Reacting to news that more than 100 home parties to support George W. Bush’s re-election were held in Maine Thursday, a Democratic group came out with a list of songs that Bush supporters could play at their next round of parties.

The songs – and the reasons why they made the list – were released by Rich Pelletier, director of the Maine chapter of America Coming Together. Songs on the list included:

• “Vacation” by the Go-Gos. “George W. Bush has spent 40 percent of his presidency at one of his three retreats: 233 days at his Texas ranch, 78 days at Camp David and 5 visits to the family home in Kennebunkport,” Pelletier said in a press release.

• “Taking Care of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive. Bush’s focus is on corporate interests, not America’s interests, according to ACT.

• “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin. While jobs continue to go overseas, Bush insists that the economy is in good shape, Pelletier said.

• “1999” by Prince, and “I Ran” by Flock of Seagulls. Bush wishes he could party like it was 1999 because, in that year, 34,400 jobs were created in Maine, Pelletier said. With 5,100 jobs lost in Maine under his watch, Bush has a record to run away from, he said.

The Maine chapter of America Coming Together opened last week. It’s mission is to register, educate and mobilize voters to elect Democrats in November, Pelletier said. The Web site: http://maine.act4victory.org.

On the Web

On Thursday, a group supporting passage of the November referendum to cap property taxes launched its Web site: www.taxcapyes.org.

At the site is information on Carol Palesky’s 1 percent property tax cap referendum, press releases and other information by the “Yes” campaign. The two leaders behind Tax Cap Yes! are Portland businessmen Eric Cianchette and Phil Harriman. Harriman is a former Republican state senator, and Cianchette is a cousin of former Republican gubernatorial candidate Peter Cianchette.

Back to school

Second Congressional District candidate Brian Hamel returned recently from a trip to Washington, D.C., where he spent two days in “intense” briefings. He was among 45 candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives attending Candidate School hosted by the Republican National Congressional Committee.

“This was a tremendous opportunity to build on the already effective relationship with the RNCC and to meet current members of Congress,” he said in a written statement. “It provided each of us with invaluable insight into a successful campaign and the important role that Congress plays in shaping policy that allows our nation to continue to be a world leader.”

Hamel said he expects the RNCC’s support “will be an important component” of his campaign.

– By Staff Writers Bonnie Washuk and Christopher Williams

Copy the Story Link