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

Even though the dust is still swirling a bit following the GOP convention last weekend, the Democrats have released their draft platform, which will be considered at their convention June 1, 2, and 3.

The proposed platform is a seven page document with positions on economic opportunity, health care, education, ethics, and a myriad of other topics. Not surprisingly, they advocate for a "universal, single-payer, non-profit health care system" gay marriage, and environmental protection for vernal pools and "airspace."

They also call for "fair compensation for state legislators" but don't outline exactly what that means. And they seem to take a shot at some LePage Administration officials -- Pattie Aho and Mary Mayhew come to mind -- with a statement that the party "opposes the appointment of professional lobbyists as heads of state agencies."

Other interesting things of note come under the heading Global Peace, Security and Justice, where they outline specific actions for Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Israel and Palestine. In years past, delegates have debated the finer points of the platform, but have not opted for wholesale changes.

On Sunday night, the Republicans kept in place the 2010 tea party platform.

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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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