The Bangor Daily News urges Maine’s senators to hold on to health care reform and examines the Canadian economy.

BDN contributor Dud Hendrick brings meaning to Deer Island’s message to Rep. Mike Michaud.

BDN contributor Glenn Adams supports wind power efforts in Maine.

Kennebec Journal/Maine Sentinel columnist Gordon L. Weil believes the energy corridor plan is not all it’s cracked up to be.

The Portland Press Herald examines changes in the Cumberland County charter and the coming of spring.

PPH contributor Olof Anderson argues history is against elitists.

The Sun Journal chides Obama for attacking health insurers.

Peter Mills met the qualifications to receive clean election funding today.  Mills campaign is the first to do so under the new tougher Clean Election Fund rules, requiring 3,250 $5 donations and $40,000 in $100 or less.  Mills said, “I’ve gone door-to-door talking with voters about schools, health care, and job growth. A primary purpose of the Clean Elections system is to force candidates to demonstrate grassroots support. What it really does is to get candidates inside people’s kitchens and living rooms to hear what Maine citizens have to say.”  Mills submitted his ballot signatures Friday, March 5th.  The Secretary of State verified the signatures the following Monday.

Paul LePage became the first candidate to qualify for the ballot on February 26th.  LePage has also been performing well at GOP straw polls, winning the Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Washington County caucuses.  Qualifying for the ballot does not necessarily show support for a candidate in the primary.  Typically, party members will sign petitions for all candidates, regardless of whether they will actually vote for them in the primary or not.  Winning straw polls does not translate to a primary win either.  Those voting in the straw polls are generally people passionate about their party.  This is not an accurate slice of the average voter.  A more moderate electorate may not show up at the polls for LePage.  Another possibility is that hardcore LePage supporters will tout his merits to their family, friends, and co-workers.  LePage could build significant grassroots support in this manner.  A growth in visible support for LePage, or Bill Beardsley, could cause other GOP candidates to shift right in order to grab those two candidates supporters.

Earlier this week Rosa Scarcelli became the first Democrat to qualify for the primary ballot.  “I’m very proud of the work by our team and volunteers who spent countless hours in all kinds of weather gathering these signatures from all across the state,” Scarcelli said.  Again, this is not indicative of any lead in the primary race.  Getting your signatures in first could simply point to a hard working ground team, which certainly could translate to votes.  It does not equal votes.  There have been rumblings that at least two Democratic candidates may not qualify for either the ballot of clean election funding.  It is difficult to discern how much Scarcelli would benefit from Dems leaving the race.  All of her competition are more traditional candidates, tapped into Augusta in one way or another.  Supporters of John Richardson, for example, may be more likely to support another insider candidate.  Polls in the coming months may give clues as to where support goes after candidates bow out of the race.

In less than a week we’ll know who’s in for the long haul and who’s packing their bags.  With the race finally set, campaigns will be in high gear.  Analysis of campaign strategy for the big push will be more clear.  The broader spectrum of primary voters will be listening and watching the remaining candidates.  Stars will rise and fall.  Now the fun really begins.

UPDATE:  Make that four candidates.  We’ve received an email from Steve Abbott’s campaign.  Abbott’s signatures were verified this afternoon, making him the fourth candidate and third Republican to qualify for the ballot.    “I’m pleased to have met this first goal of the campaign and to have done it with widespread support and the help of so many people,” Abbott said.  “So many volunteers helped with this effort and I want to thank them for all the hard work.  They fanned out across the state to circulate petitions and gather signatures. It’s just a great show of support.”

More cartoons by Rob Tornoe

The Bangor Daily News looks at lobsters ’round the world and cleaning up after dogs.

BDN contributor Gordon Donaldson argues there is no justification for school consolidation penalties.

BDN columnist Pat LaMarche discusses the tragedy of cervical cancer.

The Portland Press Herald examines Portland’s waterfront and the cost of law enforcement.

PPH columnist Greg Kesich brings the transgender bathroom debate back to the students.

PPH contributor Andy Ford sees no problem in quieting motorcycles.

PPH contributor Matt Jacobson wants to see real savings from health care reform.

The Sun Journal has a few issues with open carry policies.

Bill Clinton’s endorsement is a big bright feather in Mitchell’s cap.  Clinton is easily the most recognizable person on the national scene to come out in support of any candidate so far.  The Mitchell camp is pleased by this news.  In an email statement, Sen. Michell said she was,”thrilled and honored to receive President Clinton’s endorsement in this race for Governor. He shares my optimism about the future of Maine and the country at-large. He understands that with tough, bold leadership, we will move forward to a more prosperous future. President Clinton speaks eloquently about how we as citizens are connected to one another.”

If Mitchell was in danger of not qualifying for Clean Elections funding, which her campaign manger says were false rumors, this endorsement will certainly put Mitchell over the top.  According to Dirigo Blue, who first ran the story, this endorsement from Clinton comes from a long standing relationship with the former President and from Mitchell’s support of Hillary Clinton for President.  Pine Tree Politics has more on the money angle and more.

Mitchell has received nods from outside the state before.  Politico ran two stories featuring Mitchell earlier in the campaign.  The first centered around the possibility of another first for Mitchell – becoming Maine’s first female governor.  The second stated that Mitchell was one of the top 25 politicians to watch in 2010.  When it comes to donations however, roughly 80% of Mitchell’s donors were in-state.  That points to ground support, especially once Mitchell qualifies for funding.

It is almost moot at this point that she will be on the ballot and qualify for clean funds.  Clinton’s endorsement is by no means vaults Mitchell ahead of the pack.  While she has certainly cemented her position as one of the top tier candidates, this thing is far from over.  This is a wake-up call for the other candidates.  If you aren’t close to completing your signature gathering or reaching your qualifying donations for clean candidates, you might as well throw in the towel.  Unless you can pull off some grand trick to The Final Countdown, the show is over.

Not only should Maine’s education system continue to evolve, it must continue to evolve.  Our education system is still functioning on a Industrial Era model.  We continue to question why are kids leave school unprepared and/or uninterested in learning.  The answer is right in front of us.  Our schools are preparing them to work in factories settings. *RING* math time *RING* science *RING* eat *RING* english.  If we want to equip our children for the way our new world works this has to stop.  Learning, as life, should happen outside of the microcosm.  There are opportunities to learn about all the Rs integrated in almost every subject.  The world is moving toward a workplace that requires inventive problem solving.  To compete in a global economy our children will need to leverage one of America’s greatest assets; creativity.  Why can’t our education system do the same?
I have argued that money does not make education, schools should be adequately funded.  I don’t think anyone can argue that our schools don’t require at least a certain level of funding, though we

Image from Maine Memory Network

could debate what that is.  Still in public education, arguments tend to center around this issue, left or right.  We’re missing the point.  The money argument needs to be tabled until we can solve other critical issues.  I cannot stress enough how we need to fundamentally rethink how we deliver knowledge at every level.

You want to talk about increasing efficiency?  I’ll hit you with some efficiencies.  I tell the following story a lot.  It illustrates a good point.  A teacher friend of mine suggested that he teach the same class for their entire time at his school, instead of shuffling them along year after year.  He spends most of the year getting to know his students, their personalities, strengths, weaknesses, etc.  Think of the learning time saved if a teacher got all of that out of the way and could continue with the same children.  Not to mention the time saved by knowing exactly what they may need to review at the beginning of the next year.  This is just one piece of the puzzle.

The idea I mentioned is the kind of productive thought that generally meets resistance from the entrenched system.  This is why people turn to charters or private schools as solutions.  The current system is not providing the answers people are looking for and is not open to change.

I’m not afraid to buck the system that is in place and challenge misconceptions.  You shouldn’t be either.  Though we may not all agree on the exact methods, I am constantly encouraged by the other brave souls I meet who are tired of doing the same thing and expecting different results.  Those sincerely devoted to improving education don’t want to destroy the system.  They want to remodel the house, maybe change the layout a little.  Ultimately we want to turn this rickety one-room school house into a brilliant cathedral of learning.  That might be a little dramatic, but for our kids’ sakes, it’s time to stop being quiet and start making some noise.

The Bangor Daily News wants to keep the rail link between Aroostook County and the rest of Maine running.

BDN contributor Tom Newman thinks a Tea Party/60s Counter-Culture link needs to be reexamined.

BDN columnist Dr. Erik Steele salutes a father.

Kennebec Journal/Maine Sentinel Mark Ishkanian contributor believes that Maine should invest in pollution-free energy.

KJ/MS contributor Joel Allumbaugh looks behind the Anthem rate increases.

The Portland Press Herald has thoughts on dropout prevention and Clean Election funds.

PPH columnist Ron Bancroft brings out the microscope to find growth in Maine.

PPH contributor Wells Staley-Mays says limiting who can vote punishes those who work and pay taxes.

PPH contributor Dud Hendrick and Deer Isle want to end funding to the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.

The Sun Journal is not in favor of restricting the release of birth and marriage records.

The Bangor Daily News supports a smoke free UMaine System and examines the Millennial generation.

BDN contributor Dana Mosher asks for help at Camp CaPella.

The Portland Press Herald applauds Governor Baldacci’s resolve to not raise taxes.

PPH contributor Christopher Hallweaver says you’d better leave that cell phone alone.

PPH contributor William S. Linnell believes nuclear power wont lead to cheaper energy.

The Sun Journal wags their finger at the Maine legislature for dropping the ball on insurance choice for schools.

Republican Steve Abbott (@Abbott4Governor, Mentions) is following 153, has 130 followers, and 44 Tweets. +3 Followers.

Republican Bill Beardsley (@billbeardsley, Mentions) is following 0, has 40 followers, and 67 Tweets. +1 Follower.

Independent Eliot Cutler (@Cutler2010, Mentions) is following 1,042, has 370 followers, and 180 Tweets; +19 Followers.

Republican Matt Jacobson (@jacobson4gov, Mentions) is following 1,193, has 1,574 followers, and 408 Tweets; -12 Followers.

Republican Paul LePage (@lepage2010, Mentions) is following 330, has 244 followers, and 17 Tweets; +3 Followers.

Democrat Pat McGowan (@McGowanForMaine, Mentions) is following 285, has 168 followers, and 26 tweets; +7 Followers.

Republican Peter Mills (@millsformaine, Mentions) is following 204, has 256 followers, and 216 Tweets; +5 Followers.

Democrat Libby Mitchell (@LibbyForGov, Mentions) is following 44, has 185 followers, and 100 Tweets; +8 Followers.

Republican Les Otten (@LesOtten, Mentions) is following 171, has 314 followers, and 164 Tweets; +4 Followers.

Republican Bruce Poliquin (@BruceForME, Mentions) is following 630, has 447 followers, and 570 Tweets; +14 Followers.

Democrat Steven Rowe (@Steven_Rowe, Mentions) is following 648, has 576 followers, and 228 Tweets; +8 Followers.

Democrat Rosa Scarcelli (@rosascarcelli, Mentions) is following 966, has 645 followers, and 565 Tweets; +23 Followers.

Green Independent Lynne Williams (@Lynne4Governor, Mentions) is following 27, has 123 followers, and 123 Tweets; +0 Followers.

They hauled in Jerry Seinfeld and a bunch of other peacock stars to try to joke about people’s marital conflicts.

The show offers funny moments, for sure, but Alec Baldwin, Eva Longoria, and Tina Fey are not improv comics, so the conversation is pretty obviously scripted and edited, stripping it of most of its chemistry.

Sort of like marriage itself, actually.

On the other hand, the panelists and host somehow manage to cut to the real issue behind seemingly inane conflict. While their views sometimes seem warped, at least they seem aware that an argument about installing a stripper pole in the bedroom is as much about communication and mutual respect as it is about sex.

So the show manages to give some laughs, with a few Dr. Phil moments sprinkled in. It has promise.

And, most importantly, all the female stars wear outfits tight enough to restrict blood flow and small enough to qualify as lingerie in some states. This will attract some male viewers who might otherwise watch “March Madness” on ESPN.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could resolve political conflict this way?

Put Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell together in a suburban split-level ranch, roll camera, and edit the footage down to a short vignette so that celebrity experts can finally decide how many people get to have health insurance.

Actually, we’d probably have to begin with a smaller issue first, so we could resolve it in time for a commercial break.

Let’s float serenely by the cherry blossoms and into the halls of congress, where we find 14 House Republicans struggling to honor the legacy of their hero, Ronald Reagan, by sponsoring legislation to put his warm, grandfatherly visage on the $50 bill.

Reagan’s legacy is certainly strong enough to replace Ulysses S. Grant, who didn’t really do much, except win the Civil War, lead a battered nation through reconstruction, and stabilize the office of the Presidency after Lincoln’s assassination and Andrew Johnson’s impeachment.

Compare those measly accomplishments with approving the largest tax increase in American history, wasting billions on a pointless missile defense system, and illegally selling weapons to rogue countries full of terrorists, and it’s easy to see why maybe the $50 bill isn’t even a big enough honor for Reagan.

The Politics Ref has arrived at a decision: Leave Grant on the $50, if only to annoy people from Alabama who have Confederate flag bumper stickers. Put Reagan’s face on the $1 trillion bill, in honor of the fact that he was the first president, leading the party of fiscal responsibility and small government, to propose a $1 trillion budget.

Next, we meander up the Interstate to Augusta, Maine, where Rep. Andrew O’Brien (D-Lincolnville) has proposed a bill that would make it easier for people to learn when and how farmers in their area spray toxic chemicals.

Because, you know, if you live next to a farm, you might be curious about that sort of thing.

But other members of the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry have proposed blunting several of the notification requirements, exempting many sprayers from participating in a Pesticide Notification Registry.

The Politics Ref says: spray some of these chemicals near these politicians’ personal residences, and see if any of them come around before one of their kids starts growing a third eyeball.

Of course, if you wanted to watch college basketball and sexy women in skimpy skirts at the same time, a third eyeball could come in handy.

Chuck McKay is a Maine freelance writer, teacher, and television critic. His email is chuckrates@gmail.com.