Some Republicans and even some Democrats were ticked off last week by a cartoon on the state Democratic Party’s Web page that poked fun at Senate Minority Leader Paul Davis, R-Sangerville.

The “No, no, no” video cartoon criticized Davis for voting against bonds, the property tax relief bill, Dirigo Health and other initiatives. It showed an unflattering cartoon of Davis riding a rocking horse outside the State House, repeating “No, no, no,” and bobbing up and down inside a log cabin, again repeating “No, no, no.”

“No, no, no” is about the only thing that the cartoon Davis says, which, of course, was the Democrats’ point.

But within three days, the cartoon was yanked after Senate President Beth Edmonds, D-Freeport, and others criticized Democratic Party Chairman Pat Colwell for putting it on the site. “It’s not funny,” Edmonds said, noting it didn’t help the bipartisan spirit she’s trying to build.

Davis said he laughed when he first saw the video, but was also disappointed.

“This is Washingtonian, it’s not what we ought to have in Maine. What we need are clear exchanges of Maine ideas and respect for each other,” Davis said. Showing him on a rocking horse is not respectful, he said. “I’m a conservative, but I love Maine just as much as any liberal.”

He said Republicans will not react by making their own revenge cartoon. A retired state trooper, he said revenge never helps.

Yet there were some benefits from the “No, no, no” video and the media coverage it received, perhaps proving the theory that there’s no such thing as bad publicity.

A lot more people now know who Davis is. Davis said Friday he’s “astounded” by the number of calls and e-mails he’s received from people who criticized Colwell’s video and offered Davis their support. Several suggested Davis run for governor.

Some Democrats say they also benefited. It delivered its intended message, Colwell said. “Republicans can’t just offer no, no, no’ for an answer, but need to put some concrete proposals on the table,” he said. “There’s nothing funny about being an obstructionist and voting against what Maine people want, Dirigo health and jobs bonds.”

And the ad lured more people to the Democratic Web page (www.mainedems.org).

Will there be more cartoons?

Maybe, Colwell said. The party intends to keep its Web page fresh, offering things people want to look at. He hopes Republicans work with Democrats but if not, “We’re going to hold them accountable.”

Dog fetches pats at hearing

On Monday, Laura Moon got more attention than others at a crowded hearing on L.D. 429, a bill to require veterinarians to give pet owners information on the benefits and risks of pet vaccines.

That’s because Moon was holding Minnie, an older Jack Russell terrier. “She goes with me everywhere,” the owner cooed.

When it was Moon’s turn to testify, she held Minnie for a few minutes, then put her down as she spoke. Minnie trotted a few feet away, getting admiring looks and some patting from the strangers.

The terrier then returned to her owner.

Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee co-chairman Rep. John Piotti, D-Unity, said he’s never seen a dog in a hearing. A few years ago, a ferret appeared. “We deal with animal welfare issues,” he said.

Committee staff was surprised to see someone bring a dog. If permission had been asked ahead of time, the answer would have been “no dogs.”

But Minnie behaved well during the long hearing, as quiet as a mouse. She never barked or whined, didn’t jump on anyone and did not leave any “surprises.”

Good grade from the principal

As Auburn Police Department Lt. Jason Moen spoke in front of the Criminal Justice Committee last week, he saw a familiar face: committee member Rep. Richard Sykes, R-Harrison. Sykes, a former Lewiston High School principal, was Moen’s principal when Moen was a student at Lakes Region High School in Naples.

After Moen spoke, Sykes gave him a high grade for his presentation. “You seem like an individual who has an excellent high school education,” Sykes said, prompting laughter from some in the room.

– Bonnie Washuk is a Sun Journal State House reporter.