If Donald Trump was hoping that, if he failed to show, his opponents would tear at each other in pursuit of marginal advantage in the race for second, third or fourth place, it hardly could have gone better.
Alex Lear
Staff Writer
Alex Lear is a lifelong Mainer who has spent 25 years in journalism -- the first 20 as a reporter for newspapers in Damariscotta and Falmouth, then as Opinions section editor for the Sun Journal and now a digital producer with the Maine Trust for Local News. His long-running “Learics” column won first place in the Maine Press Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest. He and his wife Lauren are kept young by their 9-year-old daughter Alaina. Send feedback and suggestions to Alex.
Cal Thomas: The second longest ‘play’
If a government shutdown occurs on Oct. 1, both parties will share the blame this time. Democrats usually force the issue, but now a few House Republicans are refusing (so far) to agree to appropriations bills unless they get their way on spending cuts.
Clarence Page: Are tables turning on the abortion issue since Dobbs? Be careful what you ask for
I’m sure I wasn’t the only TV viewer who stuck a finger in my ear and jiggled it after I heard former President Donald Trump criticize the six-week abortion ban brought about by his Republican opponent Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Froma Harrop: Romney’s third-party idea could boomerang
A designated centrist would drain votes from Democrats as well as Republicans — and in the very swing districts that Democrats need to win if our politics are to return to normal. The far more effective strategy is to simply support Democrats running against the crazies.
Rich Lowry: Joe Biden made the worst vice-presidential pick of the last 50 years
As Democrats begin to realize Biden’s political weakness, with Donald Trump barreling down the pike, Harris is one of the factors — although not the main one — keeping them from doing anything about it.
Bob Neal: The Countryman: This policy shouldn’t have been a surprise
Why on earth are students permitted to have cellphones in class? Yet … only 76% of schools in the United States forbid students to take cellphones to class. It should be 100%, and it should have happened long ago.
Maine CareerCenters offer October hiring events, services
The Maine Department of Labor’s CareerCenters are offering a variety of workshops and hiring events this month. The first of three virtual workshops, Navigating Hiring Process for Individuals with a Criminal History, is scheduled for 1-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. To register, visit shorturl.at/jRSU4. The second workshop, Searching for Work: Age 55+ With or Without […]
Renee Cote: Auburn mayor’s skill set seemingly lacks logic
Recently the Bangor Daily News ran an article on the mayoral race in Auburn, describing Jason Levesque’s “hard-charging, pro-development” agenda and his belief that his “skill set” is better suited for the Blaine House. Logic doesn’t appear to be part of that skill set. “The more people you have, the more problems you can fix,” […]