John McKernan

Blaine House celebration: Govs. McKernan, King and Baldacci. Politicker photo.

For all most people know, there could be remnants of “John loves Olympia” etchings in the furniture in the Governor’s office. It has, after all, been around since John McKernan was governor from 1987 to 1995.

Current Gov. John Baldacci isn’t replacing it, but it is time for a touch up, said communications director David Farmer Wednesday.

Soon, the furniture will be shipped off the Maine State Prison’s upholstery shop to be repaired.

At the prison, the upholstery program is federally certified. The money prisoners earn while working there goes toward reimbursing the state for room and board expenses, and also to paying victim restitution and child support.

To honor the 175-year anniversary of the Blaine House, Gov. John Baldacci (D-Bangor) will gather with three of his predecessors for a two-day event this weekend.

Angus King (I-Brunswick) served from 1995 to 2002. John McKernan, Jr. (R-Bangor) served from 1987-1995, and John Reed (R-Fort Fairfield) served from 1959 to 1967. Baldacci has been in office since 2002. Their families will attend the event as well.

On Friday there will be an invitation-only dinner at the State House.

On Saturday from 11 to 2, there will be a public tour of the Blaine House, tours of the Maine State Library and the Maine State House, and games and rides in Capital Park. There will be fireworks in the park at 9 p.m.

Republican Presidential candidate John McCain will be in Maine on Monday for a private reception in Kennebunkport and a public presentation at the Maine Military Museum.

McCain is scheduled to speak at the South Portland museum Monday afternoon, according to its Web site. No further details are available.

The museum is hosting a special event honoring prisoners of war. McCain spent five years as a POW in Vietnam.

At 11:30 Monday, McCain will be in Kennebunkport for a fundraiser. For $2,300, donors can visit the Bush family compound for a VIP reception and photo opportunity. For $1,000, donors can attend a private reception and for $500 they can attend a general reception, both to be held at the Nonantum Resort.

The Host Committee includes: President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush, Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, and former Gov. John McKernan.