This is great news. This is the kind of development I wish I could read more about it California. The Maine Republican Party is fighting hard for their Congressman Bruce Poliquin.
He was elected in a political upset in 2014, the first Republican Congressman out of the Pine Street in nearly 20 years! The momentum initiated by Governor Paul LePage is working its way throughout the state, turning cities, county boards, and even the state legislature from blue to purple.
And now to red.
Poliquin was a #1 target in 2016, but his district stayed red, and even Trump won an electoral vote, the first time in the state's history in which the electoral college tally was split: three votes for Hillary Clinton, one vote for Donald Trump!
President Trump and Bruce Poliquin's attention to working-class, rural voters has worked for the Republican Party all across the country. Attention to the needs of Middle America is exactly what Republicans of all backgrounds need to focus on. The Democratic Party kicked their working and middle-income voter base in teeth and capitulated to identity politics and academic progressivism.
How has that worked out for them?
Anyway, this eblast/press release from the Maine GOP is welcome news indeed!
REPUBLICANS CLOSE VOTER REGISTRATION GAP IN MAINE'S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Today, the Maine Republican Party is announcing that, over the past six years, it has closed its voter registration deficit with Democrats in Maine's Second Congressional District to nearly nothing.
According to the Maine Secretary of State website, in 2012 there were 6,680 fewer registered Republicans than Democrats in Maine's Second Congressional District. Since then, Maine Republicans have reduced the Democratic advantage by 6,400 registered voters in Maine's northern Congressional District, bringing it just about to even balance. The Democrat voter registration advantage has shrunk to just 239 people.
The only Congressional Republican in New England, Bruce Poliquin, hails from this district, which has also voted for President Donald Trump, Governor Paul LePage, and Senator Susan Collins in recent elections.
Following this revelation, Maine Republican Party Chair Dr. Demi Kouzounas made the following statement:
"This is further evidence voters in Maine are moving toward Republicans. To go from a massive voter registration deficit to basically even with Democrats in just six years would seem mind-blowing except for the fact we had faith that what we've been working on is right, and now we are seeing Maine people agree.
This is what happens when urban liberal elites hijack the Democrat Party and leave Maine people behind. Maine Democrat politicians are out of touch with most Maine voters.
Our top priority in the MaineGOP is being in touch with Maine people--we are Mainers even before we are Republicans, after all. We care about reversing rising taxes, healthcare costs, electricity costs, education costs, and the costs of not promoting work--real life matters that can make it easier to get by here in the land we love.
This again reveals that our message is resonating; we care about Maine and the people who live and stay in our great state, and we care about their success. We will continue to prove that outside elitists will not dictate who we are."
A terrible train crash occurred in Virginia. The car was filled with House Reps and US Senators who were withdrawing for a retreat in West Virginia.
The train crashed into a dump truck on the tracks, and despite the shameful chorus of praise from evil liberal opponents, all the House Reps and US Senators are safe.
There has been one fatality, sadly. More news will be forthcoming from the public soon.
Here is a statement from the Maine Republican Party regarding the safety of Rep. Bruce Poliquin:
Friends,
I know there is concern about how Bruce is doing after the train he was on this morning crashed. Here is what he told me about it himself:
"My heart aches for the families of the truck driver who perished and for the man now struggling for his life. We who were on the train are shaken, but we will be fine.
Life is precious and fragile. Every day is a blessing. Please hug your kids and loved ones every chance you get."
Congressman Bruce Poliquin (R-Maine), is currently the only Republican in the New England House Delegation.
Those numbers can change for the better, but even in New England, Republicans need to govern in line with the principles of American sovereignty.
He issued a number of statements about enforcing our nation's immigration laws, and he is strongly in favor of many of the President's chief immmigration concerns, including the wall along the southern border.
There is one concern, and that is in regards to DACA. He needs to be educated about how serious this issue has become, and that illegal means illegal.
Check out the latest press release issued by the Maine Republican Party on behalf of Congressman Bruce Poliquin:
Friends,
We wanted to share this interview Congressman Bruce Poliquin had this morning with Ray Richardson on a range of issues.
On Senate Democrats' government shutdown to give amnesty to illegal immigrants:
"[Schumer and Senate Democrats] didn't get anything. It was the silliest thing I've ever seen...absolutely crazy. What [Schumer] tried to do is throw in immigration stuff and give amnesty to a bunch of people that are here illegally and we just absolutely stuck to our guns, did not bene one inch, and in the end he caved."
On border security, immigration and DACA:
“I've said this publicly a number of times Ray, and I will tell you, the Republicans in the House where I sit, I'm not in the Senate, I'm in the House of Representatives as you know, are very clear. Number one, we must have border security. There is absolutely no path going forward for a deal unless we secure our border. Now, I'm dead serious about this.”
“There is plenty of opportunity to have a very substantial wall, which I support.”
“Second of all, we've got to end this crazy random visa lottery.”
Talking about random immigration visa lottery, “You pick their name out of a hat, and regardless of their merit they can come to America. And then what happens is the chain migration they can pull in dozens and dozens of very distant relatives, and we've got a real problem. You remember back this past fall folks where this terrorist rented a truck in New Jersey, drove it to New York City, to Manhattan, and I think it was on a Sunday morning or afternoon, mowed down, you know, folks who were jogging and riding bikes, well, his relative got into the country, if I'm not mistaken, through the lottery, and he was pulled in through chain migration. (unintelligible cross-talk). We've got to stop this. It's got to be part of any deal, then we deal with the kids.”
Bruce Poliquin
“Well it also would be fair to American workers Ray because we don't want American jobs going to folks that are non-citizens.”
To read more about Congressman Poliquin's opposition to amnesty, support for securing our borders, and strengthening immigration enforcement, click here.
On the FISA Memo topic, should it be released?
“Absolutely. And I've come out publicly four or five times on talk radio and what have you... I believe the American people should read this. Serious stuff.”
“Absolutely should be released.” Bruce goes on to describe the release process. “Every American should read this.”
Best regards,
Garrett Murch
Communications & Political Director,
Maine Republican Party
Please contact Congressman Poliquin's office, and affirm the committment to securing our borders and safeguarding our nation's sovereignty (No DACA, No Amnesty):
At the Maine GOP we plan on providing you with a periodic update of key articles and opinions from around the state on topics that matter to you.
If you are aware of a news article or event that should be included here, please email garrettmurch@mainegop.com with the link and information.
News You Can Trust Video Edition
Top Maine and National News
Senator Collins and Congressman Poliquin lead on providing tax relief for working families
This week, Congress passed historic tax relief legislation to give working families bigger paychecks. With key provisions added by Senator Susan Collins and Congressman Bruce Poliquin, the final bill is a winner for the middle class.
This tax relief will go into effect very soon, and when it does, working Mainers will see the difference in their paychecks.
Starting this winter, there will be no tax on the first $24,000 a married couple earns. Parents with two children will get $4,000 a year for their child tax credits, instead of $2,000. Tax rates are cut for ALL tax brackets. Tax deductions for state and local property taxes are preserved for the VAST majority of Mainers.
And in a critical win by Senator Collins that Congressman Poliquin also fought for in the House, the tax deduction for medical expenses was not only saved, but made even bigger.
Maine's Republicans in Congress played a HUGE role in making this tax relief good for workers. They were national leaders and reminded us why the Maine people elected them.
We at the Maine GOP want to offer Senator Collins and Congressman Poliquin a BIG THANK YOU.
Senator Collins statement on passing tax reform for Maine working families
In advance of voting, Senator Collins explained the benefits of the tax relief bill she supports.
Senator Collins stated:
This bill puts money back in the pockets of the American public with tax cuts beginning January 1st. As soon as the IRS updates withholding tables this winter, taxpayers will see the benefit of this bill in higher take-home-pay. Over time, Americans will continue to benefit from this legislation in the form of higher wages. Businesses, small and large, will make the investments that create more jobs...
While this legislation is by no means perfect, on balance, it will provide much-needed tax relief. It will benefit lower- and middle-income families, while spurring the creation of good jobs and greater economic growth for our nation.
Congressman Poliquin statement on passing tax reform for Maine working families
Following House passage of tax relief for working Maine families and small businesses, Congressman Bruce Poliquin stated:
I agree with my colleague Senator Collins that this new law will drastically simplify our tax code for the vast majority of Mainers and save more money for more of our hardworking families...
“Under this simpler tax code, we are doubling the standard deduction, meaning the average married couple in Maine will not pay any federal income tax for the first $24,000 they earn, a huge boost for our families. In addition, this increases the child tax credit to $2,000, meaning the average Maine family will save an additional $2,000 on their taxes per child in their family. This makes it easier for ordinary Maine families to benefit from the tax code...
This improved tax code will also greatly benefit the more than 140,000 small businesses and job creators throughout Maine and their 275,000 employees by lowering the effective rate for pass-throughs, of which almost all small businesses are organized. It will allow small businesses in all industries to benefit from it. We are giving our small businesses—the backbone of Maine’s economy—relief so they can grow and create more jobs for our fellow Mainers.
Maine Examiner: Sen. Justin Chenette Used Tax Dollars To Buy Campaign Ads From Himself
This week, Maine Examiner reported:
...documents reviewed by Maine Examiner show that in the 2016 campaign cycle, Chenette used taxpayer funds to purchase advertising from his private sector employer, the Journal Tribune, to support his own candidacy for Maine Senate...
The transactions, discovered in filings with the Maine Ethics Commission, show Chenette purchasing nearly $4,500 in advertising from the Journal Tribune, which bills itself as York County’s only daily newspaper. Chenette is the sole Digital Advertising Executive for the paper and has promoted himself as being available to sell customers print, digital and other services at the paper on his personal Facebook page...
Recent online job postings indicate that advertising jobs such as Chenette’s at the Journal Tribune are paid a commission on sales...
I have learned so much from other state Republican Parties.
Republicans in Maine have so much to be thankful for. For the first time in nearly two decades, they have a Republican Congressman representing Maine. They have an incredible governor named Paul LePage, who has helped make the bluish-purple state of Maine a more red state. After nearly thirty years of going blue, the Republican Presidential candidate gained one electoral vote, since Maine is one of two states which awards electoral votes based on proportional representation. Governor Paul LePage has been more than a godsend for the Pine Tree State. For him alone, the Maine GOP--and the entire state of Maine--should be grateful! Happy Thanksgiving!
Dear Friends,
We want to take a moment here and thank you for all your efforts to keep Maine and America great. The value of your dedication cannot be calculated in dollars or expressed in words. Without you, we would be in a heap of trouble. But with you, we have every reason to expect a sunny future.
As we spend today with the people most important to us - our families and our friends - it is worth remembering that what we are grateful for is also what we fight for... That is our beautiful state which produces some of the finest children, parents, and grandparents on earth, and the opportunity for them to enjoy our rocky coasts, our plentiful and beautiful lakes, breathtaking sunrises over our mountains, and on occasion some Maine lobster and clams!
We as Republicans know there is a real risk these wonderful experiences Maine offers are not guaranteed for future generations if we do not ensure vibrant economic opportunity here in our home. A lack of economic opportunity separates families, but we maintain hope for our future because of tremendous people like you.
There is plenty of work for us all in the days ahead, but today please let us just thank you for all that you do, and may we all be thankful for the amazing state and country God has given us.
This morning Congressman Bruce Poliquin spoke about why he supports the middle class and small business tax relief bill that is expected to be voted on today.
Below, please find excerpts, followed by a link to the entire tax reform segment.
Rep Poliquin:
The first $24,000 for those who haven't had a pay increase in ten years, the first $24,000 for a mom and dad, will be tax free...
If you have a child, we're increasing the child tax credit from $1,000 to $1,600... if you have a second child, it's another $1,600...
We have closed dozens and dozens of loopholes that only the wealthy and special interests can take advantage of because of their attorneys and accountants...
We've tried to drive down small business tax rates as must as we can, so the first $75,000 of a small business will be taxed at 9 percent, the lowest rate since the second world war.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) released the following
statement on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:
“Congress has waited far too long to act on serious border security and
to implement an effective system to control who enters our county. It’s the
federal government’s responsibility to establish immigration laws that work for
current American families while welcoming those wanting to become law-abiding
citizens of the United States.
How about that? It's not the fault of the American People if our border is not secured. We have elected officials time and again to ensure that our borders are protected and keep illegal aliens out of the country. I had confronted a local Republican official who had shamed me about illegal immigration.
“America is a country of
immigrants, like my own family. However, no President can simply side-step
Congress and create immigration laws on his or her own. The Constitution is
clear that the Legislative branch is responsible for passing laws to be
presented to the President for signature. The Obama Administration acted
illegally in creating the DACA program in 2012. I strongly opposed this action—joining
a resolution condemning it—because it was unconstitutional and a violation of
executive power. Now, the current Administration is facing legal challenges
from several states if the DACA policy continues.
Thank God that at least Poliquin understand the need to stop this lawlessness
“As someone who raised my son
mostly as a single dad, I am particularly sensitive to the fact that a young
child has little or no control over the movements of his or her family. A child
should not be held responsible for the actions of parents who chose to break
our immigration laws.
True, but neither should we. This misplaced compassion must be checked. The fault lies with the parents, not with the country into which the parents entered and violated the sovereignty.
“There are nearly 800,000 people
in the current DACA program, including 35,000 in New England. Some of these individuals grew up believing
they were Americans with no knowledge of their parents’ actions. I believe if
these people have been fully law-abiding members of our society, they should be
protected from deportation through legislative action by Congress. At the same
time, we need to continue to secure and control our borders. We need to
continue our work to end illegal immigration.
Hey Bruce! No AMNESTY!
Hmm.
Nope. The fact is that these illegals are still in the country without authorization. I do not accept the argument that these young illegals--who are now adults--have any right to live in the United States.
Their parents need to take them back to their home countries and enter legally. Many families have already done that.
Build the Wall!
“Congress must act to improve
our border security; to find a solution to address those well-meaning
individuals now caught in DACA status; and to update our immigration policies
which reduce incentives to break the law. America can continue to be a nation
of laws, border security, and controlled immigration.”
The idea that they are not criminals or have not broken our immigration laws is just total nonsense. I am going to give Rep. Poliquin the benefit of the doubt on this one, since he doesn't know the destructive effects of illegal immigration on our country and our culture.
I shared the following video with Poliquin's staffers.
