There is nothing on Steve Abbott’s website regarding life issues or family values. I did find out from the web that he served Gov. McKernan and Sen. Snowe. He has been Senator Susan Collins Chief of Staff for 12 years.
Questions to Consider
Can his position on the issues be that different from Susan Collins?
Are political veterans being mislead by the Abbott campaign?
Do the Democrats want us to believe that Abbott is the only one they can’t beat because they are frighten of LaPage’s popularity?
What I Saw
At the Republican Convention I saw a grass roots effort surrounding Paul LaPage. I saw a grass roots takeover of the party platform. I saw the silent majority of the Republican Party gaining its voice and reclaiming its identity.
In this present climate of the silent majority reclaiming the Republican Party Abbott’s ties to McKernan, Snowe, and Collins put him in the midst of the revolt.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Steve Abbott
Feminists for Life of Maine, Dean Scontras, Sen. Richard Nass, Sen. Carol Weston
Scott Fish, Roger EK, and former Sen. Carolyn Gilman are all supporting Steve Abbott. They are supporting him because of his pro-family values and can work with him regarding the issues in our schools.
A political veteran told me, “The Democrats are saying Steve is the only Republican they can't beat.” This person also told me that Steve is known as a man of principal.
The speech Steve Abbott gave at the Republican Convention is on As Maine Goes’ website.
This new information is causing me to take a second look at Steve Abbott.
Scott Fish, Roger EK, and former Sen. Carolyn Gilman are all supporting Steve Abbott. They are supporting him because of his pro-family values and can work with him regarding the issues in our schools.
A political veteran told me, “The Democrats are saying Steve is the only Republican they can't beat.” This person also told me that Steve is known as a man of principal.
The speech Steve Abbott gave at the Republican Convention is on As Maine Goes’ website.
This new information is causing me to take a second look at Steve Abbott.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Maine State Republican Convention
This past weekend I attended my first Maine State Republican Convention. I was part of the live audience that watched the historical gubernatorial debate and heard the 20 minute speeches on Saturday. The convention provided an opportunity to talk to all of the candidates.
This was an amazing experience.
I went to the convention undecided. Here are is a reflection about the Republican Gubernatorial Candidates based on the debate, their speeches, and conversations with the candidates.
As a pro-life activist the candidate I support must be pro-life. To vote for someone that will undermine all of my hard work would be very stupid.
Steve Abbott, Peter Mills, and Les Otten are all Anti-Life.
During the debate the question, “Which state department would you eliminate?” As a Maine state employee this question put me at the edge of my seat. The department I work for was not mentioned.
Steve Abbot, Bill Beardsley, Paul LePage and Peter Mill all gave answers that showed they have done their homework and have knowledge of Maine State Government.
Bruce Poliquin stated that he would have to look at each department and then decided. That research should have been done before deciding to run for Governor. One month before the primaries, Poliquin indirectly admitted he has not done the necessary preparation to be Governor.
Less Otten said that he would get rid of Clean Elections. In the crowd someone said, “So he can spend his own money.” Otten use to be part owner of the Red Socks.
Matt Jacobson gave the party line by saying Dirigo Health Care. The Republican Party opposes Dirigo Health Care because it is broke and there is no money to keep it going without debt.
On the speeches on Saturday Bruce Poliquin said, “I’m the only one running who has management experience.” Jacobson is a CEO; LaPage is a Mayor and the General Manger for Mardens; Beardsley is president of an university. That crazy statement is the only thing I remember Ploiquin saying.
I have narrowed it down to three candidates.
Matt Jacobson
Matt Jacobson - One of the issues is the railroad on the boarder of Maine and Canada. His input regarding the railroad during the debate showed he has done preparation. Jacobson is President and Chief Executive Officer of Maine & Company a company that recruits companies and brings them to Maine. He is a military veteran and has been tested in combat. He took a failing railroad and made it successful. He believes in Parental Notification for minors seeking abortion. He will sign pro-life legislation that comes across his desk. He adopted two children. Jacobson told me that it cost $25,000 to adopt a child. He believes if the costs were lower more people would adopt. He believes that State Shut Down Days lacks imagination and hurts relationships with the people who work for the state. When talking with Jacobson I found out he has a modern management style. His management style is to sit down with the people who do the work, to find out problems and take their suggestions from the employees on how to solve them.
Bill Beardsley
Bill Beardsley is very informed on the life issues. He is aware that the primary target of the abortion industry is minorities and knows a large number of abortions are done because the child is a girl. He is against the death penalty. He has been the president of Husson University for twenty-two years and his wife is a school teacher. Beardsley told me that he wants to eliminate the Department of Education and give local school the freedom they need teach. He and his wife have seen problems with Maine’s Learning Results criteria. This idea is very different from the current administration’s forcing school consolidation on local communities. I will be studying Beardsley’s proposals very carefully before making my decision.
Paul LePage
Paul LePage left home at age 11 and for a time lived on the streets. He has been in the welfare system and has seen the traps of the system that keep people on welfare. He has a plane to reform the welfare system, so people will be off from it in five years. He is charge of the chain of Marden’s stores, which is growing under LaPage’s leadership. As Mayor of Waterville he has increased the raining day fund and has lowered taxes. LePage is pro-life and pro-family.
During the Republican Convention Paul LePage did something that impressed me. Late Friday afternoon we separated by counties to elect county officers. LePage visited the county meetings; at the Kennebec County session he said, “My campaign has the least amount of money, but we have a lot of volunteers. If any of you local candidates need help let my campaign know and we will find you volunteers.” This says two things about LePage’s character: He thinks of other people and not just himself. He doesn’t have much, but he is willing to share what he has.
General Observation
Every candidate had supports at the convention. All the candidates except Poliquin had supports near the stage and after the candidates speech the supporters gathered in the front and cheered. LePage’s supporters were near the front of the stage and on the perimeter of the room. After LePage’s speech his supports made four lines in front of the stage and there was not enough space for everybody to fit. Supporters were still on the perimeter and other supporters stood from the seated section. LePage appeared to have the most support at the convention. Of all the candidates he gave the most motivating speech.
My decision
At this point I’m leaning towards LePage. However, I want to read the candidate materials and review their websites before making my final decision. I’m also going to follow them on twitter.
This was an amazing experience.
I went to the convention undecided. Here are is a reflection about the Republican Gubernatorial Candidates based on the debate, their speeches, and conversations with the candidates.
As a pro-life activist the candidate I support must be pro-life. To vote for someone that will undermine all of my hard work would be very stupid.
Steve Abbott, Peter Mills, and Les Otten are all Anti-Life.
During the debate the question, “Which state department would you eliminate?” As a Maine state employee this question put me at the edge of my seat. The department I work for was not mentioned.
Steve Abbot, Bill Beardsley, Paul LePage and Peter Mill all gave answers that showed they have done their homework and have knowledge of Maine State Government.
Bruce Poliquin stated that he would have to look at each department and then decided. That research should have been done before deciding to run for Governor. One month before the primaries, Poliquin indirectly admitted he has not done the necessary preparation to be Governor.
Less Otten said that he would get rid of Clean Elections. In the crowd someone said, “So he can spend his own money.” Otten use to be part owner of the Red Socks.
Matt Jacobson gave the party line by saying Dirigo Health Care. The Republican Party opposes Dirigo Health Care because it is broke and there is no money to keep it going without debt.
On the speeches on Saturday Bruce Poliquin said, “I’m the only one running who has management experience.” Jacobson is a CEO; LaPage is a Mayor and the General Manger for Mardens; Beardsley is president of an university. That crazy statement is the only thing I remember Ploiquin saying.
I have narrowed it down to three candidates.
Matt Jacobson
Matt Jacobson - One of the issues is the railroad on the boarder of Maine and Canada. His input regarding the railroad during the debate showed he has done preparation. Jacobson is President and Chief Executive Officer of Maine & Company a company that recruits companies and brings them to Maine. He is a military veteran and has been tested in combat. He took a failing railroad and made it successful. He believes in Parental Notification for minors seeking abortion. He will sign pro-life legislation that comes across his desk. He adopted two children. Jacobson told me that it cost $25,000 to adopt a child. He believes if the costs were lower more people would adopt. He believes that State Shut Down Days lacks imagination and hurts relationships with the people who work for the state. When talking with Jacobson I found out he has a modern management style. His management style is to sit down with the people who do the work, to find out problems and take their suggestions from the employees on how to solve them.
Bill Beardsley
Bill Beardsley is very informed on the life issues. He is aware that the primary target of the abortion industry is minorities and knows a large number of abortions are done because the child is a girl. He is against the death penalty. He has been the president of Husson University for twenty-two years and his wife is a school teacher. Beardsley told me that he wants to eliminate the Department of Education and give local school the freedom they need teach. He and his wife have seen problems with Maine’s Learning Results criteria. This idea is very different from the current administration’s forcing school consolidation on local communities. I will be studying Beardsley’s proposals very carefully before making my decision.
Paul LePage
Paul LePage left home at age 11 and for a time lived on the streets. He has been in the welfare system and has seen the traps of the system that keep people on welfare. He has a plane to reform the welfare system, so people will be off from it in five years. He is charge of the chain of Marden’s stores, which is growing under LaPage’s leadership. As Mayor of Waterville he has increased the raining day fund and has lowered taxes. LePage is pro-life and pro-family.
During the Republican Convention Paul LePage did something that impressed me. Late Friday afternoon we separated by counties to elect county officers. LePage visited the county meetings; at the Kennebec County session he said, “My campaign has the least amount of money, but we have a lot of volunteers. If any of you local candidates need help let my campaign know and we will find you volunteers.” This says two things about LePage’s character: He thinks of other people and not just himself. He doesn’t have much, but he is willing to share what he has.
General Observation
Every candidate had supports at the convention. All the candidates except Poliquin had supports near the stage and after the candidates speech the supporters gathered in the front and cheered. LePage’s supporters were near the front of the stage and on the perimeter of the room. After LePage’s speech his supports made four lines in front of the stage and there was not enough space for everybody to fit. Supporters were still on the perimeter and other supporters stood from the seated section. LePage appeared to have the most support at the convention. Of all the candidates he gave the most motivating speech.
My decision
At this point I’m leaning towards LePage. However, I want to read the candidate materials and review their websites before making my final decision. I’m also going to follow them on twitter.
Web Poll
The Republican Party Platform
The Maine Republican Party recognizes that they are losing their base to the Tea Party Movement. At this year’s convention a very strong conservative platform was adopted. Pro-Life and Pro-Family values are part of the platform.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Look Who's Coming to Maine
The months of September and October are always busy months for the Pro-Life Movement in Maine. This year more activity is happening than in past years. We have a dynamic list of national speakers coming to Maine and this year's second 40 Days For Life Prayer Vigil is happening in Augusta.
Everything begins with the 40 Days For Life Kick-Off Weekend, Saturday, September 19th with a Sidewalk Counseling Workshop and on September 20th with the 40 Days For Life Kick-Off Event. People who attend the workshop will learn what to say to someone who is considering an abortion. Skills in this workshop can be used on the "sidewalk" in front of an abortion facility or talking to a co-worked or a classmate.
The Keynote speaker is Anne Scheidler, the co-founder of the Pro-Life Action League and currently serves as its Executive Director. One of the key activities of the Pro-Life Action League is abortion clinic presence, which includes prayer vigils and sidewalk counseling. Ann is a frequent speaker on pro-life activism and sidewalk counseling, ahas appeared on numerous radio and television programs. She travels extensively conducting sidewalk counseling training sessions. Ann holds a bachelor's degree from Mundelein College. She is the mother of seven children.
Ann Scheidler's husband is Joseph Scheidler. Joe scheidler is the Scheidler in the Landmark Supreme Court case NOW v. Scheidler. This is the case that determined that Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Orgaizatins (RICO) laws do not apply to free speech in front of abortion facilities. For more information about this event please call Leslie Sneddon 207-737-8972 or 207-607-3488.
The 40 Days For Life Kick-Off Event will be in front of Family Planning Association in Augusta at 3:30pm - 4:15pm on September 20th. The 40 Days For Life Prayer Vigil is September 23-November 1, 2009 in front of the Family Planning "Abortion Center" in Augusta. Please see the 40 Days For Life, Augusta, Maine website for more details.
The Pro-Life Education Association (PLEA) is having their annual brunch on September 26th at the Senator Inn in Augusta from 10:00 - Noon. The Keynote speaker is Jack Ames, Co-Founder and Director of Defend Life in Baltimore, Maryland. According to the PLEA newsletter, "Jack Ames is the co-founder of the largest and most active grassroots pro-life organization in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area." For additional information contact Gerry Thibodeau at gtpt@roadrunner.com.
On October 17th, Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of Susan B. Anthony List will be speaking at Maine Right to Life's Convention in Portland. Contact Maine Right to Life for additional information or visit their website. More details about this event will be provided in a latter blog.
Theses are just a few of the activities that are happening in Maine during the months of September and October. The Pro-Life movement is very active in the Pine Tree State.
Everything begins with the 40 Days For Life Kick-Off Weekend, Saturday, September 19th with a Sidewalk Counseling Workshop and on September 20th with the 40 Days For Life Kick-Off Event. People who attend the workshop will learn what to say to someone who is considering an abortion. Skills in this workshop can be used on the "sidewalk" in front of an abortion facility or talking to a co-worked or a classmate.
The Keynote speaker is Anne Scheidler, the co-founder of the Pro-Life Action League and currently serves as its Executive Director. One of the key activities of the Pro-Life Action League is abortion clinic presence, which includes prayer vigils and sidewalk counseling. Ann is a frequent speaker on pro-life activism and sidewalk counseling, ahas appeared on numerous radio and television programs. She travels extensively conducting sidewalk counseling training sessions. Ann holds a bachelor's degree from Mundelein College. She is the mother of seven children.
Ann Scheidler's husband is Joseph Scheidler. Joe scheidler is the Scheidler in the Landmark Supreme Court case NOW v. Scheidler. This is the case that determined that Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Orgaizatins (RICO) laws do not apply to free speech in front of abortion facilities. For more information about this event please call Leslie Sneddon 207-737-8972 or 207-607-3488.
The 40 Days For Life Kick-Off Event will be in front of Family Planning Association in Augusta at 3:30pm - 4:15pm on September 20th. The 40 Days For Life Prayer Vigil is September 23-November 1, 2009 in front of the Family Planning "Abortion Center" in Augusta. Please see the 40 Days For Life, Augusta, Maine website for more details.
The Pro-Life Education Association (PLEA) is having their annual brunch on September 26th at the Senator Inn in Augusta from 10:00 - Noon. The Keynote speaker is Jack Ames, Co-Founder and Director of Defend Life in Baltimore, Maryland. According to the PLEA newsletter, "Jack Ames is the co-founder of the largest and most active grassroots pro-life organization in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area." For additional information contact Gerry Thibodeau at gtpt@roadrunner.com.
On October 17th, Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of Susan B. Anthony List will be speaking at Maine Right to Life's Convention in Portland. Contact Maine Right to Life for additional information or visit their website. More details about this event will be provided in a latter blog.
Theses are just a few of the activities that are happening in Maine during the months of September and October. The Pro-Life movement is very active in the Pine Tree State.
Maine Pro-Life Interaction
Maine has many Pro-Life organizations. I am unaware of any website or blog that is dedicated to interacting with the citizens of Maine regarding Pro-Life issues of the Pine Tree State. It is my hope that this blog will serve as a link between the different pro-life organizations in Maine to help them work together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
