On Wednesday 12/1, with the bang of a gavel, the 124^th Maine Legislature became the 125^th. There was a bit of pomp, and huge crowds of family and friends of newly-sworn legislators, lobbyists, job-seekers, and assorted looky-loos. It was pretty great.

Then we cast our first vote of the two-year session: for Speaker of the House. Historically, this is a fairly routine affair, as the majority and minority caucuses have sorted it all out in advance.

This year, the Republican majority party nominated Rep. Bob Nutting of Oakland, a veteran legislator who I know to be conservative but fair-minded. He would not have been my first choice for speaker, but as a member of the minority party, I had no choice in the matter.

There is plentiful coverage of this story here, here, and here. It is worth noting that as these events happened 8 – 10 years ago, so the voters of his district presumably knew about the overcharges and re-elected him 2 or 3 times anyway.

So, tempting as it was to make a stand on principle on Bob Nutting’s history, I decided to vote FOR the Speaker and go along, this time. Pick your cliché: battles, powder dry, etc.

But I’d like those I represent to understand the following:

· There are many others, in both parties, who remain uncomfortable that we elected someone who ripped off the state for $1.6m or whatever it was.

· I’ll take 2000 or so votes in the next two years as member of the House;

· This was the very first vote after swearing-in. The Chamber was FULL of families, kids, oldsters, etc., there to see the ceremonial start of the session (not a partisan shootout).

· It was not a good place to pick a big fight, one which we could not have won.

· If we had succeeded in knocking off Bob (and nobody in our caucus could imagine a scenario for that), we might have wound up with a speaker who cares less about process or fairness, and has no use for anyone who disagrees with him.

I think we did the right thing. I’m grateful that so many people have let me know their thoughts on this.

Much more to come!

I remember thinking, “this is great! A clean alternative fuel that lowers greenhouse emissions from cars and trucks and boosts the market for midwest farm products.”  Think again.  Now – years later – we have a fuel additive that uses as much energy as it saves and destroys small engines.  My friends with boats and small aircraft are really put upon in this outcome.  And it doesn’t save money.  What can we do?  Try this:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/keep-pure-gas/

It’s something, anyway.

Hi all,

I thought you might find this NPR story of interest. It debunks common – some outlandish – myths circulating about the new federal health law.

"Health Law Myths: Outside The Realm Of Reality"

by Julie Rovner, NPR

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129581493

By the way, the next meeting of the Legislature’s Joint Select Committee looking at how to implement this law is focused on the exchanges, which are at its heart. They will meet 10 am – 3:30 pm September 21, and you can listen in over the internet thru a link on the Legislature’s website. There will be national experts talking about how Maine can create one-stop shopping for health insurance for small businesses, individuals and families.

Best,

Rep. Chuck Kruger    354-8928   cbk@midcoast.com