I've been conspicuous by my absence for an extended period, mostly because Paul LePage was doing the job we hired him to do and I had no complaints.
But, now that he's termed out, I need to learn about the various Republican candidates for the office and this is the best place for thoughtful opinions, frank discussion and a minimum of hype.
A quick perusal didn't spot a thread on this specific topic, but I'll be watching and hoping to learn.
Paul,
Prospect Harbor
Welcome back PHPaul
Things are a little slow at moment.
A review of public square topics will give an indication of what's been talked about and what one should worry about ,I think.
A t moment I think Mayhew is a topic for opposition,They hate her, and next best I see Moody as a outside change to pull off another surprise.
No matter what it will be a not LePage fight as the main point for the dems..
Mayhew has more experience in how the Maine swamp works and how LePage dealt with it.
Fredette has a good deal of same; Mason some as well, but too early for him.
Moody seems sincere, but what does he have to recommend him?
...this is the best place for thoughtful opinions, frank discussion and a minimum of hype. Giggle. This is no place at all. It's finished and no amount of wishful thinking will bring it back to what it never was in the first place.
Mayhew knows how the swamp works, alright.
Can someone say “lifetime lobbyist”?
LOL... now that's funny coming from you, Matt. Is Janet Mills your choice to be our next Governor?
Is it not true?
Moody?
Mel
What did LePage really have to offer ?
Good story of life, Mardens' business built on selling off other peoples' goods available by disaster and business losses.
A personality that appealed to some voters statewide and a three party ticket.
Everybody who had a fascination with cars and didn't go on to UM for a liberal arts degree is a possible voter.
The second district could pull it off again.
Everyone of them R's will have to fight off Le Page attraction which to the opposition will be the tactic IMO used by dems.. What else do they have to offer.
By the way businesses, compare number of Mardens and Moody collisions centers .
LePage made a name for himself as a counterculture mayor of Waterville, and also did turnaround work in business.
Not bad creds.
I first encountered Mayhew probably something like 10 years ago or a bit more at a symposium on health care policy. She was on the "panel," and at the time, was employed by the Maine Hospital Association, no doubt with lobbying ID.
Lifelong lobbyist? I can't say one way or the other.
But I can say this. She had an incredible knowledge of all aspects of the health care system, including the insurance structures and the pharma industry. I was deeply impressed.
Given the pervasive burden on government that "human services" have become, I'd say she was incredibly well equipped to lead DHHS under LePage.
And that experience has surely given her rigorous training in the mechanics of government in Augusta, and related federal meddling.
Government has largely become one huge social service agency; DHHS writ large.....and writ out of control.
Perhaps instead of sarcasm and childish giggles, Jasper could tell us a little about each candidate, oh wait, never mind, that would require thought processes undiscovered.
Unfortunately or fortunately he has provided the only thoughts and their purpose on AMG frequently.
Out of curiosity do you remember why the AMG I KGB got him the first time around ?
Obviously ignoring him doesn't work and inexplicably every once in awhile he does hit something pretty well.
As far as R candidates , I will agree that Mayhew is probably front runner but tied to LePages' accomplishments which every dem. will be running against .
I've been so impressed with Mayhew.
Yes, she knows her stuff.
She conducts herself as one who wants to lead and is not afraid to lead.
And she understands better than any of the others how vicious the opposition will be; she has shown she can withstand the onslaught.
I'm afraid she's right to doubt that Shawn Moody can do that.
I like Moody a lot and I appreciate what he is trying to do for the people of Maine.
But I think he'll be putty in the hands of the vicious Left.
When's the last time "AMG" posted?
PS: agreed, mainemom. Mayhew has with-stood the firing squad with determination for 7 plus years.
Probably right before the demise of GRM .
MaineMom..nailed it, could not have said it better about Mary Mayhew...
I do not deny she has the creds.. The question is will they be enough to counter what will be thrown at her if she is candidate.
I know I shouldn't but I have memories of two past candidates that had essentially the same arguments were used on.
While it is early but not too early to employ some caution IMO.
So far, I have taken away two things from this:
1. It's too early to tell;
2. Of the current candidates, Mayhew seems to be best qualified.
I'll be checking in as things develop.