Last week I was discussing with a few Republican colleagues about the upcoming the potential outcome of our elections here in Maine. In our county of Somerset, we have 11 or so legislative seats along with about 6 county seats that are continuously up for grabs. In the past few elections, Republicans have represented Somerset well. Some could say that it is the rural area and conservative nature of the area. Other might add that it is the lack of strong Democratic candidates to run against our team. Regardless of the reasoning, the fact remains that we are probably the second most conservative county in Maine behind Piscatiquis. I want to be the most conservative.
Having said all that, I wonder what will the election outcome be in 2008 for our local legislators? What will be the pressing issues here in Maine, outside of the national political scene which is all focused on the presidential race. One of my colleagues, whom I admire, seems to think regardless of the issues pressing Mainers this upcoming year, the only issue on the minds of local voters will be the War in Iraq and their feelings towards President Bush. Whats puzzling about that statement is that in 2006, Mainers came out on full force for the governors race as well as for the referendums and citizens initiatives. So what was the pressing issue that got the citizens of Maine to vote in large numbers in 2006? Simply: governmental spending and borrowing. Mainers sent a message to the governor as well as across the state that they are fed up with the overspending by the government as well as the borrowing to balance the budget. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights, although failed by a slim margin, would have given the people more power or control over the governments spending and proved to be the hot topic as well as an eye opener to those in the legislature as well as the governor. Is there any reason to think at this point in time that will be any different come November of 2008? Now I'm not saying the the War will have no effect on the results here in Maine, but the overall issue regarding the local elections it will not be.
One legislator I know told me that during his last campaign in 2006, he fielded very few questions on his stance on Iraq or President Bush. Another said that he had no questions regarding the War. This was at a time when could be arguably said it was the most hottest time during the War. As of right now, shortly after the much talked about "surge" in Iraq by allied forces, the surge as been reported on by General Petreaus as well as in recent weeks by anti-war critic, Congressman Murtha, to essentially be working. Reports of lower casualties and increased captures of al Quaida enemy combatants is proof that the war is going in the right direction. Where's the good new from Maine?
I firmly believe that the spending issues here in Maine by all levels of government; state, local, county and school boards, will be the main focus on our local elections. Increased fuel costs resulting in higher heating costs as well poor roads and lack of new businesses will be key to the local races. The candidate that best describes their plan to help us get our spending down in a way the voters can understand...will win, period. I do not think that voters will say to themselves, "I hate President Bush because of this War and he's a Republican, so I'll vote Democrat". There is no correlation between the War and Augusta. Mainers have to realize that there is a difference between national politics and Maine politics. Things that happen in the Maine Legislature and in the local county or municipal offices hit us more quickly than with Washington politics. As I told someone before, I became a Republican before the War and before President Bush took office. I became a taxpaying Mainer long before that, as did many I know.
God Bless America!
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