AUGUSTA, Maine — For the first time since he took office in 2003, Gov. John Baldacci has canceled the holiday receptions held each year at the Blaine House.
The first family traditionally welcomes several groups and the media to the mansion for hors d’oeuvres, tea, coffee and punch. But Deputy Chief of Staff David Farmer said it would be inappropriate to hold the receptions given the state budget crisis.
He said there still will be an informal staff get-together.