AUGUSTA, Maine — The first major hurdle for the 15 major-party candidates hoping to qualify for the June primary is officially one week away, and that means the last-minute petition drives are in full swing.
Republican, Democratic and Green Independent candidates for governor have until 5 p.m. Monday, March 15, to file 2,000 valid signatures from registered voters within their respective parties with the Secretary of State’s Office.
Candidates running for county offices, the Legislature and Congress must also meet the March 15 deadline, although the number of required signatures is lower.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Paul LePage of Waterville was the first through the gate, filing his signatures on Feb. 26. Democrat Rosa Scarcelli of Portland plans to drop off her batch of petitions today, according to campaign spokesman Dennis Bailey.
Secretary of State Matt Dunlap’s office is also reminding candidates that state offices will be closed next Friday as part of a government shutdown day.
“We’re going to have sufficient staff available on the 15th to make sure that all candidates who come to file are able to do so,” Dunlap said in a statement. “But with many candidates with many petitions, I would urge folks to not wait and make sure they get them in. After 5:00 p.m., if they haven’t gotten to us, by law we can’t accept them.”
Maine-based health groups and a national anti-smoking organization are attempting to turn up the heat on state lawmakers.
The coalition of health organizations called the Health Policy Partners of Maine is launching a series of print and radio ads urging Mainers to support a $1 increase in the state’s tobacco tax. The media blitz has the support of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
“Think about it: A $1 tobacco tax increase not only helps keep kids from smoking but raises millions of dollars for our state to fund critical health care programs,” says the narrator on the radio ad airing around the state. “Saving lives and saving money is a win-win for Maine.”
Coalition members estimate that a $1-per-pack tobacco tax increase would generate more than $26 million. But in addition to convincing the majority of lawmakers, proponents of higher tobacco taxes will have to get by Gov. John Baldacci, who has said he would not approve tax increases to deal with the current budget gap.
Maine assesses $2 in taxes for every 20 cigarettes, while the federal government adds roughly another dollar to the cost of a pack. That places Maine in the upper third nationally but below the other New England states except New Hampshire.
Coming up
Here are some highlights of events coming up in Augusta this week:
• Bonds: The Baldacci administration is expected to unveil the details of a proposed $79 million bond package today or Tuesday. Democratic leaders in the Legislature have proposed a $99 million bond package.
• Gambling: The Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing at 1 p.m. Thursday on a bill, LD 1808, proposing a resort and casino in Oxford County. The issue is expected to go to the voters this November.
• Cell phones: The Health and Human Services Committee will hold a work session at 1 p.m. Tuesday on a bill, LD 1706, that would require cancer warning labels on all cell phones sold in Maine.
• Sick days: The Labor Committee will hold a work session at 1 p.m. today on a bill, LD 1665, that would require many employers to offer workers paid sick days.
• Offshore wind: The Utilities and Energy Committee will hold a public hearing at 1 p.m. Thursday on a bill, LD 1810, to implement recommendations for streamlining the regulatory review process for offshore wind power applications.