Senator John Nutting's Hit List.

Senator John Nutting (D), the dairy famer-senator from Androscoggin County, provided members of the Appropriation's Committee with a helpful list of suggested cuts.  The list includes 51 positions in 15 different departments. Other than the Agriculture Department (for which he chairs the oversight committee), few departments were spared.

The list is very interesting, in that Senator Nutting has put his finger on one of the few growth areas in state government employment - the public relations staff and "policy influencing positions" .  For those of you unfamiliar with the term "policy influencing position", that is a phrase generally means three things:  The pay is good, you get to by pass all that civil service/union employment rules and your friends are eligible for the job.

Senator Nutting, although a democrat, represents a conservative leaning district, works hard for a living and really doesn't care if anyone likes him or not.  In short, he is dangerous and can't be ignored.  There is no doubt that the Senator from Androscoggin County will be pulling out his list at every opportunity.

For those of you on the list - it might not be time to polish up your resume just yet, but I would make sure you know where it is.