Wake-Up Call: Wednesday, August 13, 2008

With the PolitickerME.com Wake-Up Call e-mailed to your inbox, phone, Blackberry or PDA first thing in the morning, you can get a rundown of Maine's top political headlines. Sign up to get the Wake-Up Call delivered every morning.

With the PolitickerME.com Wake-Up Call e-mailed to your inbox, phone, Blackberry or PDA first thing in the morning, you can get a rundown of Maine's top political headlines. Sign up to get the Wake-Up Call delivered every morning.

Pindell Report: Collins seat increasingly safe

Susan Collins' re-election bid, which was once of the country's most closely watched U.S. Senate races, is becoming increasingly more secure for Collins, a new Politicker.com analysis shows.

The race is currently ranked as the 12th most-competitive race out of the 35 U.S. Senate races this year. (PolitickerME.com, Staff)

Link: http://www.politickerme.com/editor/2164/pindell-report-collins-seat-incr...

Parties exchange jabs over oil company contributions

The Center for Responsive Politics found this week that while many perceive John McCain as the candidate backed by the oil companies, Barack Obama gets his share as well.

The center found that of the two major party candidates, McCain benefits the most from the industry itself, however Obama gets more from individual donors who are employees of the largest companies in the industry. (PolitickerME.com, Jessica Alaimo)

Link: http://www.politickerme.com/jessicaalaimo/2174/parties-exchange-jabs-ove...

STATEHOUSE LAWMAKERS MULL TAX CUT

AUGUSTA -- Gov. John Baldacci said this week that lowering the state income tax is a priority heading into the next legislative session.

Lawmakers called it a promising sign that there may be action on an often frustrating statewide problem. (Morning Sentinel, Susan M. Cover)

Link: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/5310785.html

State Senate candidate Mary Andrews to hold energy forum

YORK — Former state senator and current state Senate candidate Mary Andrews has scheduled a forum to discuss energy efficiency issues. The event will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at First Parish Hall, York. (Seacoast Online, Staff)

Link: http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/NEWS/8...

Rally urges young voters to 'Wake it Up!'

YORK — In a critical election year, young voters must get involved.

That was the message at the "Let's Wake It Up" rally and voter information gathering held Sunday. Aug. 10, at the Lobster in the Rough on Route 1. (Seacoast Online, Dave Choate)

Link: http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/NEWS/8...

Summer planning continues at Maine State House

AUGUSTA—There's still no word about a special session of the Maine Legislature to take up fuel assistance funding.

Gov. John Baldacci, who has indicated there is a possibility of bringing lame-duck lawmakers back to the State House before their terms expire and successors are seated in December, reiterated Tuesday that administration officials are reviewing what options are available and whether action is needed before a new Legislature convenes. (Boston Globe, AP)

Link: http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2008/08/12/summer_planni...

Baldacci withdraws Wyke as FAME nominee

AUGUSTA -- Gov. John Baldacci has withdrawn his nomination of Rebecca Wyke to head the Finance Authority of Maine.

Wyke, currently the commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, has accepted the position of Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration for the University of Maine system, Baldacci's office announced today.

Wyke, who lives in Augusta, will be responsible for the university system's business and administration functions. (Maine Today, Matthew Stone)

Link: http://news.mainetoday.com/updates/031433.html

Michaud says Pinkham Saw Mill closing

Rep. Michael Michaud says Irving Forest Product's Pinkham Saw Mill in Nashville Plantation is being permanently closed, resulting in the loss of 64 jobs. (Maine Today, AP)

Link: http://news.mainetoday.com/updates/031422.html

Efforts underway to hire joint School Committee-town business manager

KITTERY — In an effort to get the most bang for taxpayers' bucks, the town's municipal officials and School Board members have agreed to combine forces in order to hire a business manager who will serve both town agencies. (Seacoast Online, Shir Haberman)

Link: http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/NEWS/8...

With the PolitickerME.com Wake-Up Call e-mailed to your inbox, phone, Blackberry or PDA first thing in the morning, you can get a rundown of Maine's top political headlines. Sign up to get the Wake-Up Call delivered every morning.