AUGUSTA (AP) – Issues of teenage drinking versus convenience for tourists were raised in debate Wednesday before the House voted to allow more agency liquor stores in Maine towns and cities with populations of up to 20,000 people.

The bill, which passed by a 79-61 vote, would raise the limit in those communities to four agency stores instead of three, the current ceiling.

The bill’s supporters see it as an added convenience for tourists, especially in towns where summer populations swell considerably. Rep. George Bishop, R-Boothbay, said the bill would give towns like his an option to add an agency store within walking distance for many visitors.

House kills raising governor’s pay

AUGUSTA (AP) – By a decisive vote Wednesday, the Maine House declared that this is not the time to consider raising the governor’s pay.

The proposal never had much of a chance. Gov. John Baldacci, who could not even benefit from it, vowed to veto the measure if it got to his desk.

The bill sought to more than double the governor’s annual salary – Maine’s chief executive now has one of the nation’s lowest – to $150,000. The proposal went down by a 123-17 vote.

The House also shot down an alternative proposal calling for the state Compensation Commission to consider the governor’s pay as it reviews the pay of other top state officials.

Opponents dismissed that as a backdoor attempt to raise legislators’ pay. The measure now goes to the Senate.