AUGUSTA — A bipartisan group of state lawmakers continues to hone its focus on reforming the Maine Clean Election Act in an effort to keep those running for state office from forming and managing political action committees. The system is ripe for corruption and fraught with ethical pitfalls because candidates accept donations for their leadership […]
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Posted inMaine
Brakey bill makes concealed carry without permit legal in Maine
AUGUSTA — A state senator from Auburn said Thursday he has nearly 100 co-sponsors for a bill that would make it legal to carry a concealed firearm without a permit in Maine. Republican Eric Brakey said a bipartisan coalition is backing the measure, which failed in the Legislature in 2013 and 2014. A total of […]
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Brakey wants income tax break for Maine Turnpike commuters
AUGUSTA — Fed up with paying Maine Turnpike tolls? So is state Sen. Eric Brakey, and he’s only been commuting to Augusta for a month now. Brakey, an Auburn Republican, along with a bipartisan group of supporters, including state Rep. Jared Golden, D-Lewiston, is hoping to sell the Legislature on state income tax credit for […]
Posted inMaine
Get out of jail free? Auburn senator suggests low-profile suspects pay no bail
AUGUSTA — Eliminating cash bail would dramatically reduce the number of inmates in Maine jails and dramatically lower taxpayer costs, according to state Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn. Brakey said Thursday he intends to introduce legislation that would do away with bail in Maine and replace it with a system that screens those charged with crimes […]
Posted inMaine
Brakey pushes bill to allow medical pot in hospitals
AUGUSTA — State Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, is sponsoring legislation that would allow medical marijuana patients legal access to their prescriptions in a hospital. Brakey’s bill, LD 35, “An Act To Allow a Qualifying Patient To Use Medical Marijuana in a Hospital,” is a response to federal licensing laws, which prohibit hospital patients from using […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
Lewiston mayor wants legislation to change General Assistance rules
AUGUSTA — The mayor of Lewiston is working with a pair of state senators from Auburn and Lisbon on a bill that would change the rules for dishing out city-controlled General Assistance, a state- and city-funded program for the poor facing financial hardships. Mayor Robert Macdonald said immigrants who are seeking asylum in his city […]
Posted inMaine
Rotundo and Hamper to chair state budget panel in 2015
AUGUSTA — State lawmakers from Western Maine landed some key committee appointments as an early Christmas present from their respective leaders in the state’s Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday. Rep. Peggy Rotundo, D- Lewiston, will again serve as the House chairwoman of the state budget-writing Appropriations Committee, a post she has held for […]
Posted inMaine
Democrats launch talking mailer to criticize Brakey on rape comment
AUBURN — In what appears to be a first in Maine campaigns, the state’s Democratic Party is mailing a “talking” card attacking a Republican state Senate candidate for a comment he made following the National Republican Convention in 2012. The mailed card, which features a small audio device, goes after state Senate District 20 candidate […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Community forum on proposed RSU 15’s $7.34 million bond facing voters
NEW GLOUCESTER — A line of three dozen RSU 15 teachers bearing picket signs protesting having to work without a contract flanked the front of Memorial School on Monday to greet residents attending the first of three community forums by the school board on an upcoming $7.36 million referendum vote. The 11-member school board planned […]
Posted inMaine
Maine conservative Senate candidate dances in Speedo
AUBURN — A state Senate candidate seeking election in 2014 said he’s proud of a video clip that includes footage of him dancing in a Brazilian Speedo. Eric Brakey of New Gloucester said Tuesday that the footage of him dancing in front of a mirror is part of a national ad campaign he worked on […]