July 18 news round-up

As PolitickerME and half of Maine’s political community ventured around Aroostook County today, the news kept going. Here are a few things we missed today:

-Keeping a promise made in May, Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Tom Allen denounced a third party ad against him by the Employee Freedom group, criticizing him for his support of the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as the card-check legislation. While opponents say this legislation will make it easier for unions to organize, critics – such as the Employee Freedom group – say it takes away the private ballot from the union process. Press release

In May, Allen promised to denounce any third party ads that attacked him or his opponent, Sen. Susan Collins.

"We believe this ad has no place in this campaign, and we denounce it. To accuse hard-working Mainers of being aligned with organized crime and to suggest Congressman Allen is protective of organized crime is not only false and negative, but personally destructive," said Carol Andrews, Allen Campaign communications director, in a release.

-Gov. John Baldacci made four significant appointments today. Rebecca Wyke will serve as CEO as the Finance Authority of Maine, Ryan Low will be the Commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Jack Cashman will be a member of the Public Utilities Commission and Anne Head will be the Commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. Press release

“These individuals have proven themselves over the past five years, succeeding in taking Maine from a time of budget deficits, heavy borrowing and depleted reserves, to a position of a stronger financial and regulatory footing,” said Governor Baldacci in a release.  “These key people, put in key positions in my Administration, will enable my strategic initiatives to move forward as we confront a tough, uncertain national economy.”

-Real ID opponents failed to collect enough signatures to get a People’s Veto of the recently passed residency requirements on the ballot, but vow to keep fighting the law. Portland Press Herald story

-The Maine Military Museum in South Portland is feverishly preparing for John McCain’s visit Monday. Channel 6 story

-Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama’s campaign kicks off this weekend, with organized canvassing in Auburn and Bangor, according to a release from the campaign.