Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

Sen. Olympia Snowe shared her thoughts on a variety of issues today after she was honored by the United Bikers of Maine at their annual Blaine House Tea.

She said President Obama still has not clearly laid out his long term plan for Afghanistan, despite his address to the nation last night.

"I think it still doesn't answer the question about how we come to terms with ending the insurgency without Pakistan," she said.

She said in some ways, things have gotten worse in Afghanistan since she visited shortly after the terrorist attacks. Americans need to know there's a plan to bring soldiers home, she said.

"I know (President Obama) has placed an end date of 2014, but in some ways that seems open ended," she said. "I don't think it can be open ended over the next decade."

Snowe was also asked about for Gov. Angus King's decision to run for her seat. Snowe announced earlier this year she would not seek re-election, which drew large primary fields from both parties, and King, into the race.

"I think what's most important is for people to decide who can best serve them and to represent them," she said. "Obviously I'm a Republican and I'll be supporting Republican candidates."

She said voters should ask King where he stands on issues and which side he'll caucus with and why.

Snowe, who is scheduled to speak Sunday at the GOP convention, said she's still writing her speech. She said she'll talk to fellow Republicans about issues she'd like them to focus on during the upcoming election cycle. And, she'll talk about leadership.

"The failure of leadership, frankly, as I've seen it in Washington," she said. "The source of my frustration is our inability and our failure to address the major issues of our time. This is a critical moment in the life of the nation and we're at a crossroads."

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Open Season targets all of Maine's political wildlife, from Portland city government to the donkeys, elephants and independents stalking the Statehouse and U.S. Capitol.

John Richardson joined the Press Herald in 1990 after working as a reporter in New Jersey. He has covered a variety of beats, including marine issues, the environment and health care. He is now covering politics and focusing on Maine's U.S. Senate race.
John can be reached at 791-6324 or jrichardson@pressherald.com
On Twitter: @jrichmaine

Colin Woodard has covered politics and elections for more than two decades, from Bosnia and Bucharest to Washington, D.C., Augusta, and Portland City Hall. He has written for a wide range of national and international publications and is the author of four books, including "American Nations," a history of North America's regional cultures. He joined the Portland Press Herald at the end of April and covers political finance and lobbying, among other things.
Colin can be reached at 791-6317 or cwoodard@pressherald.com

Susan Cover has covered Maine politics for 10 years and worked in Kansas, Ohio and Rhode Island as a reporter. This year, she is focusing on covering the same-sex marriage debate for MaineToday Media.
Susan can be reached at 621-5643 or scover@mainetoday.com

Michael Shepherd joined MaineToday Media in May 2012 after graduating from the University of Maine in Orono, where he edited The Maine Campus, the student newspaper there. Until November he'll be writing the Truth Test, a recurring feature analyzing political statements and advertising.
Michael can be reached at 621-5632 or mshepherd@mainetoday.com

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