Welcome!
Welcome to Augusta Insider, your source for news, rumors, and commentary on Maine politics, from the corridors of the Statehouse to every corner of the Pine Tree State.
Why now, you ask? Why start this blog just as the legislative session is coming to a close? A couple of reasons, but first and foremost, starting now lets us get our feet wet. We can keep track of summer goings-on, 2010 rumors, and yes – budget news. There will always be budget news in this fiscal climate.
Besides, we hear from our sources that state revenues are going to just keep looking shaky, and Governor Baldacci may have to call a special session at some point to take corrective action. Obviously that’s the last thing he wants to do, especially on his last budget, but finances may make it a necessity. If they do make it to January there’s a good chance they’ll have to do a supplemental budget in the Second Regular Session of the 124th.
Anyway, politics is never boring, not in Maine. Ballot referendums are gearing up, the parties are recruiting legislative candidates, and pretty soon we’ll start to get a clear picture of who’s running for high office in 2010. Summer is an exciting time to start, and we look forward to sharing it with you!
