to go backwards and continue to watch the middle class disappear, by all means elect the Republicans...
July 25, 2010 at 10:09 AM Report abuse
Divinity said...
lotekguy said..."... Sarah Palin got. Just a dumb hick,no Ivy League education,not enough gravitas to play with the big boys. Fact is,she was arguably more qualified than McCain,Biden,and Obama." _______________________________________________________________________________ Guy, you would "argue" that the moon is arguably more cheese-like than a wheel of Le Bleu de Basque or Roquefort. The stinkier the better, eh?
July 25, 2010 at 10:13 AM Report abuse
GRC207 said...
Oh, where to start! Maine politics are nothing like New Hampshire's. Apples and oranges. Even today there is an article in this paper where we are spending faster than we are taking in. We need revenue. You can't tax jobs that don't exist so make new ones with tax cuts to increase business. You can take more from more, not more from less. As for a democrat filled legislature, why do we have so many paid politicians in there anyway from any party? Good spot to start cutting if you ask me. Funny how change was the driving force for the presidency but is hypocritically bad for Maine.
July 25, 2010 at 10:18 AM Report abuse
Domino said...
There aren't enough people in the TP of Maine to get this guy elected. He is on the wrong side of the social-issues and isn't coming across as a guy who can come up with anything other than canned wit. I am, however ALL FOR his flat tax plan of "Reducing the personal income tax rate to a flat 5% beginning at a gross family income of $30,000."
July 25, 2010 at 10:31 AM Report abuse
lotekguy said...
Ridicule,inuendo,character assassination,ad hominem attacks.....is that all you libs have to offer? Actually,no. You've got your slick politicians with their custom-tailored suits,$800 haircuts and tooth-whitening treatments,sharp young research staff and speech writers. They're telegenic and masters of the teleprompter,and get rave reviews speaking before throngs of well-screened supporters. Again,how's that working out for us? We're not the same old voters of yore,accepting the campaign promises and voting for the most convincing liar. The times they are definitely a-changin',and those who would pursue a career in"public service"will be held to a much higher standard than they have in the past. Again,stay tuned--it's a whole new world,and we're about to see true democracy in action. You democrats should welcome that.
July 25, 2010 at 10:32 AM Report abuse
GRC207 said...
Might I put forth one question since I am too on the "wrong side of social issues"? Can anyone here honestly state that the current welfare system in Maine is a good system?
July 25, 2010 at 10:53 AM Report abuse
lotekguy said...
No,Divinity. But I could argue,and convincingly,that any caucasian male with as thin a resume as Obama's,even thinking of gaining the democrat nomination for president,would have been laughed out of D.C.,and the eminently more qualified Hillary Clinton would have easily been the top of the democrat ticket. But,as we know,in the liberal hierarchy,race trumps gender, and just about everything else. So here we are,stuck with a neophyte who's clearly over his head,and as hardcore a leftist as we've ever seen,prepared to take America over the cliff. McCain's loss was a blessing in disguise,as we witness the left pursuing its agenda with a vengeance. Now we desperately are ready for"change".
July 25, 2010 at 10:55 AM Report abuse
Relax said...
GRC207, Good point. One that I’ve wondered about myself. I suspect it’s a bit like the school consolidation issue. Who did the State put in charge of educating the public on that issue? Local superintendents. Where was one of the biggest cost savings of consolidation going to come from? Reducing managerial cost/i.e. Superintendents and their staffs. I doubt many Supers gave out open and honest advice on that front. Any effort to cut the number of politicians will run into similar problems. It's a bit like listening to those who want to cut taxes but not services. Or if doing fine, they want to cut only services that don’t affect them personally. People can be strange, which is why in the end no matter how much you may hate government, it does have the benefit of blunting the silliness of some folks selfish nature. Now, if only our politicians could learn to work openly and honestly.
July 25, 2010 at 10:59 AM Report abuse
Routone said...
This just shows that for Republicans, Alice in Wonderland is real. Weakness is strengh. Unintelligence is good. A lack of knowlege is a sign of problem solving skills. This is precisely the kind of anti-logic that led America to suffer the current economy, hatached by George W. Bush and the rest of the RePigs. The thing that Republicans can always guarantee is failure.
July 25, 2010 at 11:24 AM Report abuse
lotekguy said...
Routone,typical liberal fall-back position. Stand on your head and declare that the world is upside-down. Your lack of creativity is exceeded only by your ignorance. Those of us who inhabit the real world will be voting en masse this November. And even in Maine,I'll bet we'll outnumber you buy a w-i-d-e margin. See you at the polls.
July 25, 2010 at 11:36 AM Report abuse
Relax said...
lotekguy said..."Those of us who inhabit the real world will be voting en masse this November." Yep, I'm sure you're correct there. There's only one problem though. The mass of folks who inhabit your little world that are dumb enough to fall for Tea Party-Sarah Palin-Paul Lapage silliness is simply not large enough to win anything. Your “mass” is simply not as big as your candidate's arss. Crying that you don’t like what’s happened (We’ll stick to economically here) due to the recession that was started years ago by bad decisions, policy, corruption, and plain old stupidity by shouting, whining and blaming does not a party platform make. Most Mainers will put it to you this way. A manure pile will certainly attract a few flies, but it’s not where MOST folks would choose to dine. Something stinks about what you and “your world” is trying to offer up here. Manure Burger and a cup of tea anyone?
July 25, 2010 at 12:03 PM Report abuse
Ayuh23 said...
For too long, the republican party has attempted to gain control by polarizing the populace. By scaring the wits out of the voters by projecting what might happen if anyone else is in charge, they portray themselves as the heroes that can save the nation, if we only vote for them. It worked for a long time because anger and fear are motivating emotions. Name calling and finger pointing gets people riled up, but rarely solves problems. The simple truth is that there is no simple way to get out of the mess we are in. We got here together and we can only get out of it together. If the state's problems were easy to solve, it would have been done by now.
July 25, 2010 at 12:23 PM Report abuse
Ayuh23 said...
I am only interested in voting for a candidate who promises to listen to a lot of differing opinions, who admits he/she doesn't know all the answers and is willing to work with people all over the state to solve problems. Consequently, Mr LePage will not get my vote, based on what I have just read in this article. No more blame. No name calling, no ridicule. Just act like educated adults and get the job done.
July 25, 2010 at 12:24 PM Report abuse
bastaa said...
loteKguy: Democrats working hard to make the private sector extinct? Your frat boy President from the fourth world of Texass and his sidekick Five Deferment Dickey allowed the private sector to run the country at will for 8 years without one iota of any restraint. After 8 years they stole the entire treasury, mortgaged the country to China so they could make billions on a profit war, paid nothing themselves for the war, turned Wall Street into a casino, got billions from Shrubby in the original bailout, and left the country in a state that will take multiple Presidents to iron out only if the ruling class is tempered. The private sector unhinged ruined ITSELF and is close to taking the rest of us with it.
July 25, 2010 at 12:58 PM Report abuse
BillyFiske said...
"Is Cutler actually on the ballot, or will I have to write him in?" Been following the election closely I see.
July 25, 2010 at 12:59 PM Report abuse
dune said...
AFTER SIGNING ONTO CAMP LEPAGE FOR THE ENTIRE SUMMER THE KJ HAVE ENJOYED BEING THERE SO MUCH THEY DECIDED TO GO ALL THE WAY AND OWN A PIECE OF THE CROCK .THE TATTOO/BRAND WILL REMAIN COVERED TILL AFTER THE ELECTION,BUT BEING ALWAYS ON THE RIGHT NO NEED TO TURN THE OTHER CHEEK!ONCE AGAIN THEY LIVE UP TO THEIR MOTTO OF ALLOWING THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR OPINION AS SOON AS THE KJ HAS DECIDED WHAT THAT OPINION IS TO BE.SOME HAVE A NEWSPAPER BUT WE HAVE THE KJ!OH BLESSING!
July 25, 2010 at 1:39 PM Report abuse
lotekguy said...
Where do you liberals get your scripts? You all sound alike. Always blaming the Bush administration for the state of the economy,when Obama has taken that economy to levels not seen since the 1930's. Even the current White House has stopped blaming Bush for the most part,but you libs will be raggin' on him 20 years from now. When are you going to let it go? You're all so depressed that your little socialist world has fallen out of favor with us"real"Americans,you're beside yourselves with rage. Look,once we take back the reins of power,we promise to treat you like our equals. We won't seek retribution for what y'all have done to our country. And once we get the economy back on track,we might even offer you jobs. Of course,you'll have to earn your pay,as these will be private sector jobs. We'll even lower your taxes so you can keep more of"your"money,unlike the dems,who are now taxing you to death. Don't worry,things will be just fine.
July 25, 2010 at 3:12 PM Report abuse
Relax said...
Lotekguy said..."Obama has taken that economy to levels not seen since the 1930's". As if we were just in DANDY shape BEFORE his election! Ha! Man how stupid do you think we are? Isn't that about like saying that FDR was responsible for Hoovervilles? Hoover, republican right? Ran the White House while ignoring a false bull market perpetrated upon the American public by unscrupulous Wall Street bankers and investment agencies. Hey folks does that sound at all familiar? If we could simply use what we learned from the great depression perhaps we could make some progress in this recession now. Only one problem, the NO-NO-NO bunch likes us to be fearful and off balance. Confused and angry people do silly things like elect unscrupulous and unqualified representatives (i.e. One’s that are easy to buy). They certainly couldn’t care less for our suffering. They’re doing just fine and would just as soon see this county vanish if they could only turn a profit in doing so. Yuck!
July 25, 2010 at 3:51 PM Report abuse
HesterPrynne said...
Merrigan said...Do Mainers know that the health reform legislation MANDATES body fat measurement as part of your electronic medical record along with height and weight?" __ __ If you go to a doctor who does NOT routinely checks these measurements, then it's time to think about changing to a doctor who actually graduated medical school!
July 25, 2010 at 4:02 PM Report abuse
oldgrump said...
BillyFiske said... "Is Cutler actually on the ballot, or will I have to write him in?" Been following the election closely I see. ******** Sarcasm isn'w wasted on you, is it?
July 25, 2010 at 4:08 PM Report abuse
lotekguy said...
Relax asks"...how stupid do you think we are?" Just stupid enough to believe crap like:Wall Street is the enemy of Main Street;capitalism is evil and socialism is the path to prosperity;government takeovers of auto manufacturing,banking,and the nation's healthcare system are a good thing;federal takeover of college student loan programs is good;amnesty for illegal aliens is sound policy;suing states for protecting their citizens is appropriate;how about ensuring that our children and grandchildren will inherit massive,crushing debt? Any of this sound particularly smart to you,Relax?? Of course it does--you're a freakin' liberal!!! It ALL sounds good to you. Well,it doesn't sound all that good to us sane,rational,intelligent non-liberals out here in the real world,and guess what?? WE VOTE!!!
July 25, 2010 at 4:54 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
Lote, It's astonishing, I can't believe that people like you can't address reality, you're just knee-jerk buffoons prattling on like children. A primer on Republican economic policy goes like this wingnut: Socialism for the rich,Corporate welfare,s**** middle class and working poor ,outsource the military and the government,outsource the I.R.S. while spending borrowed Asian money like a drunken sailor in port for the weekend. Isn't that "Voodoo economics" on steroids? If they monetise the dept any more the Dollar is burnt toast.
July 25, 2010 at 5:07 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
If folks keep the OUTCOMES of Republicans in power in mind when they go to the polls the R's don't stand a chance. However, the fact is that they have some 25% who will not ever change their POV, and another 25% who will succumb to their finger pointing about family values and killing fetuses, despite the fact that most of these creeps have family values inconsistent with the public and don't give a rip about life in the womb or anywhere else if it's not theirs or making them money. A vote for LePig is a vote for the creep in the photos attached to this story.
July 25, 2010 at 5:11 PM Report abuse
Relax said...
Lotekguy, That's nice, but fortunately in numbers too small to be heard. By the way, most of the things you mentioned above have been deemed necessary to bring us back from that cliff one of your guys tossed us over, AGAIN. If you had a sense of even recent history you would see like the greater majority of us that something needs to be done to set us BACK on a course of economic security. Are we on the right path? I don't know but at least we are no longer free falling. That’s a relief. Of course some of the other statements you make above are simply irrational rationalizations and justifications for continuing down the CONservative pathway that put us into free fall. If saying such foolishness comforts you then by all means go on. Your hostility, name calling and obvious confusion speaks volumes about who the typical LaPage supporter is. I've still got some Manure Burgers and tea. What, still no takers? Darn, where are those LaPage voters when you need one?
July 25, 2010 at 5:20 PM Report abuse
GRC207 said...
Everyone has their own opinion of when the crisis was started: Bush's wars and taxcuts, Clinton's push for cheap mortgages, Reagan's "reaganomics". It was everyone's fault- politicians run amuck. Let's look at the local level for a moment. We were losing business and jobs here with a Democrat governor and legislature before the economic crisis. I'll reiterate what I wrote previously. You can't spend more than you have without tightening the belt somewhere. It would seem social services is a large part of that. It might not be popular, but something has to be done. The liberal mindset generally encourages social services. If the other candidates promise me reform in those areas, I'll consider voting for them. There is really only one candidate who will openly admit that this is a feasible option to reel in the budget.
July 25, 2010 at 6:14 PM Report abuse
dG90YWxzbGFt said...
Dumbs and Lubes: If you listen more closely to LaPage you'll see he's NOT telling lies but informing you on information of morals and factual issues. They may seem like lies to you but in reality you are in severe denial about everything. Wake up please and hit the reset button in 2010. If you still think oboma doesn’t lie, then I feel sorry for you.
July 25, 2010 at 6:29 PM Report abuse
dG90YWxzbGFt said...
I'd rather be a thousand pounds over weight than an ounce lighter in my loafers.
July 25, 2010 at 6:33 PM Report abuse
lotekguy said...
Relax,your claim that non-liberal voters are small in number doesn't jibe with polling data I've been hearing for some time. Nationwide,self-identified liberals,around 20%;conservatives,around 40%. Which leaves most of the rest in the independent camp. I'd expect that in Maine,the liberal number would be somewhat higher,the conservative somewhat lower. Maine has always had a high number of"unenrolled",or independents. The independent vote was what put Obama in office,but they've been jumping ship in droves over the past year and a half,and his ratings reflect it. Pelosi,Reid and dems in general are far less popular. Many pundits believe repubs will take the majority in the House,and more are coming to believe the Senate is becoming likely. I'd have to think state houses and legislatures would show similar results nationwide. I believe November will be a rejection of liberal governance of historic proportions,and that it's not just wishful thinking.
July 25, 2010 at 6:34 PM Report abuse
Relax said...
GRC207, Chopping social services is always the knee jerk response by conservatives. Let them eat cake! Frankly my vote will go to whomever makes the best proposal for the creation of new jobs. Lack of which is the basis for most of our current problems. The cause of which, well do I have to say it again?
July 25, 2010 at 6:55 PM Report abuse
Relax said...
Lotekguy, Not all that surprising as you clearly get your facts, information, and script from the likes of Fox Entertainment network. I'm happy that you have found hope someplace. Although you know, there's nothing stopping you from finding the truth elsewhere. It might help the lessen the blow in November.
July 25, 2010 at 7:00 PM Report abuse
lotekguy said...
Relax,I'll say it for you and all the liberals----IT'S BUSH'S FAULT!!!!!!!
July 25, 2010 at 7:00 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
Lote, You're right, it is Bush's fault. Of course, you're too clueless to understand that's actually true, but at least you mumbled the truth for once.
July 25, 2010 at 7:02 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
LePig is aging poorly because "happy hour" doesn't feature many veggies and exercise. C'mon LePigNuts, let's start an argument about LePig's personal credentials and "values." WINNNNNGGGG NUTS! Come out, come out where ever you are! Oink!
July 25, 2010 at 7:10 PM Report abuse
lake said...
Here goes the mudslinging how sad. Why can't politicians ever get past the mudslinging. Lepage talks of cutting things in areas he really knows nothing about. Frankly, I am tired of paying for these families who continue to have one child after another with no sense of responsibility for the children they bring into this world. We have to revamp the system so that these folks are not making more sitting home on the welfare dole because it pays more than working. Why not a 50-50 match? Expensive little train ride . . . LePage isn't being very responsible is he?
July 25, 2010 at 8:03 PM Report abuse
lotekguy said...
Are you libs all gonna get together on November 3rd for a pity-party? Have you all chosen the bridge you're gonna jump off of? There's a bridge in Augusta with a suicide prevention fence which poses a real challenge. I know you'll be taking the news awfully hard. By the way,have you decided to vote for Libby or Cutler? It'll be interesting to see how many votes they'll split,vying for a distant second place finish behind Governor LePage.
July 25, 2010 at 8:41 PM Report abuse
Divinity said...
I especially enjoyed the little blue and white Le Pages floating about Bath during Paul’s stop (see photo.) At least he wasn’t pretending to be well red. The mid-coast doesn't see a red tide as a real attraction. The irony of the red lite district proponents being the same sexually frustrated and phobic bible thumpers who believe that Hell awaits the "sinners" is not missed. The paint Maine red guys like lotek are going to get a taste of turpentine this fall. If lotek has ever fathered a son, he probably called him bright Bart. He is no Homer, however - he's about to hear his third strike called.
July 25, 2010 at 9:04 PM Report abuse