Guest Commentary: Peter Mills – The Essence of Cool
By Derrick Grant
January 22, 2010
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I have been watching the field of gubernatorial candidates develop with political junkie interest, and I can say this, if you find the field of Republican gubernatorial candidates to be uninteresting, lacking creativity, and uninspiring – you’re not paying attention! Peter Mills is none of these.
Call me biased, but I like smart candidates, regardless of their party affiliation.
I like leaders that speak beyond sound bites, people with an in-depth knowledge of the issues Mainers face. Government should be run more like a business, yes, but at the same time, government is not a business.
Maine needs someone that has experience in both, experience Peter Mills has, the candidate with the longest voting record (does his opposition even have one?).
Moving beyond the logic, however, Peter Mills is – just plain cool!
Evidence? Let me present to you:
The Top 10 Reasons Why Peter Mills is the Coolest Republican Candidate
- He wears shitkickers with suits.
- He drives a bigger truck than Scott Brown.
- He has more brains than money.
- He swings an axe like Paul Bunyan.
- He campaigns at pubs and taverns.
- His house used to be a tavern!
- His favorite music is 17th century madrigals, which should make for an interesting inaugural ball.
- He placed 4,375 out of 5,613 people in the Beach to Beacon race, and readily admits losing 200 places by taking two minutes to answer nature’s call in the woods.
- He enjoys reading MIT’s Technology Review . . . *yawn* . . . okay, maybe this is a strike against him?
- He can stand on his head!
His Republican competition has nothing on that!
* This commentary is a guest post from Derrick Grant, author of ElderGuru.com. Derrick attended the Muskie School of Public Service, is a self-described policy wonk, and actively follows Maine politics.
46 Responses to “Guest Commentary: Peter Mills – The Essence of Cool”
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John J Bouchard
22. Jan, 2010
Mr. Mills you might be cool but you are not going to be the next
governor of Maine!!!!
Marc
23. Jan, 2010
Peter gets my vote!
Stephanie
23. Jan, 2010
John, since you obviously work for Poliquin perhaps you could refrain from commenting on other candidates. Your cheerleading is tiresome.
Derrick, thanks for adding some humor to the race!
TLC
23. Jan, 2010
Apparently his thoughts on what being a Republican means isnt the only thing that is upside down for him…
Stephanie
23. Jan, 2010
TLC = Tyler LeClair, another Poliquin staffer. Classy means of campaigning.
Mike
23. Jan, 2010
This criticism from a Mills staffer commenting on an article about her boss? Really, Stephanie, Pot meets kettle.
Stephanie
23. Jan, 2010
Volunteer, not staffer. I have been upfront about that. I also don’t attack the other candidates in comment fields on every website.
Mike, who do you work for?
Derrick Grant
23. Jan, 2010
Now now, folks. It’s no biggie if your candidate is less cool. Hop on the Mills campaign, it’s not too late.
John J Bouchard
23. Jan, 2010
Stephanie- I am a VOLUNTEER for Bruce Poliquin not
a staffer! Free country, I am just getting started cheerleading!!!!! Who are you supporting?
Garrett
23. Jan, 2010
Maybe I’m way off here, but was this article actually written by a supporter of another candidate trying to make Mills look unserious? I mean, who would write something showing how ridiculous their own candidate is?
Derek Viger
23. Jan, 2010
John I think it is pretty clear who Steph is supporting.
John J Bouchard
23. Jan, 2010
Stephanie If Mr. Mills has not even raised $40,000 how
can he be a player?
Stephanie
23. Jan, 2010
John, his donations are limited to $100 from individual people (no corporations.) Look up Clean Elections. In small donations he has raised almost as much as some candidates who can accept $750. A Clean Elections candidate must get support from over 3,000 Mainers. It’s a citizen initiated system that requires grass roots support to secure funding.
TLC
24. Jan, 2010
John, the ONLY way he can be a viable candidate by siphoning off of the taxpayers of this state, again. I would have to say I really respect Martin Vachon for at least one thing, rejecting public money. Peter cant take donations from corporations, but what corporation would donate to someone who is going to raise taxes? Mills has done nothing to make Maine more business friendly, he supported a tax increase bill that did cut capital gains a little but he also consented to raising taxes across the board to do it. Also, this story and the comment by the author give me the shivers. It is pretty much saying come drink the cool guy Kool Aid, lets vote for him because he stands on his head. I found this to be a funny article until I found that the author was actually serious. The tragedy is that he is going to get clean elections money to poll around 15% in the primary.
Stephanie
24. Jan, 2010
Tyler, once again the tax reform bill CUT INCOME and CAPITAL GAINS taxes by 20%. That’s not raising taxes across the board. It expanded the sales tax. Mills revamped the unemployment compensation system which lowered taxes. When his Fund of Funds gets through (initiated by Tech Maine) we will be able to attract venture capital to Maine. He is also working to lower electricity rates.
Many Maine business owners personally donated to the Mills campaign. It’s all right there in the finance reports if you care about actual facts.
TLC
24. Jan, 2010
How many of those donations have been from auto repair shops? How many of those donations from movie theaters and restaurants? Peter was really looking out for those industries huh? Care about actual facts? That is a pretty snide remark. The fact I know is Peter voted for a bill that the Maine GOP is working to overturn.
robert sickel
24. Jan, 2010
If Poliquin got elected he will be able to achieve very little of his actual platform because of the democratic majority. If you think otherwise you are living in la la land. Peter Mills doesn’t live in la la land- he lives in reality. He’s been living in the reality of Augusta for the past 15 years which makes him an easy target for soundbiters like TLC.
The tax reform bill isn’t perfect but it is better than nothing. Better than nothing legislation is often the best you can do in reality. The most you can hope for from John Baldacci and the democratic majority is revenue neutral reform that doesn’t shift the tax burden to future generations via debt. It was worth shifting some of the tax base from income to consumption. Sales taxes are more efficient (i.e discourage less economic activity) than income taxes.
If Poliquin is the nominee I’ll gladly vote for him; however, he will quickly find that governing with a democratic majority requires compromises that will alienate some constituencies. And in that eventuality you won’t see me on this site tearing him apart because he had to make a tough decision like placing a sales tax on an industry that had never previously had one.
Kevin Lamoreau
24. Jan, 2010
Derrick Grant: from a Green Independent (albiet one with what the Casco Bay Weekly called a “quirky, libertarian streak”) who challenged then House Majority Leader (later speaker) Mike Saxl in 2000 to a Democrat who attended the Senate District 21 (Gardiner-Winthrop area) Democratic “caucus” nominating Scott Cowger (I was there) to a Peter Mills supporter? Wow!
Derrick Grant may have a decent explanation for these shifts, but it is interesting, to me at least.
Ben
24. Jan, 2010
TLC, What are you saying about donations from auto repair shops, restaurants and movie theaters? Not sure I understand what you’re insinuating.
TLC
24. Jan, 2010
Ben, LD 1495, which he supported, raised the meals tax and put a 5% tax on auto repairs and movie tickets. My point is that he is not very well loved among those groups because he pushed to add taxes to them. I know from collecting signatures that a number of auto repair shops are outraged at what he did because it will hurt their businesses directly.
John J Bouchard
24. Jan, 2010
Stephanie Speaking of Mr. Mills lets talk about Dirigo
and how he voted on it??????????????
Ben
24. Jan, 2010
Mills has 3 car dealers and a restaurant amongst his contributors. Car dealers typically have auto repairs. Mr. Poliquin has 1 car dealer from CA. and no restaurants amongst his contributors… So I’m not sure why you’re throwing stones.
PS I’m not a Mills supporter, nor am I against him. I’m not sure who I will vote for yet, but I’ve read alot of Poliquin supporters bashing every other canidate and the people who support them and it doesn’t sit well with me.
Derrick Grant
24. Jan, 2010
It’s easy to attack the candidate with a lengthy voting record, and easy to defend the candidate with none.
JimCyr
24. Jan, 2010
Peter is not too far from being a Dede Scozzafava. THAT’S the best we can do? What would Ronald Reagan think of Peter? Peter is definitely the candidate of the liberal end of the Republican spectrum, we know that. And let there be no pretense: this is (another) battle for the heart and soul of the Maine GOP. The last time, Peter lost that battle, and then helped us to lose in the general election. For that and that alone, he should be rejected again. Let’s also talk about Peter being the ultimate Augusta insider; talk about a “machine” politician! Who are his siblings, again??
As to the auther, funny writing style. I like it. But I don’t think I’ll take my advice on with Derrick’s background.
(By the way, not supporting any one yet. Exploring options. But I know several candidates who I will NOT be supporting, and Mills is one of them. I would sit out the election with no qualms, if he is nominated).
John J Bouchard
24. Jan, 2010
Derrick Mr. Mill’s voting record is why the state is in
the shape it is in!!!!!!!
MikeT
25. Jan, 2010
John, Dirigo received widespread bipartisan support at the time it was enacted; it was not a party-line vote. Since then, most Republicans have fled the scene of the crime, so to speak. In 2006 Mills was the first Republican to publicly turn on the program and propose eliminating it – even before Chandler Woodcock.
When you’re attacking other Republicans you should at least get your facts straight and leave the misleading to the liberals. Better yet, how about you advocate for your candidate instead of attacking everyone else?
MikeT
25. Jan, 2010
Stephanie, your claims about how much the Democrats’ tax shift package cut the income tax is misleading at best – or perhaps you don’t fully understand the legislation. The top income tax bracket, affecting the very wealthiest of Mainers, was cut by approximately 23%. That, of course, only takes into account the income tax reduction, not the net tax cut. Once you take into account the sales tax increase, NOBODY gets a 20% tax cut.
Besides, we all know if Maine elects a Democratic governor they’ll just raise the income tax right back up to 8.5% and leave the “broadened” sales taxes in place. That’s what they do. You can’t trust them. That in and of itself is reason to oppose this legislation, and Senator Mills should know that.
Reid
25. Jan, 2010
The tax reform bill recently passed is a futile attempt at helping the Maine economy that portrays a naive view of economics. One can not attempt to stimulate aggregate supply and then decrease aggregate demand at the same time. It is transfer a transfer tax that serves no point. That is why “most” Republicans are against the bill. They want a bill that will cut taxes across the board, not a useless piece of legislation that truly does nothing except give politicians the opportunity of saying, “I cut taxes!” Well, no, you really didn’t.
Now, governor is a executive position. Who better to run and manage a government than an actual executive?
As for a “clean election”; it may make it easy for politicians to get money without working, but it takes money away from Mainers. The state government is fiscally unstable and you propose that politicians should receive the majority of their funds from that same government. Even Democratic Candidate Rosa Scarcelli says that she is not using clean election because she doesn’t want to take funds away from a state government that is in dire fiscal straits.
The maxim of Peter Mills: Lower Taxes and Smaller Government. And he thinks Dirigo has not been a waster of government funds? Don’t take it from me; take it from the Wall Street Journal:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204619004574322401816501182.html
MikeT
25. Jan, 2010
Reid, Mills is still not a supporter of Dirigo, just as he wasn’t several comments ago. Did you miss that point or just choose to ignore it? Can you cite a source where Peter says that Dirigo is “not a waster of government funds”, or did you just make that up? Because your WSJ article doesn’t mention his name.
Stephanie
25. Jan, 2010
“The top income tax bracket, affecting the very wealthiest of Mainers, was cut by approximately 23%.”
Mike, the top income tax bracket is $20,150. That’s not the wealthiest of Mainers. That’s the vast majority of people whose hard-earned dollars are supporting the state.
“Besides, we all know if Maine elects a Democratic governor they’ll just raise the income tax right back up to 8.5% and leave the broadened sales taxes in place.”
Then it’s quite clear Republicans need to nominate a candidate who can win a general election, a candidate that appeals to Maine’s independent majority. Mills has a proven record of appealing to independents (8 Somerset County elections.)
Attacks from other campaigns will only lead to another Democratic governor. If you want to promote your candidate please do. Otherwise it seems like you have nothing worth promoting.
Stephanie
25. Jan, 2010
Mike, just to be clear that last bit was not directed at you.
JimCyr
25. Jan, 2010
Peter Mills is not trusted by many solid, sane GOP “team players” in Augusta. He has burned too many people too many times. If the people I DO really respect don’t respect him, that says a lot.
Reid
25. Jan, 2010
Mike,
I apologize for the rash comment about Dirigo. I misunderstood a comment from a supporter above about how he was different from other Republicans. Otherwise, I stand by my statement.
ZDT
25. Jan, 2010
Having heard Mills speak a few weeks ago it seems that he feels the way to turn the business climate in the state around is to change certain regulations and attract venture capital money. While VC money should certainly be an aspect, many other avenues need to opened up. Along with VC money, there is angel money that must be tapped, Private Equity as well, along with small business lending and support. Many VC, PE and angels won’t invest in small Maine businesses because of the lack of an exit strategy. For that reason we cannot solely rely on VC money like Mills is suggesting. This, in my opinion, is proof that while he might have political knowledge he lacks a deep understanding of business. We need a governor who knows business and will bring that knowledge to Augusta.
Steve
25. Jan, 2010
It is interesting that the same campaign staff that kamikaze’d TABOR last November is trying to give the rest of us lessons on tax policy.
That is why public funding exists. So that the average citizen can compete with a candidate so wealthy he can fund, not just his campaign, but ballot initiative that may indirectly facilitate his political agenda.
Public funding for elections, more so than many functions of government, are essential for the preservation of representative democracy.
Additionally, the Clean Elections legislation requires that a candidate demonstrate significant grass roots support and not just a propensity to receive maximum donations.
John J Bouchard
26. Jan, 2010
Steve- If Peter Mills can not go out and raise money
himselve and has to depend on public funding how hard
is he going to work as governor? The Poliquin campaign
did not “kamikazed” Tabor, my feeling is that the Tabor
people felt Bruce best represents their views.
robert sickel
26. Jan, 2010
Reid, you are wrong when you say the tax reform bill was based on “naive economics”. The bill shifted taxes from the income tax, a progressive tax, to a sales tax, a regressive tax. If the bill is revenue neutral, as intended, the change in tax structure will result in a small increase in economic activity. An economist of any stripe will tell you this (whether Keynesian, Austrian school, etc).
Whether a democratic governor would raise the income tax to where it was without repealing the sales tax is a legitimate concern.
I’m sure Peter Mills would like to cut taxes across the board as much as you, but to do so Maine would probably need a republican majority. Mills has held down a competitive seat for years. If there were more candidates and legislators like Senator Mills, I assure you your taxes would be lower, and better spent.
I understand that many readers of this site have favorite candidates; however, as I read some of these comments I wonder if some of you consider Peter Mills an enemy instead of an ally in Augusta. If so, you are sorely mistaken. In lambasting Mills for his legislative record I believe you are confusing Mills’ less partisan style with being insufficiently conservative.
JimCyr
26. Jan, 2010
No, he’s insufficiently conservative.
JimCyr
26. Jan, 2010
Robert, I am NOT attacking you, but I did have to wonder about who you would support (since you did intern in DC).
Steve
26. Jan, 2010
Well all of the “real” conservatives can divide their votes between those characters deemed sufficiently conservative by Mr. Cyr’s high court of Republicanism. In mean time, the GOP will nominate a candidate who can win the general election.
Stephanie
26. Jan, 2010
“Steve- If Peter Mills can not go out and raise money
himselve and has to depend on public funding how hard
is he going to work as governor?”
I don’t think you understand Clean Elections. It requires private donations in order to get any public funding. Currently, I think Mills has more Maine donors than any other candidate. It requires a candidate to raise $40,000 in donations of $100 or less from Maine voters. It requires 3,250 $5 donations to the Clean Elections Fund from Maine voters. That requires much more work than tapping some wealthy friends for money.
As far as hard work, we’re lucky Mills is on the Labor Committee fighting Libby Mitchell’s mandatory paid sick leave bill. Mills is the only Republican on the committee. The fact that he’s leading these battles while also campaigning shows someone truly dedicated to Maine.
JimCyr
26. Jan, 2010
You mean just like Scott Brown absolutely, 100%, without a shred of doubt COULD NOT win, Steve??
robert sickel
26. Jan, 2010
Yes Jim. I interned for Tom Allen in 2002. Over the past few years my political thinking has evolved. I changed my voter registration. Changing your mind due to careful consideration of the issues is an asset. I’m sure there are many young people who, like I was, are registered democrats and independents, but who are inclined to vote for a republican with good ideas and integrity, like Peter Mills.
JimCyr
29. Jan, 2010
Robert, good enough answer for me. I am in no position to judge someone for the “foolishness of youth”. Heck, I was a Jerry Brown/Jesse Jackson/Bernie Sanders guy in my younger days!
Welcome to the right party.
Reid
17. Feb, 2010
“Reid, you are wrong when you say the tax reform bill was based on “naive economics”. The bill shifted taxes from the income tax, a progressive tax, to a sales tax, a regressive tax. If the bill is revenue neutral, as intended, the change in tax structure will result in a small increase in economic activity. An economist of any stripe will tell you this (whether Keynesian, Austrian school, etc).”
Austrian, Keynesian, New Classical, and Monetarist philosophies are irrelevant in this situation. The bill is based on naive economics because it assumes attempts to aid some at the expense of others. We should be attracting the demand of non-residents, rather than making Maine a less attractive destination for both businesses and individuals. It hurts business investment by cutting into their profits and lower investment opportunities, meaning less opportunity for growth. If businesses see no opportunity for growth then they will not come. It is an attack on non-residents, and that is an attack on the people that fuel our largest economic sector – tourism. Maine relies on the demand of consumers outside of the State. Higher prices on goods may not affect individuals as much because of an decrease in the income tax, but it does affect non-residents. And we must not develop into an isolationist state because more freedom, globalization, and inter-state commerce lead to greater economic development and efficiency. We need to spur outside investment, not abandon it.
Reid
17. Feb, 2010
“I don’t think you understand Clean Elections. It requires private donations in order to get any public funding. Currently, I think Mills has more Maine donors than any other candidate. It requires a candidate to raise $40,000 in donations of $100 or less from Maine voters. It requires 3,250 $5 donations to the Clean Elections Fund from Maine voters. That requires much more work than tapping some wealthy friends for money.”
This does not change the fact the Mills will be taking tax payer money to fund his campaign. We are in a fiscal crisis, tax payer money is supposed to be used for the good of the tax payer and not for the benefit of a politician.
What is your problem against successful people? Because Bruce Poliquin is the epitome of the self-made man and the embodiment of the Republican ideology of success and achievement, you attack him. You see him as an elitist “tapping some wealthy friends for money.” You ever think that Bruce might actually have some support? For someone who ran with no name recognition, I believe what he pulled off is impressive, and has no intimation of a wealthy man running out of the pockets of the elites.