Tag: Paulette Beaudoin

The heart is a lonely hunter

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

I hate to deliver this news:

Joanne Twomey: Portland Press Herald photo

If you or someone you know was hoping to make Gov. Paul LePage’s visit to Biddeford a big part of your Valentine’s Day plans, I hope you have a Plan B.

According to Mayor Alan Casavant, the governor had a scheduling conflict and rescheduled his visit to March 5.

Casavant said he is  still looking forward to the governor’s visit, but our sources tell us that former Mayor Joanne Twomey will likely be very disappointed by the rescheduling.

On January 31, Twomey posted a comment on this blog  about an earlier story regarding the Governor’s pending visit.

“Randy you and Allen (sic) are very wrong, I am looking forward to seeing Governor LePage, you forget I met him when I was Mayor and asking him to bring jobs to Biddeford. Not only will I shake his hand, I will give him a big hug and tell him he should have a heart on Valentine’s Day…”

It looks like Twomey’s big hug will have to wait at least a couple more weeks.

That extra time may give Twomey the time she needs to complete her filing papers and gather signatures for her bid to oust fellow Democrat Paulette Beaudoin for the House District 135 seat.

Some of Twomey’s strongest supporters tell us they have been receiving conflicting information from Twomey about whether she will actually file and run a primary campaign.

I’ve got even money that says Twomey may swing for the bleachers and instead set her eye on the increasingly crowded field in State Senate District 4.

Democrats Stephen Beaudette (a former state rep. and city councilor); David Dutremble, a Biddeford firefighter; and Jim Emerson, a school committee member and former city councilor, have all indicated they want their party’s nomination in the June 12 primary.

As of today, no Republican candidate has surfaced, but James Booth of Arundel has filed as a un-enrolled candidate, virtually guaranteeing a spot for his name on the November ballot since he does not need the blessing of a political party during the primary election.

All candidates for the Legislature must file their paperwork and signatures with the Maine Secretary of State’s office no later than March 15.

Thus, there’s a reason for the centuries-old adage, Beware the ides of March. Translated for my friend Brian Keely: the “ides of March” is March 15, the date when Caesar was allegedly murdered by several members of the Roman Senate, including his ally, Brutus.

Et tu, Brutus?

It’s not your 19th nervous breakdown

~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

Come on, don’t tell me you didn’t see this one coming.

That’s right, word on the street, yet unconfirmed, is that former mayor Joanne Twomey is at least contemplating a bid to recapture her former District 135 House seat, and may challenge the incumbent, fellow Democrat Paulette Beaudoin for a chance to take on Republican Perry Aberle in November. So far, Twomey has not registered as a candidate with the Maine Secretary of State’s office.

Joanne Twomey: Portland Press Herald Photo

If this plays out like I predict, it will be the trifecta of disgruntled Democrats in Biddeford.

For those of you playing at home, here’s the run down of Democrat on Democrat for the city’s three State House Seats.

District 135: Joanne Twomey may face incumbent Paulette Beaudoin, a sweet, little old lady who just wants a fourth and final term.

District 136: Bob “I never stop campaigning” Mills will challenge incumbent Megan Rochelo, a sweet, little young lady who would really like a second term.

District 137: State Sen. Nancy Sullivan, facing term limits, will challenge Mayor Alan Casavant,  a man who often acts like a sweet, little old lady and would just like to spend his non-napping hours saving the world and chatting with his 48 million Facebook friends.

Twomey got trounced just a few weeks ago, when Biddeford voters overwhelmingly rejected her bid for a third consecutive term in the mayor’s office, but she is a fierce campaigner and that, combined with her name recognition, could spell serious trouble for Beaudoin. If Joanne is able to re-assemble her kitchen cabinet, look out!

I have been watching Biddeford politics for more than a decade, and this seems like a first. The GOP must be loving it, and the Dems in Augusta better break out the riot gear. This is one primary you won’t want to miss.