The Legislative Council had a request on its agenda Thursday “to light the dome red” in 2006.

No, it wasn’t a subliminal attempt to make Maine a “red” state instead of a “blue” state.

The American Heart Association of Maine wanted permission to light the dome red next year during February to call attention to the No. 1 killer in America: heart attacks and strokes.

But, the heart association got an OK for red light instead.

The council voted no, 6-0, on the grounds that the State House dome should represent the institution, not any causes.

Dennise Whitley of Norway, who advocates for the Heart Association in Maine, explained why the group made the request. She cited the national push to educate women about heart disease and strokes.

“We take care of our men very well when it comes to affairs of the heart. If they have chest pains, we rush them to the ER,” said Whitley. But research shows that women don’t give that same attention to themselves and tend to ignore their symptoms. “Women actually die more frequently from heart attacks then men,” she said.

As part of that awareness campaign, Feb. 4 has become “wear red” day, with many women wearing that color and sporting red dress pins. State house domes in several states have been temporary lighted red this February, as has Niagara Falls, she said.

She knows how to turn Maine’s dome red, and said it would be easier than changing bulbs. Just place red film over the spotlights, and keep that film secure with duct tape. It would cost $60, Whitley estimates, “which we’ll pay.”

After she was told no, Whitley didn’t see red, but she was disappointed. She said she’ll go back to the council and try again this session, “because heart attacks and strokes are the No. 1 killer, and because this would be a significant educational opportunity.”

She hopes she’ll get a different outcome when all 10 members of the executive council are present.

Meanwhile, husbands, pay more attention to your wives, to make sure they’re alert to heart-attack warning signs. Come on. Nag. It’s easy.

No priorities yet for Andy delegation

In January, the Androscoggin delegation elected Rep. Sonya Sampson, D-Auburn, and Rep. Robert Berube, R-Lisbon, to lead the group. The members agreed to work together to create a stronger voice for Androscoggin County, and to begin that process by deciding which issues to tackle.

But so far, the delegation does not have any priorities, Sampson said, explaining that members have not given her feedback.

“I think I’m the only one who did,” Berube agreed Friday.

The group is meeting with the Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce on March 11. Berube hoped that meeting will help jell the delegation’s priorities.

75 years young

On Wednesday, as the Appropriations Committee was hearing requests for bonds and more bonds, Senate Chairwoman Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, asked for people’s indulgence while she made an announcement.

Today is Sen. Lillian O’Brien’s birthday, she said.

Wait a minute, O’Brien said, “I’m not a senator.” She’s a representative.

Right, Rotundo said. “Well today, you’re an honorary senator.”

O’Brien was given a standing ovation for her 75th birthday, was serenaded with a few lines of “Happy Birthday to You,” and became a tad embarrassed.

“What a great choir,” Rotundo said. “Happy birthday, Lil.”

Quote of the week: “Senator, don’t roll your eyes at me.”

Rep. David Trahan scolding Oxford County Sen. Bruce Bryant. Trahan was giving his critique about the committee process on Sunday hunting, and apparently had tried the committee co-chairman’s patience.

Bonnie Washuk is a State House reporter for the Sun Journal.