Friends in the Legislature

SAM's George Smith laments the lack of real friendships in the Maine legislature.

At the Statehouse, friendship is fleeting. Successful legislators and lobbyists try not to make enemies -- because today's enemy might be the friend you need tomorrow on an issue of importance to you. But there are few friends here in the deeper sense of the word.

I have been around long enough to remember when legislators really were friends. They socialized together, enjoyed recreational activities together, visited one another's homes, knew one another's families, and traded legislative favors over drinks and cigars.

Smith suggests that legislators would be more likely to form deep bonds with each other if term limits were repealed. Rep. Chris Greeley (R-Levant), however, has a different idea that might make things more friendly. He wants to get rid of political parties.

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