AND ANOTHER THING …

Speaking at a cross-border energy conference this week in Saint John, New Brunswick, Gov. Angus King told his audience, “You would have to have your head examined” to build a nuclear power plant these days. We hope the governor simply was unaware that the electric utility in his host, and reputedly sane, province is rebuilding one now. The governor’s speech was not, however, a complete diplomatic debacle – at least he kept his controversial views regarding curling to himself.

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Speaking of bad timing. Your state has just been jolted by a completely unexpected revenue shortfall of $180 million that must be fixed. You know that tax increases in a state already among the most heavily taxed in the nation are political poison. You realize that cuts in spending are inevitable and are fully aware that the hunt is on for programs lawmakers and the public will deem unnecessary. You choose this very moment to announce a major initiative to protect snapping turtles. Good luck with that nuclear power plant, too, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

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Back in 1986, the Maine Legislature initiated a program to provide state funding for the construction of enclosures to prevent exposed road salt and sand piles from contaminating groundwater. Eighteen municipal and four state-owned piles were deemed immediate threats to nearby water wells and designated as the highest priority. Here’s the progress report 16 years later: 12 municipal high priorities remain uncovered; the state’s number has grown to five. The sands of time flow even faster with a little salt mixed in.

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Republicans hauled in $33 million at a dinner Tuesday night featuring President Bush, shattering the previous single-event fund-raising mark of $26.5 million set by Democrats at a barbecue in 2000 featuring President Clinton. Dems scolded the Republicans for using a photo of Bush on Air Force One on Sept. 11 as a party favor; Republicans countered with reminders of those sleepovers in the Lincoln Bedroom. The campaign finance reform law that takes effect next fall might end the money chase, but the relentless pursuit of the vulgar will go on.

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The first federally funded clinical trial of the effect of medical marijuana on HIV and AIDS patients is under way in California, but researchers are complaining that the pot supplied by the government is weak, often nothing more than stems and seeds. Officials at the National Institute on Drug Abuse say there’s nothing wrong with the Mississippi-grown marijuana and describe allegations that they are trying to undermine the research as a real bummer.