PORTLAND, Maine — It was another busy week of politics in Maine and across the country. From the changes planned for Gov. Janet Mills' State of the State Address this week to Nikki Haley's loss in the New Hampshire primary, our analysts share their take.
Shooting Commission Testimony
The commission investigating the deadly Lewiston held its first significant hearing since starting its work. Five members of the Sagadahoc County Sherriff's Office testified in detail how they responded to repeated concerns about the gunman in the months before the tragedy. The sheriff and deputies involved stood firm that they did all they could, despite never utilizing the state's so-called "yellow flag" law to take his weapons.
KEN: "The yellow-flag law, which is not as good in my opinion as the red-flag law, was in place and could have been utilized. The only real difference is the family cannot instigate an investigation like you can. A yellow flag there, all the signs there. You don't go to a house and not have the person show you a face. You don't rely on the family to take care of it. You have police officer. He's got guns. He's known to be deteriorating. You do something. This is not going to change the commission's opinion in any way, in my opinion."
PHIL: "Well, you know, I don't disagree with Ken. I think the sheriff's department ... followed the steps in the procedures, as was outlined in the testimony. What they didn't do was be persistent and get face to face with Robert Card and thus the tragedy unfolding. I would also mention the yellow-flag law, since this incident, has been used 30-something times since then to make sure this doesn't get repeated."
KEN: "Well, the defense was, 'It's cumbersome to do that process.' Well, yes. Well, they've done it three times since. So how cumbersome going to be? And when people's lives are at stake, you're law enforcement; you go through the steps. You're paid to do that. You go on vacation because you think everything's OK now. I don't buy this at all."
State of the State Preview
This week, Gov. Janet Mills will deliver her state of the state address before the Maine Legislature. Her office announced Friday that the governor is taking a different approach this year, splitting the address into two parts. The first part will be delivered in writing Tuesday morning to address future legislation and the budget. The second part will be a speech delivered Tuesday evening focused on recent crises the state has faced, including the Lewiston shootings and severe weather events.
PHIL: "It's unique. I've had the opportunity to sit through eight of those as a state senator. And, you know, it's a solemn occasion. The legislature and the judiciary all gathered to listen to the governor, [who] puts forward a vision of the future of the state. To put some of it in writing and some of it in a speech is unique. I'm curious to see how this all is received by legislators and we the people."
ZACH: "Ken, what does she have to talk about here?"
KEN: "Well, look, the preliminary stuff, the budget and that kind of stuff. Let's be honest, it's fairly boring to the layperson. No doubt about it. You see a lot of people falling asleep in the audience, Phil, so I think it's smart for her to do that. You lay out your vision for the future, who you're speaking to, not only speaking to Mainers, the emotional aspect of Lewiston. That is what she needs to address. That's what people want to hear. That's what her job is as governor of the state of Maine. She doesn't always show a lot of emotion. This is her opportunity to do so and not be bogged down by the more mundane issues such as legislation and budget."
NH Primary
Former President Donald Trump walked away with a victory in the New Hampshire primary, beating out challenger Nikki Haley. The former UN ambassador said she is adamant she will continue her campaign, despite tough odds. President Joe Biden won on the democratic side, despite not officially being on the ballot thanks to a successful write-in campaign.
ZACH: "Nikki Haley is still pushing on to her home state of South Caroline, but the odds aren't looking good. Why not call it quits?"
PHIL: "I think she needs to go to her home state, and if she has a chance of becoming the nominee, she needs to win in South Carolina. If she doesn't, I'm afraid her candidacy is over, and we're going to be back in the same place we were four years ago, choosing between two people who are, how shall I say, ready to hold on to the back nine."
KEN: "How about angry old white men? Does that fit? That would be another. Nikki Haley is not going to win South Carolina. And if she did, it wouldn't make any difference at all. She has no path to the nomination. But please stay in the race, Nikki, because somebody needs to go after Donald Trump for a Democratic perspective, although I don't think that's going to matter a whole lot, either. Who in their right mind still wants Donald Trump and Joe Biden as the two candidates for president? I mean, what is wrong with us that we can't get anybody young, innovative, new ideas, new fresh blood? It's very disturbing, distressing, and I feel bad because I think the young people are going to stay home, not vote. I think minorities are going to stay home and not vote, because they're tired of the candidates we're putting forward."
You can watch Political Brew every Sunday on The Morning Report at 6 a.m. You can also catch it any time on NEWS CENTER Maine+.
More NEWS CENTER Maine stories