Maine politics

House Democrat Draws Primary Challenge After Voting With Republicans on Shutdown

Maine Representative Jared Golden, a Democrat, faces a primary challenge from State Auditor Matthew Dunlap, who criticizes Golden for aligning with Republicans. Dunlap, who served as Maine’s Secretary of State, asserts that Golden’s voting record, including his support for a Republican-led funding bill and the SAVE Act, has alienated Democrats. Golden, defending his actions, emphasizes his representation of an independent district and the diversity of its views. Additionally, former Republican Governor Paul LePage has also announced his campaign for the district’s seat.

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Millennial Democrat with Civil Service Experience Challenges Susan Collins in Maine Senate Race

A millennial, progressive Democrat with Government Civil Service experience has entered the Maine Senate race against Susan Collins, and it’s immediately sparking a lot of buzz, and for good reason. This is a significant moment in Maine politics, and it’s setting up what could be a fascinating and potentially transformative race. The news alone has triggered a wave of reactions, illustrating the passionate feelings surrounding both the incumbent, Susan Collins, and the potential of a fresh, progressive alternative.

There’s a lot of early energy surrounding this new candidate. The fact that they’re a millennial already signals a different perspective, one that’s likely attuned to the evolving concerns of a younger generation.… Continue reading

New Democratic Challenger Emerges to Challenge Susan Collins in Maine

Marine Corps and U.S. Army veteran Graham Platner, an oyster farmer from Maine, has announced his Senate campaign, aiming to unseat Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Platner criticizes Collins’s voting record and her perceived failure to stand up to former President Trump’s agenda, particularly regarding healthcare and economic policies. Democrats see Maine as a key state to retake the Senate majority, but face challenges in recruiting strong candidates against Collins, who has a history of winning elections despite facing strong opposition. Platner’s campaign is fueled by a desire to address issues like rural healthcare, housing affordability, and wasteful foreign spending, representing a challenge to the status quo in Maine.

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Polls Indicate Susan Collins Faces Re-Election Challenges

Despite Senator Susan Collins’ recent vote against a tax- and safety net-cut bill, a rare move, her political standing in Maine is precarious. Polling data reveals a significant decline in Collins’ approval ratings, with a majority of Mainers, including many Republicans, indicating they do not want her re-elected. While Democrats are expected to target her, she is facing a difficult re-election bid. This is complicated by the unpopularity of the bill she voted against and the potential for further challenges.

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Maine Governor Defends Transgender Policies, Sparring with Trump Over Federal Funding

President Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from Maine unless Governor Janet Mills banned transgender athletes from women’s sports, prompting Mills to defiantly declare her intention to challenge the order in court. This followed a White House meeting where Trump issued similar threats to other Democratic governors. The Department of Education subsequently initiated an investigation into Maine for alleged Title IX violations. Mills framed the dispute as a constitutional battle over the rule of law, warning of the potential for future attacks on other groups. The controversy ignited intense debate within Maine, with some politicians publicly targeting a transgender athlete and others condemning such actions.

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Senator Collins Condemns Trump’s Firings

Senator Susan Collins voiced serious concerns regarding the Trump administration’s mass federal firings, citing potential detrimental effects on Maine, impacting areas such as national parks and biomedical research. These firings, orchestrated under the guidance of Elon Musk, have been widespread and disorganized, leading to the government scrambling to rehire some dismissed employees. The administration justified the actions as a push for efficiency, but several agencies and unions are advising employees to disregard the demands, suggesting legal challenges may follow. Collins, while expressing alarm and hinting at potential constitutional violations, indicated that legal recourse, rather than immediate Senate action, may be the most effective response.

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Maine Governor Defies Trump, Vows Court Battle Over Funding Threat

Following President Trump’s threat to cut federal funding if Maine allowed transgender girls to participate in school sports, Governor Mills defiantly stated she would comply with state and federal laws, challenging him to “see you in court.” Maine’s Attorney General affirmed that such funding cuts would be illegal, violating existing court orders. The Maine Principals’ Association, citing a 2021 state law, confirmed its continued allowance of transgender athletes’ participation. Governor Mills, in a subsequent statement, vowed to fight any attempt to withhold federally appropriated funds, emphasizing the unconstitutionality of the President’s actions.

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Susan Collins won’t vote for Trump: ‘I don’t think it should surprise anyone’

Susan Collins won’t vote for Trump. Big surprise, right? Well, not really. In fact, I think we all saw this coming. Susan Collins has a history of talking a big game and then failing to deliver. Remember when she voted to not convict Trump during the impeachment trial because she thought he had “probably learned his lesson”? Yeah, that was a real show of spine.

Her recent announcement that she won’t be voting for Trump shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone. After all, she has enabled his disastrous policies for years. She talks a big game but when it comes down to it, her actions always seem to fall short.… Continue reading