Bristol Palin Throws Thesaurus At Keith Olbermann

Check out the comments section? Are these the same people who bitch blog in Rumford? Wow, eerily similar. And, isn't it the ELITISTS who hate her? I guess you can include the UNIONS now, too. I can't imagine an Elitist would talk that way... It's beneath them, like Sarah Palin.

Bristol Palin Throws Thesaurus At Keith Olbermann

Rumford's Accounting/Audit Situation Being Investigated

River Valley Sun

Learn how to Navigate Under the Statehouse Dome - State Capitol

While the elections are over, there is still much work to be done. We must continue to keep the pressure on our elected officials and ensure they promote policies that defend freedom and economic liberty.

Last summer and fall, Americans for Prosperity-Maine (AFP) and MHPC partnered to train more than 600 grassroots activists across the state, teaching skills to execute grassroots campaigns and other tactics to build support for our shared principles. These workshops proved to be wildly successful, and we are excited to team up with AFP once again.

During our next workshop, "Navigating Under the Dome," we will focus on the tools available to help maximize our success in public policy debates. Participants will learn how to successfully influence and testify at a legislative hearing, where to obtain research and historical records relating to public policy, and how to maximize your time when engaging your elected officials.

Asserting One's Rights is a Do-it-Yourself Job

Dear Citizens,

Flex Your Rights' Associate Director and 10 Rules for Dealing with Police Co-creator Scott Morgan drafted this analysis of yesterday's decision. As is the case with most police-friendly court decisions, the key message is that asserting one's rights is a do-it-yourself job.

----------------------------------

The Supreme Court ruled today in Berghuis v. Thompkins that a criminal suspect must specifically invoke the right against self-incrimination in order for constitutional protections to apply.

The case centered around the interrogation of murder suspect Van Chester Thompkins, who remained virtually silent for hours, before giving a few brief responses to police questions. Most significantly, Thompkins answered "yes" when asked, "Do you pray to God to forgive you for shooting that boy down?" The statement was introduced at trial and Thompkins was convicted.

In a 5-4 ruling, the Court held that criminal suspects who do not clearly state their intention to remain silent are presumed to have waived their 5th Amendment rights. Ironically, suspects must literally open their mouths and speak in order for their silence to be legally protected. The new rule will defer to police in cases where the suspect fails to unambiguously assert their right to remain silent.

Naturally, Flex Your Rights is concerned about any retreat from the basic principle that criminal suspects should not be compelled or coerced into incriminating themselves. Today's ruling will undoubtedly create additional challenges for suspects who already understand too little about how their constitutional rights apply during police interrogations.

Fortunately, however, the Berghuis decision leaves intact the best strategy for handling any police interrogation: keeping your mouth shut. Requiring suspects with limited legal knowledge to clearly assert their rights may seem a bit strict, but it's irrelevant if the suspect never says a word to begin with. The point of the 5th Amendment isn't to protect you after you've foolishly incriminated yourself; it's to remind you that you're not obligated to answer police questions in the first place.

Ultimately, the burden is on each of us to understand our rights and use that information to make the best decisions. It's unlikely that any Supreme Court decision will ever change the fact that remaining silent is your best and only strategy if police ask you incriminating questions.

----------------------------------

Sincerely,

Steve Silverman
Executive Director
FlexYourRights.org
PO Box 21497
Washington, DC 20009

http://www.FlexYourRights.org
Phone: 202-642-3970

Handsome Financial Reward for Anyone Who Recognizes This Handwriting

Look Out Rumford Cuz You Know They Be Crawlin'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3WAY4zLd_Q

Mission Statement for The Rumford Reporter Fan Page on Facebook

Welcome to the official Rumford Reporter website owned and operated by Jennifer Norris of Rumford, Maine. Since we are stuck with the same ole, same ole from current newspapers, I have decided to create a site that clarifies the issues, gives you other perspectives, and markets Maine for the beauty and quality of life we all so treasure. If you are a public official in a public position, I will allow our readers to voice their opinion on your performance and character but if anyone attacks another fan or the admin, then your irrelevant attacks designed to hurt anothers character will be deleted. I ask that there be no name calling or character attacks. I don't like the trashy comment sections in the Lewiston Sun Journal. They let people say and do whatever they want despite the fact that the commenters are literally kicking people while they are down. Well that ain't happening here so let's have some great discussion and know that you will be protected and allowed the freedom of speech our Founding Fathers gave us without retaliation.

If you would like to become a fan of the Rumford Reporter Facebook page and chime in on the issues, please click here.

Rumford Republican Caucus to be Held on Saturday, February 20th at 1 P.M.

Photo by Chelsea Santos

Location: 393 South Rumford Road, Rumford, Maine
@ 3.5 miles down the road past Mt Zircon property and Cameron Farm
Look for this blue 393 sign near the driveway

Please come and join us!

Jason Levesque Staffs Up To Challenge Incumbent Mike Michaud

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2009

Contact:
Alicia Preston
ap@theprestongroup.org
646-645-9373

MAINE’S 2ND CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE ANNOUNCES “TEAM LEVESQUE”

Auburn, Maine – Jason Levesque today announced his initial campaign team that will help him to victory next November. Coming from a broad background both in experience and geography, Team Levesque will assist Jason in achieving his goal of becoming the next Congressman from Maine’s 2nd District and making government work again, by being returned to the people.

“We have serious problems facing us in Maine. People are losing their jobs, their homes and their retirement. Mike Michaud has failed. We don’t need more big government programs, we need jobs. We need real solutions from real people and I hope to bring that to Washington,” Levesque said. “I am thrilled to have such a professional and experienced team by my side to help me do this. I look forward to working with each of them and all the people of Maine’s second district over the next 11 months as we work to move Maine forward.”

TEAM LEVESQUE:

Matt Wylie, Wylie Strategy Group: Matt Wylie is a Chief Strategist and an expert in developing and implementing successful campaign strategies. Formed in 2006, WSG has provided strategic consulting for both statewide and Congressional races in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.
Formerly, he managed highly competitive political campaigns across the country - U.S. Senate races in Alaska and Georgia and Congressional races in Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington. Wylie has also served as Political Director of races in Virginia and for John Ashcroft’s 2000 US Senate race, and served as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Republican Party.

Alicia Preston, The PReston Group: Alicia is a Communications Specialist who focuses in political campaigns. Alicia has worked throughout the country assisting with press and overall communication needs for campaigns, organizations, corporations and non-profits. Prior to starting The PReston Group in 2006, Alicia’s experience includes: National Press Secretary for NY Governor George Pataki’s PAC; Media Relations Director for Meridian Communications, Communications Director for NH Governor Craig Benson. Alicia spent ten years as a reporter in NH covering primarily the political scene and Statehouse news. Alicia is based in Hampton, NH.

Ethan Zorfas: Ethan Zorfas has raised money for candidates of all levels of government in over 20 states. Based out of Boston, MA Zorfas currently maintains Congressman Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA-6) and Alabama State Treasurer Kay Ivey as clients as well as Congressional candidates in Maine, Massachusetts and Texas. Prior to starting his own firm- Zorfas worked at the National Republican Congressional Committee where he worked in the field finance department. At the NRCC, Zorfas ran events with the White House and helped 1st time candidates strategize and implement finance plans.

Vic Berardelli: Vic Berardelli is the Maine Press Advisor for Levesque for Congress. Vic Berardelli is a former newspaper editor, columnist and radio talk show host. He has worked many campaigns and was Communications Director to the Maine House Republicans in the 119th and 120th Legislatures. His column, The Politics Guy's Campaign Tips, is distributed nationally. He is Vice
President of the Maine Chapter, Republican Liberty Caucus.

Nick Wood: Nick Wood is the Political Director for Levesque for Congress. Nick graduated from John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor, ME in 2004 and received by B.A. from the University of Maine at Orono in 2008, with a major in Political Science and minors in History and Canadian Studies. Nick has been involved in republican politics since 2002, working and volunteering on several congressional and senatorial campaigns most recently Senator Susan Collins reelection campaign. He been involved in local and state level politics and most
recently was elected to Town Council in Bradley in 2009 and Secretary to the Penobscot County GOP.

Media wishing to speak to Jason, or to learn more about Team Levesque, please contact Alicia Preston at phone number or email listed above.

Talking Education Reform on Meet the Press

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Michaud Votes for Spending Before He is Against It?

Press Release from Jason Levesque:

Congressman Michaud votes to spend generations in to trillions of dollars in debt, then asks for panel to review spending.

Auburn, Maine – In too typical Washington style, Maine’s 2nd District Congressman Mike Michaud this week made news, after supporting a bill to create a panel to review federal spending levels. This support comes less than two weeks after voting for a trillion dollar health care spending bill that will cost Maine taxpayers an untold amount of money in tax increases, increased health care costs for individuals and businesses and Medicaid cost shifting. This legislation to create a panel was initially introduced last March, however, Congressman Michaud only signed onto the bill recently—after first voting to spend massive amounts of more debt. See article on proposed spending panel HERE.

“Only in Washington can you vote to increase the deficit and then with a straight face tell the voters that you want a panel to review federal spending. Typical Washington games will not create jobs, a new congressman for the 2nd District will,” said 2nd Congressional District Candidate Jason Levesque. “We absolutely need to control spending. Our greatest growing debt problem, however, is created by the legislation Congressman Michaud himself voted for; a trillion dollar stimulus plan that is not stimulating jobs and a trillion dollar health care plan that will actually increase cost not reduce it for many people.”

This latest announcement from the Congressman comes just days after he acknowledged he cast his vote for the health care bill not for the benefit of the citizens of Maine, but for the right to be “at the table” with the President. See Michaud's Own Statement on this HERE.

An Introduction to Flip This House 2010

Paris Passes an Ordinance on 11/3/09 to Recall Elected Officials & Then Proceeds to Remove Two Selectmen

Paris recall efforts underway by Duke Harrington (11/12/09)

Less than a week after Paris citizens adopted a recall ordinance, two selectmen are on the chopping block.

An ordinance allowing for the recall of elected officials was adopted November 3 by a vote of 1,556 (74 percent) in favor, and 537 (26 percent) against.

On Monday, November 9, Forrie Everett, chairman of the town budget committee, rose to tell a crowd of 75, gathered for the regular selectboard meeting, that petitions had been submitted to recall selectmen David Ivey and Troy Ripley.

For the remainder of this Advertiser-Democrat article, please click here.

The Paris Reporter: More Maine Citizens Taking on the Establishment

by Duke Harrington

PARIS - Problems that have plagued Paris for more than a year have made their way to the internet, with two opposing websites leveling accusations at town government, and at each other.

Both sites claim Steve McAllister, of Norway, who served as Paris town manager from 1998 until resigning in 2004, is interested in resuming his old duties.

The Paris Reporter (TPR) was launched on the Blogger networking site in June. Its first post appeared July 5, barely a fortnight after the firing of Sharon Jackson, McAllister's successor to Paris' top job.

Since then, TPR has played watchdog to Paris politics, questioning the motivations and actions of what it terms "the current majority" - i.e. the three selectmen who voted to terminate Jackson's contract.

The site is rife with references to what it claims are "hidden agendas," "reckless administrative move[s]," "poorly- thought-through decision[s]," "unnecessary legal costs" and "personal-agendas."

For the remainder of this article, please click here.

A CITIZEN WHO QUESTIONS WITH BOLDNESS IS NOT A CITIZEN EXERCISING THEIR CIVIC DUTY BUT A "TROUBLEMAKER" IN TODAY'S DAY AND AGE. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK PARIS REPORTER. YOU MUST BE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT!

Levesque Calls on Michaud to Oppose Pelosi Health Bill

Contact: Vic Berardelli, Communications Director
(207) 234-4549
(207) 949-2438 (cell)
Release: 12:15 p.m. Thurs Oct 29, 2009

Jason J. Levesque, candidate in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, issued the following statement today in response to the new House health bill released this morning by Speaker Nancy Pelosi:

I call on Mike Michaud to side with Maine families and oppose the Pelosi health care bill.

A government-run health care program is the wrong approach. In order to truly reform health care we need to lower the costs so that more Americans can afford coverage. This 1,992-page Pelosi bill does not do this; instead, it grows the size of government at an alarming rate.

The ten year $1-trillion health bill price tag is way too costly. That’s more than four times the total amount spent on the entire Federal budget over the past ten fiscal years. We cannot afford this and it will make health care more expensive.

Maine middle class families will face an even higher tax burden to cover these costs when they’re having a hard enough time making ends meet. And small businesses will bear the burden to the point that many might not be able to stay open or they will have to cut jobs. Mike Michaud already represents a District with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country and this would just be another nail on the coffin of Maine working people.

The Pelosi plan will hurt our Maine senior citizens. It cuts $162-billion from Medicare, which will cause many seniors to lose health care options and specialized coverage. It will also diminish payments to doctors, causing more to leave practice stranding many seniors without a health care provider.

Mike Michaud should show courage and tell Nancy Pelosi “no deal” on this bad health bill. Politics aside, Mike Michaud should do this for the benefit of Mainers.

www.levesqueforcongress.com

Jason Levesque for Congress, Time for CHANGE

ABOUT/BIOGRAPHY

Jason Levesque grew up in Maine and comes from a family with five generations of Maine roots. His grandfather, the late-Willard Levesque, came with his family from Canada and grew up in Madawaska and Grand Isle, laboring in the potato fields and forests which sustained the local economy. After service in World War II, with several decorations for valor under fire in the European campaign, he moved his family to Androscoggin County for better employment opportunities. He worked many years in the Auburn Highway Department, retiring as chief mechanic.

His grandmother, Arlene Duprey Levesque grew up in Machias, the daughter of a lumberman. Her family moved to Androscoggin County during the Great Depression to seek opportunity in the mills. She labored in area orchards and factories. She is still active in local senior citizen organizations.

Jason's mother, Patricia, grew up in the Lewiston-Auburn area but left the state for job prospects when the area hit hard times with high unemployment in the late 1960s. She met Jason's father, a Greek immigrant, in Baltimore, where Jason was born in 1974. When he was four, she brought him back to her Maine roots. She still works for L.L. Bean in Lewiston.

Jason Levesque graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn, where he was active in Key Club, Interact and other community service organizations. He served on the state governing board of DeMolay. An accomplished athlete, he played soccer and ran track.

Levesque started college at West Virginia Wesleyan University but left after several semesters to enlist in the United States Army. He served in the First Infantry Division and earned the highly-prized Expert Infantry designation. His leadership abilities were first noticed by superior officers who elevated him in rank and responsibilities as an Infantry Team Leader. Upon discharge, he served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves, including several extended tours of duty as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Leonard Woods, MO.

Levesque continued college at the University of Southern Maine, working to pay his tuition. His jobs included swimming instructor for the Portland School System and Lewiston YWCA. He also took a part-time telemarketing job, where his leadership abilities were noticed and he advanced to training and management assignments, eventually as Director of Sales with a staff of 150 employees.

Levesque is married to the former Tracey Bilodeau, who grew up in Augusta and attended Cony High School . She is a graduate of New England Culinary Institute. She has a successful career as a chef and restaurant manager, which she has put on hold to raise a young family.

Levesque has three children: Alexandra (Ali), 11; Ethan, 3, and one year old Sarah.

www.levesqueforcongress.com

US Chamber Challenges House Representative Mike Michaud

John Murphy, Vice President of International Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, posted an article on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's journal web site Friday, Oct. 2, writing of the dire economic consequences of U.S. protectionism.

Midway, he singled-out Mike Michaud by name:

"Labor's recent endorsement of the so-called TRADE Act of Congressman Mike Michaud is also telling. The act would generate additional reporting requirements relating to international trade agreements on top of those that already exist. It would call into question America's existing trade agreements with countries around the globe, even though those agreements provide guaranteed access to markets that purchase more than 40% of U.S. exports. It lays out sweeping objectives for future trade agreements, but never contemplates giving President Obama the authority Congress has granted every president since FDR to actually negotiate such agreements. It might as well be called the "STOP TRADE" Act.

"Several questions arise: Do we want to open foreign markets to U.S. workers? Do we have confidence in the ability of American workers to compete abroad? Are we prepared to act rather than see American workers put at a disadvantage by the spreading network of FTAs being negotiated by our competitors?

"Labor's answer can be summarized, in practice, in three words: no, no, and no."

FMI: www.chamberpost.com

An Introduction to the Pine Tree Politics Website

What Is Pine Tree Politics?

Pine Tree Politics is a political news and opinion website, focusing on the political intrigue in the state of Maine.

It is run primarily from the Washington DC area by former residents of Maine who have maintained an interest in the political happenings “back home”.

Is this a news site?

No. The content of Pine Tree Politics should never be taken as an antiseptic news source. We try to frame political news with “our take”, providing a light amount of analysis and opinion to help bring the stories to life a little bit.

In the opinion section of our site, you will find much more “one sided” articles which take overt stances on issues, candidates and political news.

Democrats, Republicans, and Independents should all be able to read the commentary without throwing things at the screen – but none the less, the articles are not news, and definitely come form a specific point of view.

What is the party affiliation of Pine Tree Politics?

The majority of what you will find at Pine Tree Politics comes from a center-right point of view. The site itself is not affiliated with any political party (nor will it ever be), but does approach issues from a right leaning perspective.

However, we are open to opposing viewpoints, and regularly publish guest op-eds from left of center authors (including public officials) to help contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.

Is Pine Tree Politics affiliated with any campaign, or political organization?

Pine Tree Politics, nor any of its authors are paid staff for any political candidate or political organization of any party. Our authors do have preferences in certain candidates, positions, etc – however we do not have any formal relationship with anyone. If that ever changes (which we don’t expect it will), we will make it public and be completely transparent about it.

Pine Tree Politics is also on Facebook. Check it out.

What Have You Done for Us Lately? Meet the Candidate Who Will Replace Mike Michaud in 2010 with YOUR Help

John Frary & Paul Mills
Invite you to

A “Meet the Candidate” Discussion with:

Jason Levesque

(Candidate for Congress, ME-2)

Tuesday, August 25, 2009
5:30-7:00 PM

The Home of Paul Mills
249 Cape Cod Hill Road
New Sharon, ME 04955

RSVP & Questions: 207-778-6685 or JFrary8070@aol.com

FMI, please go to www.LevesqueforCongress.com

Reject the Sales Tax Expansion and Income Tax Modification (LD 1495)

If these changes stand,

Mainers will pay more to state government

-not less!

Fellow Maine Taxpayers-

Last week my wife came home and was "fit to be tied." She said "Did you know that we are going to lose our mortgage deduction?"

Along with doing away with our mortgage deduction, this new law does away with deductions for charitable contributions as well as places taxes on a whole bunch of other things - like movie tickets, meals, lodging, liquor, golf, etc.

You can read the entire list at www.stillfedupwithtaxes.net.

Anyway, upon discussing LD1495 (that's government-speak for this tax raising train wreck) we realized that this is not a tax cut, it's a tax "shift and shaft."

Subsequently, my wife and I are now signers and circulators of petitions to over ride LD1495 and I am asking you to do the same.

I spoke to Charlie Webster this morning. Each day he is working to get signatures and needs our help. Signatures need to be turned in by September 1st, so if you haven't signed please find a petition and sign it. If you are really motivated by this injustice, gather a bunch of petitions and become a circulator.

If you are interested in either signing a petition or becoming a circulator please contact Shawn Roderick at shawnroderick@hotmail.com or contact him at 207-860-6106.

- Dean Scontras

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION
AND CIRCULATE IN YOUR TOWN!!

PLEASE FORWARD THIS [MESSAGE} TO YOUR CONTACTS