AUGUSTA, Maine — Legislation prompted by the political activities of Maine’s three constitutional officers has been rejected by the state Senate.
By a 21-12 vote Wednesday, senators rejected a proposal calling for a bill that spells out what personal political activities should be allowed and barred by the three state constitutional officers.
The proposal is prompted by the entry of all three of those Republican officials — Secretary of State Charlie Summers, Attorney General William Schneider and Treasurer Bruce Poliquin — in the race for Olympia Snowe’s U.S. Senate seat. There are six GOP candidates in all.
Democratic supporters say the public should know that the candidates are not politicking for elective office on work time.
But opponents said the proposal itself is fueled by partisan politics.
Give it a rest folks–neither Obama, Biden, Kerry or Lieberman took “time off” from their prior political positions to run for office. Truth in comments neither did McCain or Palin.
The difference is that Obama, Biden, Kerry and Lieberman were all elected by the voters in their districts. These constitutional officers were appointed by the majority party in the Maine Legislature. Plus, these people are considered state employees in the purest sense of the definition so I do wonder why they are not subject to the Hatch Act.
very good point…..and I agree, I want these “candidates” to be at work and on time, or else resign their office. It won’t be long before this changes, guaranteed.
Why aren’t they suppose to resign. I thought all State Employees are forbidden to run for a State/Federal office as long as they are employed by the State. Are these people considered State Employees. Doesn’t the Little Hatch Act apply here?
Another reason for these officers to be popularly elected,as done in other states. Of course it’s partisan. They’re “elected” by the majority party of the Legistlature. As a Maine citizen, I demand an accounting of their time spent on campaigning.
{ But opponents said the proposal itself is fueled by partisan politics }
HUH!
Unions aren’t allowed to solicit on company time and premises!
Shouldn’t it be the Same for Politicians that determine those laws!
Why no outrage that the secretary of state launched his campaign in the State House during business hours while we are paying him to act in our behalf, not his own?
No surprise this was shot down by this legislature. This bill will return when the next legislature is seated following the dems storming back into control after the November elections.
If the three constitutional officers thought they had job security they wouldn’t all be running for another position. They see the writing on the walls. November can’t come soon enough…..
Republicans are supposed to stand for accountability and yet they refuse to hold their own accountable. Aside from the legislatures disregard of the need to assure the people of Maine that no conflict of interest is being abused, the three State Officers are likewise snubbing their noses at our Constitution, at responsible behavior and at the people of Maine.
If they will not enforce accountability upon their own, it is up to the People to send a message with their votes. How? It’s time to switch parties temporarily and vote in the primaries – IF there are any candidates left who have a moral compass, a respect for the People and a strong respect for the Law of the Land, our Land, the Maine Constitution.
Im just wondering if Libby Mitchell was working on her campaign at all while serving as President of the Senate.