Who has the advantage?

With all the defections and Twomey's flip-flop, it's hard for me to believe the state's Democratic Party hasn't suffered.

So, while the GOP lost an opportunity for power sharing during the next few weeks of the second session, they could build some incredible momentum for November.

There's just one problem. Voters tend to reject whiners. We need people (candidates) who will focus on solutions, not problems.

The remarks made my Mr. Bowles seemed a bit over the top, especially his implied threat about what Republicans will do if they get the majority in the 123rd Legislature.

Republicans in Maine should take a cue from Peter Mills. Mills didn't attack Baldacci, he attacked Baldacci's borrowing plan last year. He made it happen, granted with a lot of help.

I guess my point is this, we need less name calling and theatrics; that sort of stuff gets plenty of media coverage but it does nothing for the people being served.

Regardless of party affiliation, I (and just about everyone I talk to) is looking for candidates who are prepared to offer bold, yet reasoned leadership. Leadership is not about determining trends. Leadership is NOT about making everyone happy and leadership is not about personalities.

Leadership is about integrity and about making sacrifices (both personal and political) in order to benefit the majority. The majority of businesses in Maine are small businesses and even the large companies are facing a hostile environment.

Not being able to buy a home or feed your family is a crisis. Not being able to educate your children is a crisis. The private sector can and will help out with these situations, as they have done with private contributions to the LIHEAP account.

Certainly, there needs to be a regulatory balance, but right now the scales have been tipped the wrong way. Fishermen can no longer afford to live near the coast; and the biggest economic growth we're seeing is in the service sector and real estate for the retired.

The median income in Maine is $37,500 per year. We cannot improve upon that without attracting companies to Maine. And we simply can't attract companies to Maine if we continue acting hostile toward them. Otherwise, we'll only have firms that cater to the lower middle income majority.

It's time for everyone (Democrats, Republicans, Greens, Independents and others) to demonstrate leadership.