Paul LePage's Time Has Come

We do not know what will happen in this term of the state legislature. What we should know is that this, most likely, is the best chance Paul LePage has of getting his most radical agenda items through. The reasons for this are pretty clear. LePage is operating with a Republican majority in both the house and senate. The election in November would seem to likely cost the Republicans a few seats with Obama's coattails bringing out a higher majority to vote. This should traditionally the left. It should also be pointed out that next year at this time LePage will have to be moving himself to the center a bit to think about reelection. Certainly a Governor with 61 percent of the vote against him has to know that being relected is no sure thing.

It is most likely when the Governor asks for wishes from the proverbial Genie his first wish is for a strong Independent candidate for Governor in 2014. If Elliot Cutler were to run as a Demcorat LePage might be in big trouble.

What is the spring agenda? Getting the DHS budget in line, streamlining job training and unemployment, and lowering taxes seems to be the talk. Certainly curtailing union rights and state employee unions would be a big effort as well. It will be interesting to see what LePage can get out of his party as they, not he, all face reelection efforts this fall.

Buckle your seat belt.