AUGUSTA – With thousands of Maine jobs threatened, Friday was indeed Friday the 13th at the State House. The Pentagon’s announcement – that Portsmouth Naval Shipyard should be closed and Brunswick Naval Air Base gutted – hit like a punch in the stomach.

Politicians tried to keep their chins up and encouraged others to do the same, even though experts warn that changing the Pentagon’s recommendations will be an uphill battle.

With a determined look on his face, Gov. John Baldacci said Maine will wage a fight like never before to save the 4,500 jobs at the Kittery shipyard, 2,400 jobs in Brunswick, and 362 jobs at the Defense and Finance Accounting Center in Limestone.

Friday’s announcement “is not good news, but it’s not the end,” Baldacci said. Maine “will reverse this decision based on the facts, based on the merits.” Overturning the recommendation is his highest priority, he said.

The shipyard and base are too important, not just for Maine but for the nation’s defense. “It’s not like you’ve got something that doesn’t work and isn’t helping our country. Just the opposite is true,” Baldacci said.

Democrats agreed, and so did Republicans.

Senate Minority Leader Paul Davis, R-Sangerville, said he was stunned by the news. He called it devastating for Maine, “and just as severe for our national security. The Kittery shipyard is one of the best in the world at what it does. How many yards can refit and refuel nuclear submarines? We’re talking about extremely sophisticated technical expertise.”

Mainers will roll up their sleeves, Davis said Friday. “The fight to keep the shipyard starts today.”

House Speaker John Richardson, D-Brunswick, agreed that the decision doesn’t make sense. The Brunswick Naval Air Station “has been judged by many to be vital in our nation’s efforts against the war on terror.” Richardson questioned the wisdom of downsizing Brunswick. Like other leaders, he pledged to fight.

While Maine’s leaders meet with top officials, Baldacci said workers worried about their jobs “need to keep doing what they’re doing and how they’re doing it” at the base and the yard. “That’s the best advertisement.”

Plugging Maine’s work

Earlier in the week, Rep. Nancy Smith, D-Monmouth, announced that “May is Working Month” honoring successful entrepreneurs.

With all the bad news out there: International Paper laying off workers, Bath Iron Works at risk, worries at the naval base and shipyard, “good news is happening, too,” she said on Tuesday, three days before Maine learned about the base-closure list.

Smith plugged two successful, growing businesses in her town, “Jack’s Traps,” which she said “makes some of the best ice fishing traps around” thanks to innovative Tim Jackson of Monmouth. And the Kelly Farm and Greenhouse is adding another greenhouse and expanding its three-season store, which sells fresh produce, eggs and baked goods, plus meats soon, that it buys from area farms.

As part of “Maine is Working Month,” a group of legislators is visiting businesses between May 9 and 25. At 2:30 p.m. Friday, legislators will tour the Kelly Farm.

Republican pigeons?

On Monday, there were a couple of feathered guests in the House, pigeons. House Speaker John Richardson made light of the situation, noting that the birds were Republican since they were perched on the left side of the chamber, the GOP side.

Apparently the birds flew in through an open window, and eventually found their way out.

Quote of the week: “I’m not letting this thing go.”

Gov. John Baldacci pledging to use every resource to keep the Brunswick base and Kittery yard open.

Bonnie Washuk is the Sun Journal State House reporter.