Discussion: LePage's Best Argument In Veto Fight Could Also Cause The Most Chaos

system1 · July 30, 2015, 8:37pm

Discussion for article #238940

losamigos · July 30, 2015, 10:06pm

Not surprising that LePage is willing to bury the state o’ Maine and its finances in order to make a personal political point. I thank my relatives who voted for the 3rd party candidate allowing for the continuation of this monstrosity.

1972gd · July 30, 2015, 10:46pm

I’m glad TPM is covering this situation in the in-depth manner it is. My only quibble - as far as I can tell Maine is already in chaos. Granted, up-ending the budget would take it to another level, but I wouldn’t know how else to characterize what’s been going on here for the last month.

"“At this point of conflict between the Legislative and Executive Branches, it is vital that one branch, here the Legislature, not use its powers, including the power of adjournment, to frustrate the Governor’s constitutionally granted veto authority.” My irony meter exploded when I read that.

jcblues · July 30, 2015, 10:48pm

“You look up and down the bench and you have to say to yourself, Can’t anybody here play this game?” — Casey Stengel

ryokyo · July 30, 2015, 10:54pm

I’ve said it before. Thank you Elliot Cutler.
Maine’s Governor ought to be Michaud, not LeCrazy.

blue_bear · July 30, 2015, 11:00pm

I have not read the briefs, so I am relying on TPM for the coverage.

From what is in the article, I don’t see the Court buying this argument. Unless there is a clear statement in the statute that the session had to be extended prior to the deadline, then I think that it is up to the Legislature how to run its internal affairs, which is what this is, and the Court is very unlikely to tread into that territory.

I have never thought much of the “prevent” argument advanced by the Governor. The temporary adjournment stated clearly that they could be called back to deal with any vetoes issued by the Governor during the break. So, he could not have been prevented. The legislative staff’s attempts to reach out to the Governor’s office before the 10-day deadline passed is icing on the cake.

clunkertruck · July 30, 2015, 11:06pm

Ten days LaPage is practicing magic – Gonna try and pull a rabbit out of the hat —

bankerpup · July 30, 2015, 11:33pm

Here’s the relevant para–
The first regular session of the Legislature, after its convening, shall adjourn no later than the 3rd Wednesday in June and the 2nd regular session of the Legislature shall adjourn no later than the 3rd Wednesday in April. The Legislature, in case of emergency, may by a vote of 2/3 of the members of each House present and voting, extend the date for adjournment for the first or 2nd regular session by no more than 5 legislative days, and in case of further emergency, may by a vote of 2/3 of the members of each House present and voting, further extend the date for adjournment by 5 additional legislative days. The times for adjournment for the first and 2nd regular sessions may also be extended for one additional legislative day for the purpose of considering possible objections of the Governor to any bill or resolution presented to him by the Legislature under the Constitution, Article IV, Part Third, Section 2.
http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/3/title3sec2.html

The Maine legislature glossary of terms defines “adjournment” as “The end of the legislative day.” I (a non-lawyer) interpret that to mean adjournment is determined by the lege, and not by the clock or the governor. But it’ll be fascinating to see how it turns out.

bankerpup · July 30, 2015, 11:37pm

I am reminded of the old Bullwinkle gag.

clunkertruck · July 30, 2015, 11:41pm

Too too funny –

jcblues · July 30, 2015, 11:50pm

yeah… but even the Moose isn’t strong enough to pull that bloated blowhard outta the hat…

blue_bear · July 31, 2015, 1:23am

Thanks for providing that. After reading the section, I still doubt that the Court will wade into the internal functioning of the legislative branch. They tend to be loath to do so, and I think that the easier conclusion is that the Governor blew it. Also, it could lead to ambiguity in the future as to the effectiveness of certain acts. What if they pass their last piece of business at 2 a.m. on the evening of the 3rd Wednesday in June. Is that the end of the day? Have they acted legally? I think that the Court will leave it to the legislative branch when they are in session and when they are not as that is fundamentally a functional determination made by the legislative branch.

orangelobster · July 31, 2015, 2:33am

Sorry to hi-jack this thread but as a Prime subscriber, I am furious you make me see NewsMax propaganda. Turn the shit off. Thank you.

neal_anderthal · July 31, 2015, 2:40am

Either way Governor Cochon looses. Either he losses outright or he throws the state government into total chaos. When do the impeachment proceedings start? A job is a precious thing in Maine where jobs are hard to come by (especially good ones) for Governor Cochon to publicly kill a job for someone using the power of the state’s purse strings is an abomination and cause good for tarring and feathering a scoundrel in the old days.

midnight_rambler · July 31, 2015, 3:09am

Either he losses outright or he throws the state government into total chaos.

He would see the latter as a win. It’s what he’s been trying to do all along.

sufi66 · July 31, 2015, 6:15am

No end to the man’s recklessness. Just like CC in NJ.

beattycat · July 31, 2015, 10:34am

What a massive ass boil, this man.

kenstarr · July 31, 2015, 11:50am

Oh, feel the love…

Congratulations, GOP - YOU BUILT THAT!

captaincommonsense · July 31, 2015, 12:00pm

Thanks again, Eliot Cutler.

bd2999 · July 31, 2015, 12:08pm

Not entirely sure what he is trying to prove one way or another. The legislature can pretty much override his vetos anyway. Seems like he is just wanting to cause problems now because he is stubborn.