Once upon a time there was a saying, “”As Maine goes, so goes the nation.”” Well that hasn’t been true for some time and it certainly wasn’t true in the recent election of 2002. While the rest of the country went Republican, Maine went Democrat.

In Washington the Republicans hold the power in the House, Senate and presidency. What that will mean for the future remains to be seen. Here in our fair state, if the recounts hold, the Democrats have control of the House, Senate and governorship. What will this mean for Maine people?

Well, get ready to open your wallets! If past trends hold true, taxes will increase, government expenditures will increase, and the business climate will deteriorate.

Why will all this happen? It is payback time for the unions who helped elect these majorities.

In 1991, the Democrats raised $300 million in taxes to solve the budget crisis, and the government shutdown over workers comp produced no changes. Now there will be a concerted effort to weaken workers comp and that, coupled with efforts to eliminate other programs that benefit businesses, will help ensure that Maine’s economic recovery will be slow and painful.

But the Maine voters have spoken. “”What you sow you will reap.”” We can only hope that some Democrats will be responsible enough to do what is right for all the people of Maine and not for a few special interest groups.

I hope so.

Alvin L. Barth Jr., Bethel