A group of vets opposing President Bush’s escalation of troops in Iraq is airing a Super Bowl ad targeting U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican.

The ad points out that two-thirds of Americans oppose more troops in Iraq, as does a majority in Congress, the Iraq Study Group “and veterans like us.”

Those who support escalation don’t support the troops, the ad says, urging Mainers to call Collins asking her to help stop the surge.

But, Collins is doing that.

The VoteVets.org ad is “misleading,” Collins’ spokesman Kevin Kelley said Friday. Like U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, also a Maine Republican, Collins is opposed to Bush’s plan for more troops in Iraq and has authored an anti-surge resolution.

Last week Collins negotiated with other senators on another no-more-troops-in-Iraq resolution.

Stay tuned. That resolution is scheduled for floor debate next week.

– Bonnie Washuk
Simply divine

They’ve appeared on the “Today” show. They’ve shown up in Academy Awards celebrity gift bags. They’ve sold through L.L. Bean, Hancock Gourmet Lobster and the Home Shopping Network.

And now, Simply Divine Brownies have popped up on the Rachel Ray Show.

The Brunswick-based gourmet brownies were Ray’s selection for “Snack of the Day,” a treat she hands out to her talk-show audience. Each person got a four-pack with peppermint, chocolate-peanut butter, chocolate frosted and coconut-filled brownies.

– Lindsay Tice
‘I’m the Richard’

On Monday Maine Catholic Bishop Richard Malone came to Lewiston to celebrate Mass and visit Catholic school students.

He encouraged youngsters to remind their moms and dads to take them to church every Saturday or Sunday. It’s how they can show their love for God.

During the service there’s always a prayer that names the pope and bishop. The Eucharistic Prayer asks God’s blessing “for our Pope Benedict, and our Bishop Richard.”

With a grin, Malone reminded students that when they say that prayer, “I’m the Richard.”

– Bonnie Washuk