BLOG #4
"The Real America"
Many questions have been raised about the tea party movement.
The "restore America's honor" rally led by Glen Beck answered
them.
The press grudgingly admitted that the crowd was huge, some
estimates as high as half a million, while still inserting usual code-
words like "predominantly white" etc.
Al Sharpton's counter-rally, they had to admit-drew a few thousand.
Funny they didn't insert "predominantly black" in that coverage.
Or mention the "content of his character."
The point is that Beck fooled them all-squashing the claim that
the tea party is racist.
Hundreds of Afro-American leaders joined him on the podium in
a show of unity to "take America back."
As I carefully appraised faces in the crowd (on C-Span) it
occurred to me that these people from all over America didn't look
like wild eyed fanatics-on the contrary, they looked like me and
my wife.
Up to this point, I have not been a big Glen Beck fan, but his
theme of revival in America was perfect-faith, hope and charity.
There was no acrimony, prayers included the President and Congress,
even though the vast majority had come because of their current
intense displeasure with both.
Beck is right that our best hope in times like these is to restore faith
in America by returning to our belief in almighty God and his
goodness.
The American people grow weary of strife, of class warfare and
disregard for the "will of the people" by those we've elected.
As for charity-that was clearly on display in all the calls for unity
rather than divisiveness, and the over five million dollars raised
for special forces families of those killed in war.
The liberal fiscal and moral agenda advanced by our new President
and the Democrat leadership in Congress has brought us to our
knees.
Now, while there, let's take the opportunity as suggested at the
rally "to pray."
Pray that God will guide us on a path to restoration of our sacred
honor and fundamental values that made us the greatest country
in the world.
A major purpose of the "tea party" rally was to honor those who
have given the "last full measure" in order to help and protect
the less fortunate in other countries and to protect us here at
home.
I want what the people attending that rally desire:
A return to the realization that in America the majority are good,
God fearing people who believe in self-reliance and responsibility.
We do not want a hand-out, we want a hand-up, a decent job
and respect.
We do not feel we are entitled to anything-but what the efforts
we put forth can bring us in reward. We would just like to keep
enough of it to provide for our families and for our small businesses
to survive.
We do not fear or discriminate against those who come here
to seek a better life-we merely ask for assimilation and eventual
legal status. (Also sensitivity when deciding to build a
mosque at "ground zero.")
We always have and always will "help those less fortunate-
unable to help themselves."
What we don't want is government intrusion in our private
lives as we pursue the promise of liberty and justice for all.
We the people" endowed by our creator with certain inalienable
rights" are worried that our current leaders no longer under-
stand the "real America."
As evidenced at the rally on the mall in Washington, surrounded
by the monuments to our late great leaders, this attempt to
turn us towards socialism and a one world government
"will not stand."
The future of America and the World as we know it is now
threatened.
A defense mounted in faith, hope and charity can restore our
honor, integrity and goodness.
After the tea party rally in Washington, my questions have
been answered. These people are o.k. , they are us.
The folks who attended represent the last best hope that we
will awaken, and as Dr. King so eloquently stated 47 years
ago..."we shall overcome."
God bless America.
Don Roberts
Augusta
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
POLITICS OF PERSONAL DESTRUCTION & CLASS WARFARE
Blog #3
"THE SMEAR"
Leave it to those who believe in "class warfare," to resort to some
distortion and innuendo early in the campaign
for governor.
The democrats have done the math-they can't win as long as
Independent candidate Eliot Cutler scoops up democrat votes.
Libby Mitchell and Cutler are polling combined 46 points, compared
to Paul LePage's 38. Most of Cutler's votes are coming from democrat
defectors.
Plus, independents are not voting for democrats this year.
So, let's destroy Cutler and get those votes back for the democrat
nominee.
The Democrat Party, aided by some questionable press coverage, has
seized upon an otherwise innocuous bit of information-in an attempt
to turn it into an indictment.
(Get ready for the negative TV attack ad that is coming.)
In no way should this treatise, a product of my own research, be
considered a personal candidate endorsement.
I am a Republican.
I write this out of a sense for the need for truth and justice.
Like most of the country, I am fed up with smear tactics.
Here are the facts:
In 2009 Thornburg Mortgage, Inc., closed and filed for bankruptcy.
Highly regarded as the number two top lender of high quality "jumbo"
mortgages in the country-they were "taken out" by an investor panic
in the credit markets as a liquidity crisis overtook the world economy.
Many top financial companies suffered the same fate.
Any lawsuits filed by disgruntled stock-holders have been dismissed
except for one not yet officially closed because of a lawyer's with-
drawal back in 2008-one year before the bankruptcy.
That is the one the press is using, turning it into an ugly story
intended to to impugn Eliot Cutler's reputation.
Candidate for Governor Cutler was an independent non-executive
director of Thornburg Mortgage.
A fact that he clearly included in his biography.
From definitions of independent director on the Web (Google):
"A non-executive director or outside director is a member of the
board of directors of a company that does not form part of the
executive management team.
He or she is not an employee of the company or affiliated with it in
any other way."
Also see http://businessdictionary.com.
Cutler, because of his successful business career and standing in the
community was named an outside non-executive director of
Thornburg Mortgage for the purpose of lending his prestige to the
company. A common practice.
At the time-he had already created the second largest international
environmental law firm.
He also had extensive experience in the mutual fund industry.
Cutler is no villain in the Thornburg Mortage saga-in fact he was
almost a hero.
He never sold any of his personal investment-and through his
world-wide contacts attempted to identify possible sources of
continuing support for the company.
In the final analysis, Cutler has no reasonable culpability for
the eventual closing of TMI real estate investment trust.
He did everything personally to help, including not selling his
own investment, eventually losing it all.
A $22,000 directors fee that he received was for many months
of service trying to help during the mortgage credit meltdown when
so many companies succumbed.
Cutler's involvement in Thornburg Mortage was exactly the same
as that of you or your neighbor who serves as an independent,
non-executive, outside director of a local bank or as an appointee
to a local municipal board or trust.
Cutler grew up in Bangor, in a family of immigrant background.
He worked his way through Harvard and Georgetown, and
eventually served his country as assistant director of OMB (office
of management and budget).
He worked with the late Senator Ed Muskie in writing the Clean
Air-Clean Water act.
Conclusion:
There are at least three candidates qualified to be our next Governor.
Let them fight it out-fairly.
The politics of personal destruction should not be allowed to unfairly
damage the reputation of any man who spent a lifetime to earn it.
I wonder if the "American Dream" is being replaced with "Class
Warfare?"
If Cutler and his family live in a nice house-that he can afford and
earned through years of hard work-is that somehow a dis qualifier,
as continually suggested in the press and various columns ?
Cutler is risking a lot; his reputation, his money, his family's security
and comfortable way of life, because he thinks he can help his native
state of Maine.
It reminds me of the line in the Declaration of Independence penned
by our founding fathers-
"we (mutually) pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."
You may not vote for him-but cut the guy some slack-
he doesn't deserve to be smeared.
disclosure:
I eventually sold the shares that I owned in Thornburg Mortgage
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), after enjoying a steady stream
of high dividend income for many years.
As a former stockholder in Thornburg, in no way do I hold Eliot
Cutler responsible for its' termination.
He, as an independent, non-management, outside director, did
his best to help in an impossible situation not of his making.
-0-
Footnotes...
Just a couple quick observations on the Rasmussen poll.
Basically no change. LePage has a solid 8 point lead.
A few things to note:
LePage's support among independents did drop from
44% to 33%.
4% are listed in favor of "other". I would assume that
is probably Moody beginning to show up on the radar screen.
Moody (and Scott) could get 8- 10% combined.
Since an historical study of Maine's gubernatorial elections
that I have done (we'll review it in a future blog)- shows
the Maine Democrat base to be in the range of 38%, Libby
Mitchell's current 30 would indicate she has only one
way to go-up from here.
LePage's 38 is seven points higher than the Republican
average (31) -but this year all bets are off, because of the
great wave of national discontent bringing independents
into the Republican column.
LePage will probably come down some.
This could be close by November, but only if Cutler's
campaign stalls and takes no more democrat defectors.
(Assumes Mitchell wins some back).
Cutler did jump from single digits to 24% among independents.
Remember that 11% remain undecided.
My early call:
(Definitely subject to change during the campaign and debates.)
Mitchell will get some of her base back, but
Cutler will be the spoiler in the race.
35% may be enough for the eventual winner.
LePage by 2 or 3 points.
Personal:
Finally a great big thank you for making the earlier launch
of donrobertspolitical.blogspot.com a huge success.
Over 2200 hits (views) in the first few days from this site
and AMG.
I hope you all become regular followers.
Don Roberts
Augusta
"THE SMEAR"
Leave it to those who believe in "class warfare," to resort to some
distortion and innuendo early in the campaign
for governor.
The democrats have done the math-they can't win as long as
Independent candidate Eliot Cutler scoops up democrat votes.
Libby Mitchell and Cutler are polling combined 46 points, compared
to Paul LePage's 38. Most of Cutler's votes are coming from democrat
defectors.
Plus, independents are not voting for democrats this year.
So, let's destroy Cutler and get those votes back for the democrat
nominee.
The Democrat Party, aided by some questionable press coverage, has
seized upon an otherwise innocuous bit of information-in an attempt
to turn it into an indictment.
(Get ready for the negative TV attack ad that is coming.)
In no way should this treatise, a product of my own research, be
considered a personal candidate endorsement.
I am a Republican.
I write this out of a sense for the need for truth and justice.
Like most of the country, I am fed up with smear tactics.
Here are the facts:
In 2009 Thornburg Mortgage, Inc., closed and filed for bankruptcy.
Highly regarded as the number two top lender of high quality "jumbo"
mortgages in the country-they were "taken out" by an investor panic
in the credit markets as a liquidity crisis overtook the world economy.
Many top financial companies suffered the same fate.
Any lawsuits filed by disgruntled stock-holders have been dismissed
except for one not yet officially closed because of a lawyer's with-
drawal back in 2008-one year before the bankruptcy.
That is the one the press is using, turning it into an ugly story
intended to to impugn Eliot Cutler's reputation.
Candidate for Governor Cutler was an independent non-executive
director of Thornburg Mortgage.
A fact that he clearly included in his biography.
From definitions of independent director on the Web (Google):
"A non-executive director or outside director is a member of the
board of directors of a company that does not form part of the
executive management team.
He or she is not an employee of the company or affiliated with it in
any other way."
Also see http://businessdictionary.com.
Cutler, because of his successful business career and standing in the
community was named an outside non-executive director of
Thornburg Mortgage for the purpose of lending his prestige to the
company. A common practice.
At the time-he had already created the second largest international
environmental law firm.
He also had extensive experience in the mutual fund industry.
Cutler is no villain in the Thornburg Mortage saga-in fact he was
almost a hero.
He never sold any of his personal investment-and through his
world-wide contacts attempted to identify possible sources of
continuing support for the company.
In the final analysis, Cutler has no reasonable culpability for
the eventual closing of TMI real estate investment trust.
He did everything personally to help, including not selling his
own investment, eventually losing it all.
A $22,000 directors fee that he received was for many months
of service trying to help during the mortgage credit meltdown when
so many companies succumbed.
Cutler's involvement in Thornburg Mortage was exactly the same
as that of you or your neighbor who serves as an independent,
non-executive, outside director of a local bank or as an appointee
to a local municipal board or trust.
Cutler grew up in Bangor, in a family of immigrant background.
He worked his way through Harvard and Georgetown, and
eventually served his country as assistant director of OMB (office
of management and budget).
He worked with the late Senator Ed Muskie in writing the Clean
Air-Clean Water act.
Conclusion:
There are at least three candidates qualified to be our next Governor.
Let them fight it out-fairly.
The politics of personal destruction should not be allowed to unfairly
damage the reputation of any man who spent a lifetime to earn it.
I wonder if the "American Dream" is being replaced with "Class
Warfare?"
If Cutler and his family live in a nice house-that he can afford and
earned through years of hard work-is that somehow a dis qualifier,
as continually suggested in the press and various columns ?
Cutler is risking a lot; his reputation, his money, his family's security
and comfortable way of life, because he thinks he can help his native
state of Maine.
It reminds me of the line in the Declaration of Independence penned
by our founding fathers-
"we (mutually) pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."
You may not vote for him-but cut the guy some slack-
he doesn't deserve to be smeared.
disclosure:
I eventually sold the shares that I owned in Thornburg Mortgage
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), after enjoying a steady stream
of high dividend income for many years.
As a former stockholder in Thornburg, in no way do I hold Eliot
Cutler responsible for its' termination.
He, as an independent, non-management, outside director, did
his best to help in an impossible situation not of his making.
-0-
Footnotes...
Just a couple quick observations on the Rasmussen poll.
Basically no change. LePage has a solid 8 point lead.
A few things to note:
LePage's support among independents did drop from
44% to 33%.
4% are listed in favor of "other". I would assume that
is probably Moody beginning to show up on the radar screen.
Moody (and Scott) could get 8- 10% combined.
Since an historical study of Maine's gubernatorial elections
that I have done (we'll review it in a future blog)- shows
the Maine Democrat base to be in the range of 38%, Libby
Mitchell's current 30 would indicate she has only one
way to go-up from here.
LePage's 38 is seven points higher than the Republican
average (31) -but this year all bets are off, because of the
great wave of national discontent bringing independents
into the Republican column.
LePage will probably come down some.
This could be close by November, but only if Cutler's
campaign stalls and takes no more democrat defectors.
(Assumes Mitchell wins some back).
Cutler did jump from single digits to 24% among independents.
Remember that 11% remain undecided.
My early call:
(Definitely subject to change during the campaign and debates.)
Mitchell will get some of her base back, but
Cutler will be the spoiler in the race.
35% may be enough for the eventual winner.
LePage by 2 or 3 points.
Personal:
Finally a great big thank you for making the earlier launch
of donrobertspolitical.blogspot.com a huge success.
Over 2200 hits (views) in the first few days from this site
and AMG.
I hope you all become regular followers.
Don Roberts
Augusta
Monday, August 9, 2010
LEPAGE CAN REBOUND-STAY ON MESSAGE-AND THE ISSUES
Blog #2
LePage continued-
"Give 'em Hell !"
O.K. Paul-you have been knocked down many times before in
your lifetime.
Now it's time to fight back again.
After adjusting your attitude towards the press-address the
complaints.
1. Creationism-
We knew this one was coming,
Last time it was "intelligent design."
This is the anticipated attempt to paint you as a right-wing
ideologue.
Tell 'em:
Look, creationism is simply the belief that there is a God,
and in all probability he created heaven and earth,
87% believe in God (Pew research, 2009).
As to allowing this theory to be taught in schools, all I
have said is-if evolution and other theories of how we all
got here are discussed-then creationism should be included
to provide balance.
Every election the Democrats try to make this an issue
because of their disdain for "conservatives."
2. Franco-American catholic heritage-
Tell 'em:
The truth is-ever since my nomination-there has been a
"whisper" campaign concerning my ethnicity.
An attempt may be underway to tie my catholic Franco-
American background to fear of religion.
All of this may be directly connected to mobilization
of some gay activists against me, who believe catholics
are responsible for the "people's veto."
My chief opponent is their champion.
3. Opponents' age-
Tell 'em:
My "wisecrack" about my opponents age was a joke
that went over like a lead balloon.
The issues are what matters, and I promise to stick to
the record of this career politician.
As current Senate President and former House Speaker
that record is her report card.
I will ask the voters-is Maine better off as a result of
Mitchell's leadership and that of the Democrat party
for the past three decades?
I will compare her dismal record to mine as Mayor
of Waterville.
4. The Press
Tell em:
I promise an effort to better understand the job and
needs of the press.
I have learned that shooting the messenger is not the
best idea when the message may have been off the
mark.
The press can count on me to provide accessibility,
and I am appointing additional staff to assure it.
Conclusion:
On August 9th, Central Maine newspapers included
a quote from a Libby Mitchell interview.
This is excerpted from that interview
..."just saying we're going to cut state government-
I don't even know what that means"
Exactly !
I am still Paul LePage-the guy who will not increase
your taxes or the size of state government.
(Check my record as mayor of Waterville).
I will work for improvements in education, for
welfare reform, and for promotion of job creation
through incentives to Maine's small businesses.
Through it all, whatever they throw my way-
I will remain faithful to the protection of your
freedoms, liberty and the values that have formed
this wonderful state and nation.
I'm going to Augusta to give you your government
back.
-0-
(That should do it, Paul)
LePage continued-
"Give 'em Hell !"
O.K. Paul-you have been knocked down many times before in
your lifetime.
Now it's time to fight back again.
After adjusting your attitude towards the press-address the
complaints.
1. Creationism-
We knew this one was coming,
Last time it was "intelligent design."
This is the anticipated attempt to paint you as a right-wing
ideologue.
Tell 'em:
Look, creationism is simply the belief that there is a God,
and in all probability he created heaven and earth,
87% believe in God (Pew research, 2009).
As to allowing this theory to be taught in schools, all I
have said is-if evolution and other theories of how we all
got here are discussed-then creationism should be included
to provide balance.
Every election the Democrats try to make this an issue
because of their disdain for "conservatives."
2. Franco-American catholic heritage-
Tell 'em:
The truth is-ever since my nomination-there has been a
"whisper" campaign concerning my ethnicity.
An attempt may be underway to tie my catholic Franco-
American background to fear of religion.
All of this may be directly connected to mobilization
of some gay activists against me, who believe catholics
are responsible for the "people's veto."
My chief opponent is their champion.
3. Opponents' age-
Tell 'em:
My "wisecrack" about my opponents age was a joke
that went over like a lead balloon.
The issues are what matters, and I promise to stick to
the record of this career politician.
As current Senate President and former House Speaker
that record is her report card.
I will ask the voters-is Maine better off as a result of
Mitchell's leadership and that of the Democrat party
for the past three decades?
I will compare her dismal record to mine as Mayor
of Waterville.
4. The Press
Tell em:
I promise an effort to better understand the job and
needs of the press.
I have learned that shooting the messenger is not the
best idea when the message may have been off the
mark.
The press can count on me to provide accessibility,
and I am appointing additional staff to assure it.
Conclusion:
On August 9th, Central Maine newspapers included
a quote from a Libby Mitchell interview.
This is excerpted from that interview
..."just saying we're going to cut state government-
I don't even know what that means"
Exactly !
I am still Paul LePage-the guy who will not increase
your taxes or the size of state government.
(Check my record as mayor of Waterville).
I will work for improvements in education, for
welfare reform, and for promotion of job creation
through incentives to Maine's small businesses.
Through it all, whatever they throw my way-
I will remain faithful to the protection of your
freedoms, liberty and the values that have formed
this wonderful state and nation.
I'm going to Augusta to give you your government
back.
-0-
(That should do it, Paul)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
LEPAGE SELF DESTRUCTS-COLLINS TO THE RESCUE-MITCHELL GAINS
Augusta-
Don Roberts
Lots of political news-as I launch my first blog on donrobertspolitical.blogspot.com.
I hope you will become a regular follower.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"HE DID IT HIS WAY"
Riding the crest of a populist wave, Paul Lepage, in a single day may have
come close to "snatching defeat from the jaws of victory."
None of this came as any great surprise to me.
A few of you know that last fall (for one brief shining moment) I was Paul's
campaign manager.
He hasn't had (a real) one, since.
I created, and printed, his opening campaign materials-
"a new dawn for Maine," The Paul LePage story,"etc.
We worked at my living room table together and wrote positions and speeches
on all the issues.
As we strategized, we agreed that if he could get past the primary,
a winning coalition of traditional Republicans, fiscally conservative
Independents and cross-over franco-american Democrats could carry him
to victory in November.
Then a problem developed.
Our release announcing statewide his candidacy for Governor-
went out with his approval.
Unfortunately, he had forgotten a promise of an exclusive to a reporter.
So when contacted he said that the announcement was premature
and that he had not yet made up his mind.
We employed "damage control" and he "officially" announced the
next day.
The damage to Roberts & Co.'s reputation was already done.
We continued on for several more weeks, while the candidate
stubbornly refused most advice.
Winter in Florida beckoned and exasperation was setting in-
so with as much class as possible I completed all unfinished
business, wished LePage well, told him I hoped he wins and
moved on.
I had discussed the campaign with Brent Littlefield, an old friend
and consultant in Washington, D.C. , so he picked up the advice
gauntlet from there.
I have since congratulated Paul on his primary victory with
a very personal, supportive note.
He did not respond.
I had not planned to comment on any of this but in reflecting on
what has happened within the campaign it is important for LePage
to realize that the same type of mistakes regarding truthfulness
and stubbornness must not be repeated.
He must listen to others who have his best interests at heart.
He must stop trying to do it all "his way," and run a professional
campaign.
I'm sure he felt that his methods were vindicated by his sweeping
Republican primary victory-but as I warned, November will be
different,
The political revolt in this country, extending to Maine with his
"tea party" endorsement, catapulted him to victory in June,
despite an underfunded, amateurish campaign.
Things have changed since, because he has committed serious
political mistakes.
Sources, inside the Democrat party, tell me that Libby Mitchell
has polling (she uses President Clinton's pollsters) showing the race
now closing to only three points-with three months to go.
All may not be lost for LePage, if he will accept advice.
Sources tell us the candidate recently hired another amateur (college
Republican) to handle his communications.
Senator Susan Collins and the state party sensing the best opportunity
to elect a Republican governor since McKernan is slipping away,
are dispatching Collins' media director Lance Dutson to Waterville.
He knows his "stuff"and will establish a new rapport with the press
for LePage.
Meanwhile other elements in this race for Maine Governor-are
bubbling below the surface.
LePage may be losing votes to Shawn Moody, the self-made
millionaire owner of Moody's Collision Centers.
Moody has political operative Dennis Bailey directing him.
Anybody eventually voting for Moody is a vote that LePage would
otherwise have had. They attract the same voter.
Independent Eliot Cutler, easily possessing the best
resume in the race, and perhaps the best qualified to actually
do something to "jump start" Maine's economy with his global
connections, remains a serious threat.
Cutler is looking for those moderate to liberal Republicans
afraid of LePage and more of Libby's defectors who don't like
her "style.," while hoping Paul and Libby will finish each other
off.
Cutler is positioning himself as "the answer to two extremes."
Conclusion:
I picked LePage as the winner from a field of 21 last September.
What could have been a "lock" for LePage is now going to be
a "horse race," with three contenders.
Libby has been given new life and Cutler looms large as an
alternative to the party nominees.
With professional political help- LePage may still be able to stop
the bleeding.
The "story" and the message could still work-
but only if the Republican nominee accepts the help he now
desperately needs.
-0-
Don Roberts
Lots of political news-as I launch my first blog on donrobertspolitical.blogspot.com.
I hope you will become a regular follower.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"HE DID IT HIS WAY"
Riding the crest of a populist wave, Paul Lepage, in a single day may have
come close to "snatching defeat from the jaws of victory."
None of this came as any great surprise to me.
A few of you know that last fall (for one brief shining moment) I was Paul's
campaign manager.
He hasn't had (a real) one, since.
I created, and printed, his opening campaign materials-
"a new dawn for Maine," The Paul LePage story,"etc.
We worked at my living room table together and wrote positions and speeches
on all the issues.
As we strategized, we agreed that if he could get past the primary,
a winning coalition of traditional Republicans, fiscally conservative
Independents and cross-over franco-american Democrats could carry him
to victory in November.
Then a problem developed.
Our release announcing statewide his candidacy for Governor-
went out with his approval.
Unfortunately, he had forgotten a promise of an exclusive to a reporter.
So when contacted he said that the announcement was premature
and that he had not yet made up his mind.
We employed "damage control" and he "officially" announced the
next day.
The damage to Roberts & Co.'s reputation was already done.
We continued on for several more weeks, while the candidate
stubbornly refused most advice.
Winter in Florida beckoned and exasperation was setting in-
so with as much class as possible I completed all unfinished
business, wished LePage well, told him I hoped he wins and
moved on.
I had discussed the campaign with Brent Littlefield, an old friend
and consultant in Washington, D.C. , so he picked up the advice
gauntlet from there.
I have since congratulated Paul on his primary victory with
a very personal, supportive note.
He did not respond.
I had not planned to comment on any of this but in reflecting on
what has happened within the campaign it is important for LePage
to realize that the same type of mistakes regarding truthfulness
and stubbornness must not be repeated.
He must listen to others who have his best interests at heart.
He must stop trying to do it all "his way," and run a professional
campaign.
I'm sure he felt that his methods were vindicated by his sweeping
Republican primary victory-but as I warned, November will be
different,
The political revolt in this country, extending to Maine with his
"tea party" endorsement, catapulted him to victory in June,
despite an underfunded, amateurish campaign.
Things have changed since, because he has committed serious
political mistakes.
Sources, inside the Democrat party, tell me that Libby Mitchell
has polling (she uses President Clinton's pollsters) showing the race
now closing to only three points-with three months to go.
All may not be lost for LePage, if he will accept advice.
Sources tell us the candidate recently hired another amateur (college
Republican) to handle his communications.
Senator Susan Collins and the state party sensing the best opportunity
to elect a Republican governor since McKernan is slipping away,
are dispatching Collins' media director Lance Dutson to Waterville.
He knows his "stuff"and will establish a new rapport with the press
for LePage.
Meanwhile other elements in this race for Maine Governor-are
bubbling below the surface.
LePage may be losing votes to Shawn Moody, the self-made
millionaire owner of Moody's Collision Centers.
Moody has political operative Dennis Bailey directing him.
Anybody eventually voting for Moody is a vote that LePage would
otherwise have had. They attract the same voter.
Independent Eliot Cutler, easily possessing the best
resume in the race, and perhaps the best qualified to actually
do something to "jump start" Maine's economy with his global
connections, remains a serious threat.
Cutler is looking for those moderate to liberal Republicans
afraid of LePage and more of Libby's defectors who don't like
her "style.," while hoping Paul and Libby will finish each other
off.
Cutler is positioning himself as "the answer to two extremes."
Conclusion:
I picked LePage as the winner from a field of 21 last September.
What could have been a "lock" for LePage is now going to be
a "horse race," with three contenders.
Libby has been given new life and Cutler looms large as an
alternative to the party nominees.
With professional political help- LePage may still be able to stop
the bleeding.
The "story" and the message could still work-
but only if the Republican nominee accepts the help he now
desperately needs.
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