Click here to listen to this week’s chat with WGAN about State House politics. We touched on a number of issues, including potential legislation from the Democratic majority about the so-called skills gap, an issue with the potential to generate bipartisan agreement among Gov. Paul LePage, Republicans and Democratic lawmakers.          

  Gov. Paul LePage hasn’t made any formal announcements about whether he’ll seek a second term in 2014, but his reelection committee is proceeding as if he will.  Last week Aetna, an insurance company, and the mega-retailer Wal-Mart hosted a fundraiser for the governor at the Portland Country Club in Falmouth. The reception cost $1,500 […]

Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, is presumed to be the next Senate president. However, Republicans plan to put up a fight Wednesday when they nominate Sen. Garrett Mason, of Livermore Falls.  Mason is unlikely to win the presidency by virtue of the Democrats’ numbers advantage in the chamber. But running an opposition candidate could be perceived […]

 Gov. Paul LePage on Tuesday called off his scheduled meeting with incoming Democratic leadership. The governor made the announcement during a Penobscot Bay Chamber of Commerce event held Tuesday morning. According to attendees, LePage was upset that a Democratic tracker had been recording his remarks. LePage tells the chamber gathering that he was embarrassed that […]

Our media partners at WGAN 560 had a couple noteworthy interviews Monday that are worth a listen.  Hosts Mike Violette and Ken Altshuler snagged a few minutes with Rep. Mark Eves, the presumptive Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives. Eves talked a little bit about the upcoming legislative session and how lawmakers will tackle […]

This week’s edition of the Monday discussion on WGAN 560. Topics: What Democrats will do with the Republican tax cut package, vetoes and budget gaps. Buckle up!

North Berwick Rep. Mark Eves, who was nominated Tuesday by House Democrats, takes a few questions from the State House press corps. Eves and incoming Senate President Justin Alfond, of Portland, will be officially voted into their leadership posts by the full Legislature on Dec. 5. 

There’s a late entry in the race for House Republican minority leader: Current House Speaker Robert Nutting. Nutting, of Oakland, emailed House Republicans Tuesday seeking their support. Nutting is up against Paul Davis, of Sangerville, and Ken Fredette, of Newport. Republicans will elect their leaders when they caucus in Augusta on Wednesday.  Nutting’s email — […]

Tyll.Woodbury There have been several stories and opinion pieces written about the District 11 state Senate race between independent incumbent Dick Woodbury and Republican Chris Tyll. There has also been a lot of political mailers sent to the residents in that district.  A lot of the mailers are positive. Some are negative. Above are two […]

By the numbers … * Third party spending on Maine legislative races in 2010: $1.5 million * Third party spending on Maine legislative races in 2012: $3.47 million * Third party spending on state Senate District 32, the most targeted race in 2012: $438,697 * Legislative salary for Republican incumbent Nichi Farnham or Democratic challenger […]