Lawmakers find compromise on bonds
Lawmakers couldn't stay away from the capital for long. Last week, the full Legislature reconvened for a special session to decide the fate of a $150 million bond package put together through a compromise between Democratic leaders and Gov. Paul LePage. The outcome of that vote was not available by press time, but the air of cooperation between Democrats and the governor and a unanimous committee recommendation presaged its passage.
Aye for an aye
The compromise bond package comprises $100 million in transportation projects, around $35.5 million for higher education and another $14 million to improve armories around the state. The governor, who urged lawmakers to return to Augusta to put $100 million in transportation projects out for voter approval in November, brought Democrats to the bargaining table when he said he would support up to $150 million in borrowing. The transportation portion of the bill includes $44 million for road improvements, around $27 million for rehabilitating bridges and about $9 million in infrastructure projects at the International Marine Terminal in Portland, where Icelandic shipping company Eimskip moved its U.S. headquarters this year.
Campaign scramble
The stage is nearly set for the 2014 election season, where the race for the Blaine House and Maine's 2nd congressional district will be the focus. Gubernatorial hopeful Steve Woods, CEO of TideSmart Global, dropped out as a contender for the Democratic party nomination, endorsing U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud and clearing the way for the congressman to avoid a primary battle. Incumbent Republican LePage and independent Eliot Cutler are leading contenders in the race that also includes independents Adam Eldridge of Brewer, Lee Scultheis of Freeport and Green Independent candidate David Slagger.
Former state Treasurer Bruce Poliquin announced his candidacy for Maine's 2nd U.S. House District seat last week. The race will likely include a primary for Democrats and Republicans. On the Republican side, Kevin Raye says he's seriously considering a third run for Congress, while State House Assistant Majority Leader Alex Willette of Mapleton and Blaine Richardson of Belfast have announced their candidacies. On the Democratic side, Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson, Sen. Emily Cain of Orono and newcomer Alden Smith of Sangerville plan to run.
Moving up
U.S. Small Business Administration chief Karen Mills has selected Jeanne Hulit, a former economic development official in Maine, to serve as the agency's acting administrator, a Cabinet-level position.
Hulit's climb to the top spot at the SBA has roots in Maine, where she previously served as a senior vice president for commercial lending at Citizens Bank and as a deputy director of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. Hulit will remain in the position until President Obama nominates a new administrator.
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