Crime of the day: Lobbyists getting money for services

The Appropriations Committee spent some time on Thursday reviewing a claim by the administration that there was a deliberate effort by the Maine Arts Commission, the Maine State Museum, and other cultural agencies to hide the fact that these agencies used public funds to pay for private lobbying activity.  That is against the law in Maine -- which is pretty funny when you think of it - since most departments have their own lobbyists.  Maybe the State doesn't like the competition.

Anyway, Representative Linda Valentino (D-Saco) had the question of the day when she asked, "We have four department heads that are relying on people that they are paying and giving a lot of good money to and now their heads are on the chopping block -and I'm just curious about the lawyers who are advising them and taking their money in violation of the law"   

Linda , Linda, Linda....you are about 2 steps from the woodshed - in fact, it may be too late!  The "lawyers who were advising them" are not just lawyers for goodness sake -- it was Mike Saxl, the former Speaker of the House, campaign operative for your caucus and campaign legal counsel to the Governor.  The other lawyer is Jim Cohen - you know, the former Mayor of Portland and all around great guy.

HELLOOOOOO...Rep. Valentino, it's me -- over here in the woodshed ---  I need to see you...NOW!

But seriously, as much as I enjoy a good moment of humility from lobbyists and department heads---what is this really about? I can't believe that the $4000 bucks in question is worth the mini-circus and mea culpa from the Administration.  I like chess and there is another move here --  merger, elimination of departments, or maybe just a good old fashioned vendetta. 

Help me out somebody - I know someone out there knows what the next move is.  Give me a hint at politickerme@aol.com