Maine Democrats decided to kick off the 2016 legislative session with a partisan event on the steps of the State House, attacking Republican legislators and setting a negative tone for this campaign year. I was disappointed to see that happen, and to hear them use the same tired, hypocritical lines about tax cuts, special interests and the working class.
Democrats took the unusual step of only trotting out four of their legislative candidates, and claiming that these four men are the highlight of what the Democratic Party has to offer. Well, only one of the four is new to running for office (though he is a known entity in Augusta) and none of those with a voting record have one that matches up with defending working Mainers. Do you know who was standing with these candidates? Justin Alfond, senator for one of, if not the, most liberal and progressive districts in Maine — downtown Portland.
The message they spouted wasn’t new. It didn’t announce they had come around and now support welfare reform, tax cuts and smaller government. Instead, it was the same ideas and talking points they used in 2014 and that Mainers soundly rejected. It was a rehash of progressive policies that aren’t constructive for our state and do not help grow our economy. Simply saying you support the working class doesn’t mean you do — your votes and your actions need to line up with the words coming out of your mouth.
Time and time again Democrats have been given the opportunity to vote in favor of real welfare reform, and time and time again they have blocked it. Worse, they have watered down bills that would implement real reform, merely so they can say they voted in support of reform, but in reality vote for expanded government programs or lessened penalties. They have been given the opportunity to help lower Mainers’ energy costs. Instead, they have supported policies such as subsidizing solar energy that would add fees to the average Mainer’s electric bill. Republicans presented bills to support small businesses, which were rejected by Democrats who prefer to pander to activists in cities such as Portland. Mainers soundly rejected these kinds of political games and liberal policies in 2014, but Democrats seem to think bringing them back for an encore this year could be a winning strategy.
Senate Republicans are ready for this debate. Let Mainers show once again they prefer policies that let them live their lives, start businesses, work for a living, save their money and enjoy our state’s outdoor traditions.
In addition to their allusions to policy, Democrats also talked a big game about not liking special interests. Again, this is a talking point with nothing to back it up. Democrats are rolling in special interest money. For all the Democrats’ talk, did you know that in 2014, when Republicans took back the Senate, gained seats in the House and took the governorship, Democrats far outspent Republicans? They were still soundly defeated. For a more recent example, look to the Lewiston mayoral race. Shiny slogans and out-of-state money only go so far if your message doesn’t line up with what Mainers believe in.
I have faith Mainers will see through the Democrats’ veneer and again cast their votes for the people who have been standing up for them in the Senate, and who have the voting records to prove it. Mainers don’t want people who are merely playing a role to get votes, then cast off their facade and vote to support their agenda rather than policies that benefits those they represent.
Sen. Garrett Mason, R-Lisbon Falls, is the Majority Leader in the Maine Senate.