December 12, 2007 - 7:43am

Scontras Rides the Illegal Alien Driver License Issue

This will be interesting.

Dean Scontras, a Republican candidate for the First District Congressional seat has sent a letter to his fellow candidates in the first district asking them to:

"call on Governor Baldacci to rescind Executive Order 13 FY 04/05, issued on April 9, 2004, entitled "An Order Concerning Access to State Services by All Entitled Maine Residents". The Governor's Executive Order allows illegal aliens to obtain Maine driver's licenses."

This entire issue is very dangerous for politicians, as has been demonstrated by the Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani campaigns, both of whom have tried their best to navigate through an emotional and difficult issue.

I think that candidates in Maine will get a free pass for a while, but it will eventually rise to the level that requires a clear and concise answer - not just here in Maine, but the Country as a whole.

My suggestion: either make up an answer and go with your gut, or call down to Washington and get the POLL TESTED talking points from the beltway campaign committees, soon!

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Comments

Is tough talk enough?

posted by Nostradamus

FEC reporting errors aside, Scontras' operatives get political points for encouraging Dean to seize this hot button issue. Immigration is a major concern across the country--certainly among the As Maine Goes primary voters. But, does running with the latest Zogby or Rasmussen numbers give confidence that he is qualified to serve in Congress?

There's something about the Dean strategy that just isn't right. Maybe it's his inability (or unwillingness?) to articulate what he does for a living--something beyond working in technology since college, that is. Or maybe it's because he invokes Ronnie the Gipper, Karl the Architect, Newt the Speaker or Grandpa Scontras more than any tangible policy proposals. Although, in Dean's defense, these immigration comments are a good start.

Still, I don't see Dean taking the CD1 seat. With Charlie Summers serving overseas, and his wife/surrogate Ruth largely absent from the campaign trail, Dean has a good chance to win the primary. But can he beat Chellie or Ethan in the general? Not likely. Not with their name-ID, coffers and connections.

Stick with immigration, Dean. It's your best bet. But, if you find a lot of extra time on your hands come mid-November 2008, maybe you can join Tom Tancredo's "Failed Candidates for Immigration Reform" club.

12/12/07 1:13 pm

The FEC only requires one to

posted by j

The FEC only requires one to make the best attempt they can to collect information from donors. My guess is that Dean, is still collecting that information.

Dean Scontras will win because Maine people are tired of the career politicians who currently run Maine.

I encourage you to visit Dean's Website, it has his resume right on there. Accusing Dean of not being honest about who he worked for is flat out wrong. www.teamdean08.com

Dean Scontras- Maine's next congressman.

12/12/07 1:30 pm