Mehnert update & a blizzard of Snowe statistics

Good Mehnert profile in yesterday's Bangor Daily News. Also a poll, should you care to participate. It shows Hay Bright ahead by six points (53/47), which makes sense given her organizing efforts and lead time. However, I think Mehnert made strong gains among most-likely voters this weekend at the convention.

Get a load of Senator Snowe's voting patterns in detail. Not only is she a Bush enabler, but she votes in strong support of Senate leadership as well. In fact, her Frist-enabling has increased dramatically in the past two years. UPDATE/CORRECTION: That's the past two years measured. The data stop at 2004.

Snowe Voted in Favor of Bush Administration Policies over 82% of the Time… Presidential Support Year Support Oppose 2004 74% 26% 2003 82% 18% 2002 90% 10% 2001 84% 16% Average 82.5% 17.5% [www.cq.com] …But Voted in Favor of Clinton Administrations Policies Only 55% of the Time. Presidential Support 2000 62% 38% 1999 49% 51% 1998 55% 45% 1997 78% 22% 1996 53% 47% 1995 42% 58% 1994 60% 40% 1993 41% 59% Average 55% 45% [www.cq.com] Since Entering the Senate in 1995, Snowe has voted with GOP Leadership 67% of the Time. Snowe’s Party Unity Rating has Dramatically Increased in the Last Two Years. Party Unity Ratings Year Support Oppose 2004 71% 29% 2003 75% 25% 2002 57% 43% 2001 64% 36% 2000 71% 29% 1999 69% 31% 1998 65% 35% 1997 59% 41% 1996 72% 28% 1995 70% 30% Average 67.3% 32.7% [www.cq.com]

And yes, I know she voted against cloture today on the Hate Amendment. Forgive me for not considering that cause for celebration. I want Maine's elected representatives to serve in a Congress where that kind of legislation doesn't even come up for discussion. And that means, you don't prop up tyrants, bullies, and incompetents.