Forget debates, attack ads, 527s: The fate of the presidency may very well be settled Sunday afternoon on the gridiron.

A rumor currently making the rounds on the Internet holds that the Washington Redskins have determined – or at least signaled – the result of every presidential election since 1936.

And according to the Internet myth-buster, Snopes.com, the rumor is true. When the Redskins have won their last home game before each presidential election, the incumbent party has always held on to the White House. Conversely, when the Redskins have lost, the party challenging the incumbent has won.

The pattern holds true back for 17 presidential elections dating back to 1936, before the Redskins were even in the nation’s capital. That year, the Boston Redskins defeated the Chicago Cardinals 13-10, two days before Franklin Delano Roosevelt defeated Alf Landon to win re-election.

That puts the future of the republic squarely on the padded shoulders of the Redskins and their Sunday opponents, the Green Bay Packers. Should Green Bay pull out a win, John Kerry is a shoo-in for the White House. If the Redskins win, George W. Bush will reclaim the job.

Which team is favored to win Sunday’s game? Both teams have posted miserable records so far this season, with four losses each. The Packers are coming off a solid win Sunday, however, and the Redskins should be all rested up after a week off.

Las Vegas oddsmakers say the game should go down to the wire, as well. They favor Green Bay by a point-and-a-half.

– Scott Taylor
Truly champs

The Curse of the Bambino may be over, but the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry continues, even in Iraq.

When Sgt. Robert Smith of Mechanic Falls returns to Iraq after a two-week leave, he plans to take with him a championship pennant, just to annoy the New Yorkers.

The Yankees fans are members of the New York-based 204th Engineer Battalion. Smith’s group of Mainers – the 133rd Engineer Battalion – have had a good-natured feud with the Steinbrenner legion. They each raise team banners and flags.

When Smith left Iraq, the Sox had lost their third straight playoff game to the Yanks.

“They were trash-talking all of us,” Smith said.

Of course, the Sox won the next four, defeating the Yankees in the greatest comeback in baseball history. Then, they swept the Cardinals in the fall classic.

“I can’t wait to see those guys again,” Smith said.

– Dan Hartill
Checking out

Ouellette’s Market, a staple along Minot Avenue for more than 50 years, is closing Saturday. The landmark store was marking down its stock at week’s end in anticipation of closing, but owners were mum about future plans for the 845 Minot Ave. location.

“I’m riding off into the sunset and I don’t have anything to say,” said owner Maurice Ouellette, who declined a request for an interview. He is the third generation of the Ouellette family to run a local market.

For many locals, Ouellette’s was famous for its Saturday night baked beans and a penny candy counter that attracted generations of area kids. The store carried a full line of groceries at prices that were in the ballpark of supermarket chains.

Located at the corner of Minot Avenue and Hotel Road, the store had been up for sale for more than a year. No information about what might be planned for the location was available Friday afternoon from Auburn’s planning department.

– Carol Coultas
Mills surprise

It is courageous to take up the sword against a self-proclaimed pirate, but arguing law with Rep. Janet Mills is quite another story.

When Lisa Haines agreed to face legislative candidate and Master Maine Guide Roger Lambert, who wears a darkened lens over one eye, in a bear-baiting debate, she came to Farmington prepared with statistics and heart-wrenching stories about the inhumanity of the hunt. Haines, representing Maine Citizens for Fair Bear Hunting, certainly expected to be put on the spot.

What she wasn’t prepared to do last week was go head to head with Rep. Janet Mills.

In fact, Haines later admitted, she didn’t know that the blonde woman she debated in front of a crowd of more than 60 was not only a state representative but a former Franklin County District Attorney and current defense attorney.

Mills, armed with a copy of the proposed law, disputed Haines’ interpretation of penalties, should it pass. Haines said breaking the law would be punishable as a misdemeanor. Mills refuted the claim, saying it could be punishable up to a Class C felony.

Neither, in fact, was wrong. First offense, misdemeanor; second offense could be charged as a felony.

– Jodi Hausen