Biggest Electoral Winners and Losers

Jessica Alaimo over PolitickerME has compiled lists of those who received the largest number of votes in the State House and State Senate races last month, as well as those who received the smallest number of votes in the State House and State Senate contests.

Joseph Brannigan (D-Cumberland County), one of Westbrook's two state senators, finished with the third-highest vote total in the senate races (13,827 votes). Republican Kevin Crocker, who was defeated by State Rep. Tim Driscoll (D-Westbrook), received the twentieth-lowest number of votes in State House races (1,315 votes). And Republican Nick McGee, who was defeated by Brannigan, received the seventh-lowest number of votes in senate races, (6,336 votes).

The rankings for Crocker and McGee were both based on results sans minor party candidates.

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Unofficial Results

Here are the unofficial results from yesterday's elections in Westbrook, courtesy of 2 York Street.

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Dems Sweep Westbrook Seats

According to the Bangor Daily News, Democratic incumbents Ann Peoples (HD-125), Tim Driscoll (HD-126), Phil Bartlett (SD-6), and Joseph Brannigan (SD-9) were each re-elected to the Maine House of Representatives (Peoples and Driscoll) and the Maine Senate (Bartlett and Brannigan).

The results are as follows:

Maine House of Representatives, #125
Anne E. Peoples (D), 57.04% (2,201 votes)
Robert S. Morrill (R), 42.96% (1,658 votes)

Maine House of Representatives, #126
Timothy E. Driscoll (D), 66.55% (2,268 votes)
Kevin A. Crocker (R), 33.45% (1,140 votes)

Maine Senate, #6
Philip L. Bartlett II (D), 60.43% (2,343 votes)
Phillip A. Csoros (R), 39.57% (1,534 votes)

Maine Senate, #9
Joseph C. Brannigan (D), 66.71% (4,465 votes)
Nicholas S. McGee (R), 33.29% (2,228 votes)

(Update: Evidently these numbers represented early returns. Though the results remain the same, the Press Herald has the latest numbers.)

- John C.L. Morgan

PolitickerME: Peoples, Driscoll Have the Advantage

Jessico Alaimo of PolitickerME has handicapped all 151 Maine House races, and she reports the Maine House #125 race "[l]eans Democrat" and the Maine House #126 is "[s]afe Democrat."

Of the House #125 race between Bob Morrill (R) and Rep. Ann Peoples (D), Alaimo writes: "Peoples won by about 300 votes in 2006, and given the dynamics of this district it will likely be a close one this year, although she has the advantage."

And of the House #126 race between Kevin Crocker (R) and Rep. Tim Driscoll (D), Alaimo writes: "Incumbent Timothy Driscoll (D-Westbrook) won by about 700 votes in 2006, and shouldn’t have a problem beating Kevin Crocker (R-Westbrook) this year."

To make her forecasts, Alaimo notes that she looks at the candidates, the candidates' electoral histories, the districts' past electoral results, and considers advice from "people close to the process."

Taken all together, her predictions for all 151 House districts break down as follows: 45 seats are "Safe Democrat," 15 seats are "Likely Democrat," 16 seats are "Leans Democrat," 26 seats are "Toss up," 27 seats are "Safe Republican," 7 seats are "Likely Republican," 14 seats are "Leans Republican," and 1 seat is "Safe Independent."

- John C.L. Morgan

P.S. For a more detailed look at the races and candidates in each of these races, check out the improved edition of the Election '08: Westbrook Voters' Guide.

Election '08: See Bob Morrill Talk

Bob Morrill, the Republican candidate for the State House #125 seat, dropped by WLOB's morning show today to talk about his campaign.

Click here to see if Morrill will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: See Nick McGee Talk

Nick McGee, the Republican candidate for the State Senate #9 seat, dropped by WLOB's morning show today to talk about his campaign.

Click here to see if McGee will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Westbrook Voters' Guide

Over the last month-and-a-half, I've posted shards of information about each of the candidates seeking to represent Westbrook in the Maine House of Representatives and the Maine Senate. Below is a collection of those references, as well as some from other media outlets. To find out which races apply to where you live in Westbrook, click here ('SS' refers to the State Senate seat, and 'SR' refers to the State House seat).

Maine House of Representatives, #125
Press Herald summary

Robert Morrill (R)
Biography
Proust Questionnaire
WLOB interview

Ann Peoples (D)
Biography
Proust Questionnaire
Favorite Things
Website
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Maine House of Representatives, #126
Press Herald summary

Kevin Crocker (R)
WLOB interview

Tim Driscoll (D)
Biography
Proust Questionnaire
Favorite Things
Issues
Website
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Maine Senate #6
Press Herald summary

Phil Bartlett (D)
Biography
Website

Phil Csoros (R)
Biography
WLOB interview
Website
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Maine Senate #9
Press Herald summary

Joseph Brannigan (D)
Website

Nick McGee (R)
Biography
Proust Questionnaire
Issues
WLOB Interview
Website

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Nick McGee on the Issues

Nick McGee is a Republican seeking election to District #9 in the Maine Senate. Click here to see if McGee will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

What are your top three legislative priorities for the upcoming session?
1. Improve Maine's economy: Investing in the creation of, and attracting existing businesses to the state that research, develop, manufacture and distribute alternative energy. Cuts on taxes and fees will help people and businesses in these tough economic conditions.
2. Health care reform: Allow Mainers to purchase health insurance from out-of-state carriers will reduce the consumers costs dramatically. It only makes sense that you are able to purchase a plan with a business that you trust and that suits your needs best, regardless of their physical location.
3. Reduce the tax burden: Maine needs relief now. Lowering taxes will give families more flexibility in their budgets to help meet the needs of rising energy, food and gas prices. More money in the consumers' pockets means more money spent in our economy.

How do you plan to implement each of these three goals?
1. To attract the new high-tech and manufacturing jobs of the future, we need a $100 million dollar per year investment in job training, education and internship programs that focus on the new and very promising future of alternative energy creation and manufacturing. We must have the skilled workers in place and a commitment to businesses looking to relocate to Maine that they will have a skilled workforce in place. Couple this with a 20-year tax break, Maine becomes one of the most attractive places to relocate a business.
2. Propose legislation to allow Mainers to purchase insurance across state borders. In a comparative study of New Hampshire vs. Maine, an individual can save as much as $2,000-$3,000 by buying their policy in New Hampshire that is the same as the one in Maine. Real savings to help families. Additionally, we need to end the Dirigo Health program. The program does not operate efficiently and with legislation that allows individuals to purchase health care outside of Maine in a more competitive environment, the premiums will be less for most Dirigo recipients than they already pay now.
3. A proposal that will return 50% of corporate taxes as long as half of the money returned goes to employees. This would essentially drop Maine's corporate tax rate from 11th highest in the nation to 22nd lowest. We would have a business tax environment better than half of the states in the U.S. Additionally, we need to start to support the working families of Maine. This would help boost family income and should spur job creation as well.

Which three state programs do you think should be maintained or expanded?
I would only advocate expanding two programs at this time:
1. Heating Assistance: We need emergency legislation to help families get through the winter.
2. OPEGA, the government oversight and evaluation program. This was threatened to be cut by the last legislature. They are there to look for efficiencies and savings in government. They have already found more savings in our government than it costs to fund the program. They have a backlog of work and a shortage of staff. Oversight of existing programs is essential to making sure we are not wasting taxpayer money.

Which three state programs do you think should be cut or eliminated?
1. Dirigo health program: Simple adjustments to our insurance laws would essentially make the program irrelevant. It is costly to operate and the money would be better spent directly assisting those that need help, rather than attempting to create a quasi-government run health care system. The program was created to help 130,000 Mainers that didn't have health insurance obtain affordable coverage. Only 3,000 of the people enrolled did not have insurance before. At a cost of $70 million per year, there are much better ways to help make health care affordable to more people than this program.
2. Clean Election Fund: First of all, I need to disclose that I accepted public financing through this program. This is my first time running and I believe that this program has allowed me to run, so I am grateful. However, I do not believe that sitting legislators should be able to utilize the program. I believe that they would have enough support from their constituents to pay for a campaign. I also do not believe in the matching funds formula. I think if you agree to accept the financing, that is all you should get. It's a decision that each candidate would have to make for themselves before getting involved.
3. Department of Health and Human Services: This $1 billion agency needs to be audited to find savings. I've knocked on a lot of doors, and the number of stories regarding abuse of the system in our social aid programs is astounding. I want to end abuse of the system, not pull the rug out from under those that truly need help.

What are your thoughts concerning the Dirigo Health program?
Great goals, terrible results. Eliminate the program and implement regulatory reform measures to reduce the health care costs for all Mainers, not just a few.

Do you plan to vote 'Yes' or 'No' on question 1 on this year's referendum ballot?
I am voting yes to repeal the beverage tax. I cannot support any measure that was passed in the middle of the night, without a public hearing and that would hurt the poor the most.

What are your thoughts concerning casinos in Maine?
I believe that casinos offer great economic opportunity. If we have a casino, it needs to be done right. I do not support the current referendum because of some very major changes it would make to existing laws: 1) It lowers the gambling age to 19. 2) It creates a 10-year monopoly within the state. 3) It dictates how the tax money generated would be spent in the state. That is the job of the legislature to determine how the money is used best, not a corporation.

Do you plan to vote 'Yes' or 'No' on question 2 on this year's referendum ballot?
No. The bill has too many problems and I don't have the confidence in the current legislature to make the necessary changes afterward.

Cite at least one example in which you cooperated with a member (or members) of another political party.
I am a Republican. But I interned and worked for a Democratic Rhode Island State Senator and Mayor for over 2 years after I left college. I believe that both parties offer good ideas and solutions; it's the quality and character of the person that matters most.

Cite at least one example in which you've differed with your own political party.
I believe in the traditional definition of marriage: One man, one woman. However, I am not opposed to civil unions because I view them as civil contracts that convey certain privileges (tax breaks, recognition in probate matters, etc.). I do not believe it takes away from the traditional and religious aspects of a marriage conducted before God.

What are your thoughts concerning school consolidation?
I support the effort to find administrative savings within the education system in Maine. I do not support taking away resources from the teachers or children. The consolidation law needs some tweaking, but ultimately I believe it is in the best interest of the state. It should be reviewed in two years to see what the actual results are. If childhood development is affected, then it needs to be reworked.

What are your thoughts concerning term limits for legislators?
Elections are the best term limits. If someone does a fantastic job, would you fire them because of the length of time they've been employed?

What are your thoughts concerning affirmative action in state hiring and contracting decisions, as well as in public university admissions?
I believe that affirmative action is a terrible policy. It is very clear that discrimination based on sex and gender is illegal under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, so why would any agency, business or other entity make it the centerpiece of an admission or job process?

What are your thoughts concerning the state budget?
It has been grossly mismanaged and the "tax-and-spend" mentality needs to end. We are looking at a $500 million budget gap. This is because the legislature has been irresponsible with the purse strings.

What are your thoughts concerning sex education in Maine's public schools?
I believe that systems like the one in New York work great. Parents are invited to come and sit through an entire class of sex ed. to see what is being taught. Parents are then allowed to ask questions and make suggestions. If any parent is uncomfortable with the materials or the manner in which it is taught, they are allowed to opt their child out of the program.

What are your thoughts concerning the state's current levels of sales tax and income taxes?
I think the sales tax rate is acceptable at this time. But I believe income taxes are too high and should be reduced.

What are your thoughts concerning Maine's gun laws?
I would not change the current laws and I would not support any further restrictions.

What are your thoughts concerning abortion?
I consider myself pro-life with certain exceptions. If the doctor told me that my wife's life may be in jeopardy during birth, I would do anything I could to save her life. I do not and will not support taxpayer funded abortions.

What are your thoughts concerning funding for education in Maine, particularly higher education?
K-12 funding needs to be increased to meet the 55% level mandated by voters in 2004. The state university system needs close examining to make sure that we do not have waste and it is quite possible that consolidation may be necessary. I would need more information before advocating for any specific measures.

(Editor's Note: Nick McGee's opponent, Joe Brannigan, did not respond to my e-mails.)

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: See Kevin Crocker Talk

Kevin Crocker, the Republican candidate for the State House #126, dropped by WLOB's morning show today to talk about his campaign.

Click here to see if Crocker will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: See Phil Csoros Talk

Phil Csoros, the Republican candidate for the State Senate #6 seat, dropped by WLOB's morning show today to talk about his campaign.

Click here to see if Csoros will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Tim Driscoll on the Issues

Tim Driscoll is a Democrat seeking re-election to District #126 in the Maine House of Representatives. Click here to see if Driscoll will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

What are your top three legislative priorities for the upcoming session?
1. Provide efficient constituent service.
2. Maintain primary levels of service for the young, elderly and disabled.
3. Continue to plan for increasing faculty in our universities and colleges for health care
occupations (especially nurses).

How do you plan to implement each of these three goals?
1. Provide quick responses to constituent needs and requests, whether I am able or unable to
meet the specific need or request.
2. Despite the impending budget deficit we will be facing in the next budget, we need to ensure
that those most vulnerable are taken care of.
3. Because of the impending shortage of health care workers (especially nurses) in the state, I
have been meeting with a workgroup in Augusta throughout the summer discussing
healthcare occupations, where the current needs are, where will the shortfalls be in the near
future, and how do we meet those needs.

Which three state programs do you think should be maintained or expanded, and which three state programs do you think should be cut or eliminated?
Because of the impending shortfall/budget deficit that we will be facing in the upcoming 124th Legislature, my belief is that the budget in its totality has to be looked at. All departments need to find areas of efficiency and some consolidation and some reduction, including the legislature. One area I have thought about is the number of bills submitted by legislators each session. I have heard that each submitted bill costs between $2,500 or $3,000, even if it does not pass out of committee. My feeling is that we could eliminate half the number of bills submitted by limiting each legislator to five submitted bills per session. That would not only reduce the cost per bill submitted, but it would also reduce the committee time and the cost of taking up the bill. It might also reduce the time the legislature is in session, given the shortened committee time. If a legislator has a bill that he/she feels is so important that puts him or her beyond the five-bill limit, they could request the Legislative Council review whether the bill meets the merit of emergency legislation.

What are your thoughts concerning the Dirigo Health program?
- It was enacted by a bipartisan vote prior to my legislative service.
- Intentions are honorable, as there are approximately 120,000 uninsured in Maine.
- Dirigo Choice has not met benchmarks, though Dirigo Health has created real savings.
- We will have to seriously look at funding mechanism for Dirigo Choice.
- I have suggested in the past that all legislative employees (including legislators), executive
employees (including Governor), and judiciary employees should be enrolled in DirigoChoice. It
would give the program we are supporting as lawmakers more legitimacy.

Do you plan to vote 'Yes' or 'No' on question 1 on this year's referendum ballot?
No.

What are your thoughts concerning casinos in Maine?
- I voted to support the Washington County Racino. Area residents overwhelmingly wanted it
per referendum and it would attract Canadian tourists (it is the 6th or 7th largest border
crossing in the United States). Also, at the time, unemployment in the area was up to 16%. And
finally, the project was not rushed; it had good planning and support from the area.
- I have reservations about the proposed casino in Oxford County.

Do you plan to vote 'Yes' or 'No' on question 2 on this year's referendum ballot?
No.

Cite at least one example in which you cooperated with a member (or members) of another political party.
During the tax reform debate and vote, I spoke in support of Dick Woodbury’s (I)-Yarmouth amendment which decreased the income tax to 4.9% over 5 or 6 years. It got about 55 to 60 votes in the House. However, I voted against the enactment of the original bill because I didn’t feel the income tax reduction was significant enough.

Cite at least one example in which you've differed with your own political party.
See above.

What are your thoughts concerning same-sex marriage or civil unions?
I support civil unions.

What are your thoughts concerning school consolidation?
Good concept. I'm all about finding efficiencies, collaboration, cooperation, merging of programs and services and I think it could actually improve programming and curriculum for students in rural communities. It should save communities tax dollars.

What are your thoughts concerning term limits for legislators?
Leave it up to the voters.

What are your thoughts concerning the state budget?
These next 2 years will be very difficult. Tough choices will have to be made, as 70 to 80% of the budget is consumed by health care and education.

What are your thoughts concerning sex education in Maine 's public schools?
HPV, HIV, hepatitis, herpes, and STDs are where our focus should be. I see the repercussions almost daily in the emergency room. And while education starts in the home, it needs to be touched on in the schools as well, especially for those whose parents aren’t comfortable or willing to discuss these important life issues with their children.

What are your thoughts concerning the state's current levels of sales tax and income taxes?
I would support a broadening of the sales tax if the income tax were significantly reduced along with it, such as Rep. Woodbury’s amendment I spoke of earlier to the former tax reform vote. Our revenue is too dependent on items which rise and fall with the economic conditions of the time such as auto sales and home sales.

What are your thoughts concerning the Clean Elections law in Maine?
I support clean elections. It allows me to run for office without undo influence from special interest.

What are your thoughts concerning Maine's gun laws?
I am endorsed by the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine. I do not own a gun, but I used to hunt in my youth when I lived in Washington County. I feel Maine has adequate laws currently on the books.

What are your thoughts concerning abortion?
It is a decision to be made between a women and her health care provider.

What are your thoughts concerning funding for education in Maine, particularly higher education?
I am a strong advocate for our community college system. Its tuitions are less costly and, in many cases, 2 years of education (an associate's degree) usually leads to a good-paying job right away. The associate's degrees it provides enable an employee to be in the labor market, while earning a decent wage without being totally saddled with student loans. Also, since many of the degrees can be parlayed into a bachelor's degree at Maine's public colleges and universities, the employee can work toward the bachelor's degree using tuition-assistance from his or her employer.

(Editor's Note: Tim Driscoll's opponent, Kevin Crocker, did not respond to my e-mails.)

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Tim Driscoll's Favorite Things

Tim Driscoll is a Democrat seeking re-election to District #126 in the Maine House of Representatives. Click here to see if Driscoll will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

Favorite actor and actress
Mel Gibson and Nicole Kidman
Favorite band
Fleetwood Mac
Favorite fiction book
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Favorite magazine
Downeast
Favorite movie
Braveheart
Favorite radio station
WYNZ
Favorite song
“Won’t Back Down,” Tom Petty
Favorite television show
Hardball with Chris Matthews
Favorite Web Site
Westbrook Diarist
Favorite writer
Edgar Allen Poe
Favorite historical politician
John F. Kennedy
Favorite living politician
George Mitchell
Favorite Maine politician
George Mitchell
Favorite newspaper
Bangor Daily News
Favorite part of being a candidate
Meeting many folks in town that ordinarily I would never know.
Favorite period of American history
Civil War
Favorite philosopher
Bertrand Russell
Favorite political web site
PolitickerME
Favorite automobile
Toyota Tacoma PreRunner
Favorite day trip
Home to bed after a busy 12-hour night in the ER.
Favorite food or drink
Guinness
Favorite hobby
Puttering around the yard.
Favorite piece of clothing
My Reef sandals.
Favorite place in Westbrook
Olmsted Field during a Friday night football game.
Favorite restaurant
Depends on what I’m craving at the time.
Favorite season
Fall
Favorite sport
Whatever my daughters happen to be playing in any given season.
Favorite vacation spot
Ireland

(Editor's Note: Tim Driscoll's opponent, Kevin Crocker, did not respond to my e-mails.)

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Ann Peoples's Favorite Things

Ann Peoples is a Democrat seeking re-election to District #125 in the Maine House of Representatives.

Favorite actor and actress
Tracy & Hepburn (I'm just an old romantic).
Favorite band or musician
The Moody Blues
Favorite fiction book
The Name of the Rose
Favorite magazine
Discovery.
Favorite movie
The Women
Favorite radio station
MPBN.
Favorite song
"Joy to the World," Three Dog Night
Favorite television show
"Star Trek"
Favorite Web Site
www.hgtv.com
Favorite writer
Carl Hiaasen
Favorite historical politician
Dolley Madison. She may not have been elected but she sure was political, and she saved the silver!
Favorite living politician
I honestly can't say that I have one.
Favorite Maine politician
Margaret Chase Smith
Favorite newspaper
Boston Globe
Favorite non-fiction book
Right now I'm reading Slavery by Another Name by Douglas Blackmon and am blown away!
Favorite part of being a candidate
Talking to all kinds of people
Favorite period of American history
Revolutionary War
Favorite philosopher
My grandmother
Favorite political magazine
I'm not a big magazine reader, but I've kind of liked Reason.
Favorite political Web Site
www.politico.com
Favorite automobile
My blue Subaru.
Favorite day trip
Shopping with my daughters, daughters-in-law, and granddaughter.
Favorite food or drink
Home-made mac and cheese
Favorite hobby
Crosswords
Favorite piece of clothing
Sloppy old sweats
Favorite place in Westbrook
My piece of the riverbank on Garfield.
Favorite restaurant
Hey, we're lucky to have a bunch of really good places to eat in Westbrook, and I love them all!
Favorite season
Fall
Favorite sport
Football
Favorite vacation spot
Anywhere my 5 grandchildren are.

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Nick S. McGee's Proust Questionnaire

Nick McGee is a Republican seeking election to District #9 in the Maine Senate. Click here to see if McGee will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A Sunday drive in the fall to go apple picking with my wife and daughter.
What is your current state of mind?
Content.
Which living person do you most admire?
My mother and father.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing my family.
What is your greatest extravagance?
A large TV.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Selfishness.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My smile and happy-go-lucky personality.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Nothing in particular--I am happy with the person I am.
Which living person do you most despise?
I don't despise anyone--hatred accomplishes nothing.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
All of them are important.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
My nose is a bit large...not too bad though.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would be better at balancing my time.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Strength.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Compassion.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
The word "that" shows up often in my writing.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Play the guitar.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife and daughter.
When and where were you happiest?
My honeymoon stands out.
Where would you like to live?
Australia.
What is your most treasured possession?
My grandmother's cribbage board.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
To lose faith and to feel unloved.
What is your favorite occupation?
One of my first jobs as a line cook at a local restaurant.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Superman.
Who are your heroes in real life?
First responders, soldiers and charity workers.
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty and openness.
What is it that you most dislike?
Rude and inconsiderate people.
What is your motto?
Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.

(Editor's Note: Nick McGee's opponent, Joe Brannigan, did not respond to my e-mails.)

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Tim Driscoll's Proust Questionnaire

Tim Driscoll is a Democrat seeking re-election to District #126 in the Maine House of Representatives. Click here to see if Driscoll will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A world without conflict, hunger, or illness.
What is your current state of mind?
Sane.
Which living person do you most admire?
Sr. Consuela White.
What is your greatest fear?
Being stung by a bee (I’m allergic).
What is your most marked characteristic?
To my family, friends and colleagues, my composure.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I’m vertically challenged.
Which living person do you most despise?
I dislike Dick Cheney.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Daily coffee at Dunkin' Donuts.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
A standing height greater than 5’6”.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Patience.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Those damn crow’s feet came out of nowhere!
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Gravity is taking over, everything is dropping.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Kindness.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Self-confidence.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Move forward.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
My Mother.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To sit down at a piano and just play.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife, of course.
When and where were you happiest?
Southwest Cork, Ireland in 2002.
Where would you like to live?
I’m very happy and content right here in Westbrook, Maine.
What is your most treasured possession?
Genealogical research of my family.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Homelessness.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My Wife. She will complete her Masters Degree in Nurse Anesthesia in November.
What do you most value in your friends?
The ability to confide in them.
What is it that you most dislike?
A sink full of dirty dishes.
What is your motto?
“Let’s move forward.”

(Editor's Note: Tim Driscoll's opponent, Kevin Crocker, did not respond to my e-mails.)

- John C.L. Morgan

Full Disclosure: My father has contributed to Tim Driscoll's campaigns in the past in the form of a $5 check to qualify to be a Clean Election candidate.

Election '08: Robert Morrill's Proust Questionnaire

Robert Morrill is a Republican seeking election to District #125 in the Maine House of Representatives. Click here to see if Morrill will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Relaxing with my wife Martha, while knowing all our children are happy and living their own lives as they choose.
What is your current state of mind?
Euphoric. We had our first grandchild, Hunter Ahlias, this past weekend.
Which living person do you most admire?
My wife Martha. She has been my rock for 38 years through tough times.
What is your greatest fear?
I do not have a greatest fear. We have wonderful family and friends. Whatever tomorrow brings, it is God’s plan.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Hiring someone to mow my lawn.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Lack of consideration of others and their opinions.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Strong willed.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
When I show a lack of consideration for others and their opinions.
Which living person do you most despise?
I do not despise or hate anyone. It is not Christian.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Altruism defined as devotion to the welfare of others. The majority of individuals are only concerned with their own well-being.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Nothing. I am quite comfortable in my own skin.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
More tolerance of others.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
The ability to show emotion without being embarrassed.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
The ability to love and nurture in tough times.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
"You do not understand."
Which talent would you most like to have?
Professional golfer.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife Martha and our collective family.
When and where were you happiest?
Last Friday night when our grandson Hunter Ahlias was born in our presence.
Where would you like to live?
Eventually in warmer climates. I still have much to do in Maine.
What is your most treasured possession?
Pictures of family, as many have passed.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Being emotionally lost and thinking like there is no way back.
What is your favorite occupation?
Being in a position as a team builder.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Superman, because in actual life he showed real courage.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My mother and father in-laws, Agnes and Girard Giguere.
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty and loyalty.
What is it that you most dislike?
When my friends are not honest and loyal.
What is your motto?
One of my favorites is “You either lead, follow, or get out of the way.”

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Ann Peoples's Proust Questionnaire

Ann Peoples is a Democrat seeking re-election to District #125 in the Maine House of Representatives.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I don't think "perfect" happiness is possible in a less-than-perfect world. Being useful, fulfilled and fortunate in your friends and family is pretty darn good however.
What is your current state of mind?
Hopeful.
Which living person do you most admire?
The person who gets up every morning and does what needs to be done with good humor and compassion and without complaint.
What is your greatest fear?
Helplessness.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Um, pedicures if you must know!
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Thoughtless cruelty.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Curiosity.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Impatience.
Which living person do you most despise?
The person who does something to you "for your own good."
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Patience (I think there's a pattern in here somewhere).
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
My very round face.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
At almost 62, that would have to be my age!
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Compassion.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Compassion.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
"Ya know?"
Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to put people at ease.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My husband.
When and where were you happiest?
I make it a practice to be happiest in the here and now because that's where I am.
Where would you like to live?
Right here.
What is your most treasured possession?
My family.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Loneliness.
What is your favorite occupation?
Learning about everything and anything.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Horatio Hornblower (no, really!)
Who are your heroes in real life?
The guys who run into burning buildings.
What do you most value in your friends?
Their ability to put up with me!
What is it that you most dislike?
Meanness.
What is your motto?
The Lord will provide, but if you want potatoes, pick up the hoe.

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Introducing Nick S. McGee, Maine Senate #9

Full Name
Nicholas S. McGee
Political Party
Republican
Birthdate
November 27, 1979
Hometown
Portland, Maine
Family
Wife, Vanessa
Daughter, Madison
Religion
Catholic
Current Occupation
Stay-at-home Dad/Part-time consultant
Education
BA, History and Political Science, Providence College
Professional Experience
Assistant to Town Planner and Mayoral aide, Lincoln, Rhode Island
Legal/arbitration at a non-profit
Office manager at a law firm
Political Experience
None
Military Experience
None
Association Membership(s)
Board Member, Northwood Condominium Association
Former Chairman, Portland Republican City Committee
Address
80 Northwood Drive
Website
www.mcgeeforme.com
Phone Number
797-3960

Click here to find out if Nick McGee will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

(Editor's Note: Nick McGee's opponent, Joe Brannigan, did not respond to my requests for biographical information.)

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Introducing Phil Bartlett, Maine Senate #6

Full Name
Philip L. Bartlett II
Political Party
Democratic
Birthdate
September 24, 1976
Hometown
Gorham, Maine
Family
Wife, Susan
Daughter, Abigail
Religion
United Church of Christ
Current Occupation
Attorney
Education
JD, Harvard Law School
BA, Economics & Political Science, Tufts University
Professional Experience
Attorney, Scaccia, Lenkowski, Aranson & Bartlett
Associate, Ropes & Gray LLP
Law Clerk for Chief Justice Leigh Saufley, Maine Supreme Judicial Court
Political Experience
State Senator, Maine Senate
Military Experience
None
Association Membership(s)
None
Address
141 South Street, Gorham
Website
www.philbartlett.com
Phone Number
839-7827

Click here to see if Phil Bartlett will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

- John C.L. Morgan

Election '08: Introducing Phil A. Csoros, Maine Senate #6

Full Name
Phil A. Csoros
Political Party
Republican
Date of Birth
July 6, 1966
Hometown
Lewiston, Maine
Family
Wife, Tammy
Children, Mark, Constance, Elaine, and James
Religion
South Portland Church of the Nazarene
Current Occupation
Pilot, American Airlines.
Education
M.B.A., Finance, Walden University
M.S., International Relations, Troy State University
B.S., Aircraft Engineering Technology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Professional Experience
AC-130 Gunship Pilot, U.S. Air Force
Political Experience
Town Councilor, Gorham, Maine
Military Experience
U.S. Air Force
Association Membership
Member, Gorham Economic Development Corporation
Coach, Gorham Recreation Department
Member, Children’s Council at the South Portland Church of the Nazarene.
Address
28 Black Brook Road, Gorham
Phone Number
415-9010

Click here to see if Phil Csoros will be on your ballot on Tuesday, November 4.

- John C.L. Morgan