Mendros Struggles to Get Signatures
From the PPH:
The organizer is an anti-tax activist who doesn't even have the support of his own political party. No special-interest groups have lent a hand, and funds are in short supply.
Yet former state Rep. Stavros Mendros, a Republican from Lewiston, says at least 40,000 people have signed his petition to repeal part of the state budget.
What's resonating with many supporters - though it's only part of the proposal - is the chance to jettison Maine's new cigarette tax of $1 per pack. Signatures are being gathered at hundreds of convenience stores that sell tobacco products. [...]
The shoestring campaign still faces an uphill battle.
Organizers must submit 50,519 valid signatures by Sept. 16, just as the tax increase is due to take effect. But Mendros expects that many of the signatures will not be valid, so he hopes to gather at least 70,000.
Anyone want to take bets?
Visit the new Maine Politics.
posted by @ 12:57 PM 
4 comments
4 Comments:
UNCLE STAVROS STRIKES AGAIN!
Posted by Biff
My bet is he falls short, but your headline is misleading. He is going to come close, which is impressive with little money in such a short period of time. The reality today is that most successful petition drives are the result of big bucks efforts.
I wish someone would ask Rep. Tardy if he thought the passage of the gay rights bill was an extraordinary time that justified use of the people's veto. I bet he would be stuttering while trying to come up with an answer to that one.
Posted by George
I think you and I have a different interpretation of "struggles" in this case. I meant it as in he's making a huge effort.
I'd really like to see that asked of Tardy, actually.
Posted by Mike
I thought your headline was dismissive of the effort. I now understand what you meant.
The reaction of Bowles and Tardy to Mendros' effort is stupid. If they disagree with what Mendros is doing -- say so. But this extraordinary time talk is ridiculous. They made no such comment about the Christian Civic League's efforts. I wonder why? Could the answer be politics?
The way to avoid budget vetos is to pass budgets by two-thirds votes.
It would be fun to see the people in Augusta scramble if Mendros was succesful. If he gets the signatures, the new taxes are put on hold until June and a big hole is created in the budget even if the referendum supports the taxes.
Posted by George