Snowe, R-Maine, ends her re-election bid, will retire
U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, Republican of Maine, has just dropped a bombshell: She will not be running for re-election later this year.
From her announcement:
“As I have long said, what motivates me is producing results for those who have entrusted me to be their voice and their champion, and I am filled with that same sense of responsibility today as I was on my first day in the Maine House of Representatives. I do find it frustrating, however, that an atmosphere of polarization and ‘my way or the highway’ ideologies has become pervasive in campaigns and in our governing institutions.
“With my Spartan ancestry I am a fighter at heart; and I am well prepared for the electoral battle, so that is not the issue. However, what I have had to consider is how productive an additional term would be. Unfortunately, I do not realistically expect the partisanship of recent years in the Senate to change over the short term. So at this stage of my tenure in public service, I have concluded that I am not prepared to commit myself to an additional six years in the Senate, which is what a fourth term would entail.
“As I enter a new chapter, I see a vital need for the political center in order for our democracy to flourish and to find solutions that unite rather than divide us. It is time for change in the way we govern, and I believe there are unique opportunities to build support for that change from outside the United States Senate. I intend to help give voice to my fellow citizens who believe, as I do, that we must return to an era of civility in government driven by a common purpose to fulfill the promise that is unique to America.”
Her announcement is certain to set off another round of partisan sniping about which side is more to blame for creating all the partisan sniping.
In terms of raw politics, though, the decision has to be seen as an advantage for the Democrats. They had little shot at unseating Snowe as an incumbent; an open seat becomes a lot more vulnerable.
As Nate Silver of fivethirtyeight just tweeted, “We had estimated GOP’s chances of holding Maine senate at 85% before. Maybe 20-30% now after Snowe retirement.”
– Jay Bookman
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357 comments Add your comment
Doggone/Ga
February 28th, 2012
8:41 pm
“They do the same thing, but I’m sure that source will be biased unlike your sources”
And exactly WHICH of my “sources” have I identified as “unbiased”? In fact, which of my “sources” have I identified AT ALL?
Recon 0311 2533
February 28th, 2012
8:42 pm
We had estimated Obama’s chances of holding on to the presidency for a second term at 85% 3 and 1/2 years ago. maybe 20-30% now after his exposure as an incompetent.
-Thomas Jefferson
Keep Up--Te gusta losing woofinpoofs?
February 28th, 2012
8:44 pm
“I should sue you for slander” – Thomas Jefferson
Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
February 28th, 2012
8:49 pm
Good deal all around for the Republicans – lose one RINO while taking over the Senate, and the next place we see Harry Reid will be in some carnival act on the Strip, where he belongs. He will probably be the geek – the guy that bites the heads off of chickens.
AmVet
February 28th, 2012
8:53 pm
Republicans are not the solution to the problem. Republicans are the problem ~Thomas Jefferson
Soothsayer
February 28th, 2012
8:57 pm
It sure looks like Little Rickie Sanitarium is going to win Michigan tonight. After that, Romney will . . .
Will he drop out? Nah! He’s got to much money. Little Rickie Sanitarium will vacuum up the Tea Potty, nut-case, far Right wackos. And, they will sail merrily into November only to crash on the rocks of Obama shoal.
The rabid, foaming-at-the-mouth, nutcases will get their wish — a far Right nut-case wacko to represent their far Right wackiness. And, then they will be done for decades.
Tonight, friends, we are witnessing the decline and marginalization of the Republican Party. It began with the nut-case Tea Potty and continued with the Southern nut-cases.
The sad truth is that they are so far outside of mainstream America, that they may never return to viability.
Gator Joe
February 28th, 2012
8:57 pm
Jay:
Unfortunately the Republican Party has far too few Senator Snows. I wouldn’t vote for her but, Senator Snow has been, for much of her political career, willing to work with Democrats for the good of the country, and occasionally willing to compromise. Having said this, she has voted with Republicans in the Senate during President Obama’s first term more than she should have. The Republican has become too extreme, and others like Snow will leave as well, voluntarily or via the votes of a Republican electorate growing more narrow-minded and extreme.
Gator Joe
February 28th, 2012
8:59 pm
Insert “Party” after Republican in the last sentence.
St Simons - we're on Island time
February 28th, 2012
9:00 pm
Operation Chaos karma babeeee
Rush has such good ideas heeeheeee
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:00 pm
“Interesting that most of those saying bad things about Snowe are members of her own party. It suggests that the divisiveness that’s driving her out of politics isn’t what you’d call traditional partisanship.”
Silliness. Jay, backup?
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:01 pm
I foresee closed primaries in the future
Toombad
They BOTH suck
February 28th, 2012
9:02 pm
Newt should win a few states on Super Tuesday and if Little Ricky wins MI tonight……….. we could be looking at a “broke” convention…………..
I keep saying Romney is going to close the deal; however he seems to be struggling down the stretch
They BOTH suck
February 28th, 2012
9:03 pm
St Simons
“ditto”
bman
February 28th, 2012
9:04 pm
I give up. I want Obama to win.
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:07 pm
Romney up in MI
Come on Romney!!
getalife
February 28th, 2012
9:10 pm
willard loses both.
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:11 pm
Bman
Bad memory u have sir
Soothsayer
February 28th, 2012
9:11 pm
Always liked this one!
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:12 pm
Getalife what r u talking about?
They BOTH suck
February 28th, 2012
9:12 pm
Cheer for your man…. Jm
Cheer him on
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:14 pm
Tbs
Romney up by several points
Anything can happen because of how regions and districts vote, but there’s hope
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:15 pm
Funny I got anobama call tonight to go vote in GA
No dice
But they seem well organized
They BOTH suck
February 28th, 2012
9:19 pm
Jm
I still think he will win the nomination……….. I just love seeing the Republican “in fighting” that continues to go on as it did with the Democrats last time…………… Romney has surely spent more time and money than his campaign people imagined two months ago…….
Is MI winner take all or split? If it is a split Romeny will have a PR issue if he doesn’t outright win, however with AZ he will still collect much needed delegates tonight……
Soothsayer
February 28th, 2012
9:19 pm
Just who is behind these high gas prices?
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:20 pm
Go romney
bman
February 28th, 2012
9:20 pm
Jm .. .. Even IF Romney wins the republican nomination, I have finally come to believe he can’t beat Obama. He’s flopped up & down and all around more than a North Ga. trout stuck on land. He’s bashing the auto bailout, which would be okay if they were doing horrible. His own health care law in his home state. He does ok during debates, but not all that great.
Obama is too young. If he were to lose, he’s not going anywhere. He’d just run again and may win. By 2016-2220 I will be older and my ticker may conk out if Obama is in there during that time. I say just get his term(s) over with and look to 2016.
On a side note, anyone who would vote for Santorum – and apparently there are quite a few, freaks me out. I would much rather have Obama than Santorum – that hurts to say. Gingrich, Paul .. .. jokes.
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:22 pm
Soothsayer 9:19, I know! Bush!
Tbs, I think MI is split but I don’t know for sure
Kamchak
February 28th, 2012
9:22 pm
“Papa was a rolling stone, (my son)
Where ever he laid his hat was his home
and when he died, all he left us was alone”
– Thomas Jefferson
Soothsayer
February 28th, 2012
9:24 pm
If Little Rickie Sanitarium cain’t make it as a politician, he still has other career opportunities!
Ninja
February 28th, 2012
9:25 pm
That’s a shame. She was a good, classy lady who had a heart.
Kamchak
February 28th, 2012
9:25 pm
AP declares Romney winner in Arizona.
F. Sinkwich
February 28th, 2012
9:26 pm
” I would much rather have Obama than Santorum”
bman is a commie.
Stop the presses! Dog bites man.
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:26 pm
Bman
The primary is always a dance
Romney will be far more fiscally responsible than Obama
He isn’t the dream candidate that some might like, that would shrink spending to 10% of GDP, but I will be happy if he can get it back down from 24% to 20% (his goal). That would be a big success
TaxPayer
February 28th, 2012
9:28 pm
“If I’m elected president, I’ll make sure that RomneyCare is the only Healthcare in town.” – Mittens
TaxPayer
February 28th, 2012
9:30 pm
Ron Paul wins Alaska.
Soothsayer
February 28th, 2012
9:31 pm
Little Rickie Sanitarium leads the charge!
They BOTH suck
February 28th, 2012
9:31 pm
News update
GA’s own Newt………. Didn’t win……… Again
Joseph
February 28th, 2012
9:33 pm
I guess since the GOP is poised to win 10 Senate seats 9 won’t be so bad….
AmVet
February 28th, 2012
9:34 pm
So the second half of Georgia’s Dumb and Dumber is toast after tonight.
Soon, he can go back and join his nitwit buddy, Herman and do what they do best – b*tch about how nobody treats them fairly.
The funniest part of this charade is how the faithful here speak in their delusional tongues as if the GOP Titanic is going to heal itself…
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:34 pm
Come on Romney…..
Mick
February 28th, 2012
9:35 pm
sink
you think
don’t blink
never wrong
your song
be mean
hate green
nasty thought
party bought
your screed
rich greed
that is ok
makes your day
hating the ilk
is your silk
another day
waste away….
Matti
February 28th, 2012
9:35 pm
Had McCain’s people picked a strong, sensible Republican woman like Snowe in their attempt to appeal to the dissed Hillary faithful, his campaign would have gone much differently. Instead, they sent us this message: “Hey! Hey, GALS! Pssst! Over here! It’s me, the war hero! Yeah, c’mere a sec. I know you feel bad right now, but listen — I LIKE WOMEN TOO! In fact, I’m putting a woman on MY ticket because that’s how much I respect women! C’mere! No, no, listen! You’re gonna LOVE her. She’s a REAL woman. She’s everything a woman should be!”
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:36 pm
Amvet 9:34
Unless all the GA democrats go vote for the Newtonium
Soothsayer
February 28th, 2012
9:37 pm
Mick! That’s perfect!
You could almost dance to it!
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:37 pm
Mick is bored apparently……
They BOTH suck
February 28th, 2012
9:38 pm
Jm
Should Dems vote in the Republican Primary just as the right campaigned for Republicans to vote in the Democratic Primary last election?
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:39 pm
Matti
McCain didn’t think through the VP nom well. It may have cost him the race, but not likely.
However, that is not what he was saying.
Soothsayer
February 28th, 2012
9:40 pm
Poor, ol’ Fish Sandwich — tired of self-flagellation — stumbles into the “Great Satan” Bookman’s blog for his dose of abuse. It satisfies some need that he has.
bman
February 28th, 2012
9:40 pm
“bman is a commie”
nah .. .. but I am a realist
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:40 pm
Tbs
I have mixed feelings about cross party voting frankly
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:41 pm
Tbs
There are a lot of pros to open primaries, if it isn’t abused
Boris Badnoff
February 28th, 2012
9:42 pm
If some of you had stayed awake in history class you would know that Thomas Jefferson was a Republican. The other party was the Federalist.
Every day blessings are showered on me by the brilliant economic policies of The Messiah that has produced our robust and flourishing economy with full employment and a booming housing market. For instance, in my checking account through frugality and Spartan living I have a grand total of $ 32,000. Last month I got 25 cents as the interest on that account. Since a stamp cost 40 something cents I can’t even write The Bearer of Light to thank him for the big 25 cents. Just think, if I get my savings up to $ 96,000 I’ll get a whole buck.
So there is no snow in Maine? I’ve been there. There’s plenty of snow. You think us hillybillies are xenophobic you ought to see those people. Either you’re from Maine or you are from Away.
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:43 pm
MI could be a nail biter……
I hope they can count these votes before too long
Do they have electronic balloting in MI?
Mick
February 28th, 2012
9:43 pm
jm
nothing there
your square
lots of air
blank stare
who care?
F. Sinkwich
February 28th, 2012
9:43 pm
Mick is freestylin’
It sucked.
Keep your day job, er…welfare check, dude.
They BOTH suck
February 28th, 2012
9:43 pm
Jm
The “chickens may be coming home to roost” in terms of cross party voting………… The right calculated incorrectly and pushed for Repubs to vote for Obama…….. We know how that worked out……
Those who backed that tactic should be ok with it now
I know you said you are not ok with it, but many were
Ninja
February 28th, 2012
9:44 pm
“If some of you had stayed awake in history class you would know that Thomas Jefferson was a Republican. The other party was the Federalist. ”
Man, the schools are failing.
Liberal Pariah
February 28th, 2012
9:45 pm
Another Liberal retires….good riddance.Of course it will hurt as she had an R by her name but conservative she wasn’t.
Selah
F. Sinkwich
February 28th, 2012
9:45 pm
I like Burma Shave better.
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:45 pm
Boris
Financial dweebs like Bill Gross refer to what you are suffering as “financial repression”
You have a right to earn a return on your savings, reward for your hard work. But you can’t because the government is artificially reducing interest rates
The government is the problem
F. Sinkwich
February 28th, 2012
9:47 pm
“Another Liberal retires….good riddance.”
There ain’t as many of ‘em as there was awhile ago….
They BOTH suck
February 28th, 2012
9:47 pm
“You have a right to earn a return on your savings”
Really? A “right”?
Kamchak
February 28th, 2012
9:47 pm
If I’m not mistaken, Mick is riffing on Numb by U2 sung by The Edge.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWHwI-Hvpzo
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:48 pm
Tbs
I’m ok with it to an extent, when it’s honest and not deliberate obfuscation of elections
It helps pull candidates to the center if they have to appeal to moderates
But to deliberately throw an election is bad in my book
It may portend future “closed primaries”
Which is probably fine, but perhaps not ideal
Mick
February 28th, 2012
9:49 pm
sink
nothing to say
loser at play
welfare fool
corporate tool
sit on your stool
while you drool
about nothing…
AmVet
February 28th, 2012
9:49 pm
Boris and Jm, there are two kinds of Republicans – millionaires and suckers.
And you boys ain’t millionaires.
But you do want to mooch off of Uncle Sugar like the millionaires do…
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:51 pm
Tbs
Many economists would argue the government has no right setting THE RATE of return you get
Of course you may earn less, more, or lose a bunch. But the principle is that the government is over manipulating markets
I’m guessing you don’t get this….. Whatever
Kamchak
February 28th, 2012
9:51 pm
There are a lot of pros to open primaries, if it isn’t abused
My parents, staunch conservatives, have voted in Dem primaries years before you were even born, little boy.
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:52 pm
“And you boys ain’t millionaires.”
Close enough if rounding.
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:53 pm
Kam, o little brained, I don’t care
Mick
February 28th, 2012
9:54 pm
kamchak
Never saw that video or heard of that song; just got inspired by the endless vapid writings of the sink master – what a card!
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:55 pm
Woohoooooo Romney up by 20,000 votes
Still only 57% reporting, anything could still happen
But looking good, looking good……….
Jay may have to rewrite tomorrows post
Kamchak
February 28th, 2012
9:55 pm
Kam, o little brained, I don’t care
You care enough to be a little WATB when it’s your ox getting gored, sport.
They BOTH suck
February 28th, 2012
9:55 pm
Jm
I do get it… Don’t over inflate yourself or underestimate others because of political differences…………
Whatever??? wow
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:56 pm
“imagine the aftermath…..”
Silly jay hyperbole
Jm
February 28th, 2012
9:57 pm
Tbs
Glad you get it. The pro typical response is “pure BS” around here, so excuse my skepticism
AmVet
February 28th, 2012
9:57 pm
Mick, between him and the near millionaire, jm, it’s a real laughfest around here.
And as Paul has noted, that is the great thing about the Internet – you get to be whoever you want to be. (Just in case the real you sucks!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqZUzXKDVx8
Jm
February 28th, 2012
10:00 pm
Tbs
And political differences would never be a real determinant of intellect in my book (despite my “liberals are dumb” line)
Instead, it’s about: can you defend your position, can you acknowledge facts that may contravene your position, and do you adjust your thinking or instead just put the blinders on (as many do here)
bman
February 28th, 2012
10:01 pm
“that is the great thing about the Internet – you get to be whoever you want to be. (Just in case the real you sucks!)”
i’m a GREAT looking white male looking for asian women (plural) a + if you know how to make sushi.
Jm
February 28th, 2012
10:01 pm
“near millionaire”
funny
It could all disappear tomorrow. Especially the way things are going these days…..
Jm
February 28th, 2012
10:03 pm
Any of you folks live inside the city limits?
Mick
February 28th, 2012
10:03 pm
jm
Excuse me but uhh…..why are you such an overt sycophant for romney? He is in fact a decent man and not a total nut job like newt or rickey but the fact of the matter is that if he were to become president, all these great things you think he will do will not happen unless he gets both the house and the senate. On top of that, the loser republican party has laid out the blueprint on how the minority party can thwart the majority. So if you really like your fantasy mittsiah world, don’t ever wake up…
Doggone/Ga
February 28th, 2012
10:03 pm
“(Just in case the real you sucks!)”
Or “especially when….”?
Keep Up--Te gusta losing woofinpoofs?
February 28th, 2012
10:03 pm
And political differences would never be a real determinant of intellect in my book (despite my “liberals are dumb” line)
Instead, it’s about: can you defend your position, can you acknowledge facts that may contravene your position, and do you adjust your thinking or instead just put the blinders on (as many do here)
Okay, who is the smartarse who decided to try to impersonate Jm and “reform” his posts….. is it April Fool’s already?
Jm
February 28th, 2012
10:04 pm
40-36
Come on Romney………….
They BOTH suck
February 28th, 2012
10:04 pm
Jm
I do
AmVet
February 28th, 2012
10:06 pm
bmam, turn ons – poetry, rainstorms and animal lovers. Turnoffs – pushy people and dishonesty.
I find it hysterical when people come on this forum and try to convince everyone how much money they have or how many women they have or…
The Boobery Pirates…
Jm
February 28th, 2012
10:08 pm
Keep up
Mick. Good question.
Im not counting on republicans winning everything. I think Romney can work reasonably well with many of the democrats (though not all) as he had to in MA.
I think he has a variety of talents that would be excellent to see in a president. I think I’ve listed them before but I’m happy to again.
I know the POTUS isn’t dictator, I think Romney can craft reasonable, responsible policies that get crafted into legislation.
Keep Up--Te gusta losing woofinpoofs?
February 28th, 2012
10:09 pm
Dang it Am…. Are you challenging Kam’s claim to Morgan Fairchild? Or mine to Anne Hathaway? You know we met in Whole Foods. The one in my private jet.
Mick
February 28th, 2012
10:10 pm
amvet
I view this place as an extension of my real world person. Contrary to what the sinkman spews, I have never collected welfare, had food stamps or any gov’t assistance my whole life. Well, I did collect a gov’t check for serving my country, I’m cool with that whole experience. I’m still digging the soundtrack of our lives and appreciate all the great nuggets that you and many others select here. Life is good, why not enjoy it? Life is too short for all the arse holes to try to hog the scene…
Jm
February 28th, 2012
10:10 pm
Tbs
How’s your water bill these days?
Have you thought about how to vote on the sales tax referendum for water and sewer?
moonbat betty
February 28th, 2012
10:11 pm
Enter your comments here
moonbat betty
February 28th, 2012
10:12 pm
Paul knows BBQ, right?
Jm
February 28th, 2012
10:12 pm
42-37 with 67% reporting
Still to early…….. But
Kamchak
February 28th, 2012
10:13 pm
Dang it Am…. Are you challenging Kam’s claim to Morgan Fairchild?
I dumped her for Sarah Shahi.
And Catalina Otalvaro on alternate days.
moonbat betty
February 28th, 2012
10:13 pm
Jm,it really doesn’t matter what happens in MI. They’re a bunch of liberals!
bman
February 28th, 2012
10:14 pm
“The Boobery Pirates…”
I’ve never heard this term before. I like it though
Kamchak
February 28th, 2012
10:14 pm
Enter your comments anywhere else but here
AmVet
February 28th, 2012
10:15 pm
Keep, for some reason I never run into celebs.
One time years ago, I shook hands with Max Cleland going into a Morrison’s Cafeteria. (What a thrill to meet a true hero.)
Mick, love your joie de vivre…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3sMjm9Eloo
moonbat betty
February 28th, 2012
10:17 pm
You’re so cute Kamchak.
F
U