PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER Maine)-- This week on "Political Brew," NEWS CENTER Maine political analysts Phil Harriman and John Richardson say justices of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court were right to scold the legislature for not resolving problems with Ranked Choice Voting.
During a hearing this past week, the lawyer representing the Maine Senate was asked why this matter was before the Law Court instead of being settled at the State House.
Richardson says the legislature has been paralyzed over ranked choice.
Lawmakers did manage to tackle another long simmering issue, voting strongly in favor of legislation to establish rules for marijuana sales.
But our analysts say the matter is not settled yet.
Harriman says "I would not be surprised if Gov. LePage vetoed the legislation."
And Richardson points out that while the initial votes were by veto-proof margins, "that doesn't mean people can't be lobbied in the hallway to change their minds at the last moment."
They also point out that the conflict between state and federal drug law could continue to be a problem.
Harriman and Richardson also discuss Rep. Bruce Poliquin's support this week for a balanced budget amendment, after voting for the recent tax reform bill which Richardson says "blows a hole in the budget." He believes Poliquin is trying to mend fences with fiscal conservatives before the fall election.
Our analysts also tackle the entry of an independent into the first district Congressional race, the political tensions surrounding the mayor of Waterville, and the impact of Speaker of the House Paul Ryan announcing he will not seek re-election.
Political Brew airs Sundays on The Morning Report