Attitudes regarding marijuana have dramatically changed during the past two decades. Those in favor of legalizing the drug are finding increasing support from an expanding constituency, including millenials who can now vote and health care providers who say the drug can benefit their patients. Even retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens --- not a likely … Continue reading Smoke on the water
Category: LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY
How not to use social media in a campaign
There is a right way to use social media in a campaign. And there is a wrong way to use social media in a campaign. The following could be forgiven if it came from a political novice, but not when it comes from the governor's re-election team. Here's a game you can play at home. … Continue reading How not to use social media in a campaign
Primary Colors
Allow me to make a bold prediction. Voter turnout for Maine's 2014 Primary Elections on June 10 will be absolutely dismal. Taxpayers across Maine will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for an absolute non-event; an utter waste of time and resources, all in the name of a Democratic process that doesn't work without a contest. … Continue reading Primary Colors
Social media and Maine’s gubernatorial campaign
Despite all the hoopla about the power of social media tools in political campaigns, what metrics can we use to determine if those tools are effective? While just about anyone can set up a Twitter account or create a Facebook page, social media tools are only as effective as those who are using them. Although … Continue reading Social media and Maine’s gubernatorial campaign
Third time is the charm?
While most people were picking out green outfits, drinking lots of beer or otherwise wasting time on St. Patrick's Day, one select group of folks were bracing for potential fame and fortune as hopeful members of the 2015 Maine Legislature. The deadline for wannabe state representatives and state senators came and went at 5 p.m. … Continue reading Third time is the charm?
Thinking Politics
A few weeks ago, I decided to try an experiment. As Maine Goes (AMG), one of Maine's most popular and controversial political websites, had gone dark after a 16-year run that allowed verified members to post and comment on a wide range of political issues. Admittedly, AMG was a conservative site, but it was well-moderated, … Continue reading Thinking Politics
The (not so) usual suspects
Another Biddeford politician has thrown his hat into the ring to replace State Rep. Paulette Beaudoin in the Maine Legislature. While some observers were thinking that newcomer Ryan Fecteau has all but clinched the June 2014 Democratic primary for the District 11 seat, it looks like voters could have several choices. Former Biddeford city councilor and … Continue reading The (not so) usual suspects
Feeling gravity’s pull
At first glance, the two men who represent the city of Saco in the Maine Legislature seem worlds apart. One is 22 years old and openly gay; the other is 62 and married with children. While Justin Chenette is serving his first term in the Maine House of Representatives, Barry Hobbins is serving his seventh term in … Continue reading Feeling gravity’s pull
Another Tricky Day
It was -- at best -- a bit of a stretch. The Maine Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner and awards ceremony Friday and landed U.S. Senator Angus King as its keynote speaker. Thus, the event's theme was Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. You probably remember the 1939 movie that made actor Jimmy Stewart … Continue reading Another Tricky Day
Who do you love?
There is only one subject I find more fascinating than politics: psychology. Some of us spend so much of our time focused on the candidates or those elected to public office, yet we barely scratch the surface when it comes to examining the people beyond the headlines and the hype. Who are those people? You … Continue reading Who do you love?
