Timing is everything

Rep. Gary Moore, R-Standish, ended his bid for re-election in Maine House District 102 Tuesday in a decision remarkable mostly for its poor timing.

Saying dealing with the administration of Gov. Baldacci was “a hopeless endeavor,” and that “two more years of attempting to do that seemed pointless,” Moore effectively handed the district over to Democratic challenger Mike Shaw after it had been safely Republican for more than a decade.

Given the near 2-1 Democratic majority in the House, the lack of meaningful tax reform, the failure of the Dirigo Health to help even 10 percent of those it was designed to assist and 11th hour tax hikes passed to help save the sinking health plan, Moore’s frustration is justified.

It is his timing that is abysmal. How could the frustration he cites not have been evident in July when he could have stepped down in favor of another candidate? Or four weeks ago when his name could have been removed from the ballot?

In the six years he has served, Moore has been ebullient and opinionated, including the occasion he played the race card in attacking foes of a plan to allow the Passamaquoddy Tribe to operate a racino.

For a short time, Moore was also a Lakes Region Weekly reporter but left after Shaw withdrew from the 2006 race that was marred by a mistake where voters were given the wrong ballots. When Shaw withdrew, a recount showed Moore ahead by six votes.

While wishing Moore the best, House Minority Leader Josh Tardy, R-Newport, said Moore’s decision had “an adverse impact on the right of the citizens to choose.” Standish Republicans are left with little ability to find someone who would like to stand up to the Baldacci administration, something Moore should have considered even if he no longer felt the drive to serve.

As a former school district superintendent and after six years in the Legislature, there is no doubt Moore has earned some quiet time if he wants it. He said he will work to get Sen. Susan Collins re-elected and for the election of the GOP ticket of Sen. John McCain and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

But has his late exit from the race done more disservice to his party than his future intentions to help it?

An invitation

In the next two weeks, The Lakes Region Weekly, The Sebago Lakes Chamber of Commerce, and The Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce will sponsor two forums for local legislative candidates.

The first comes Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. at Windham High School. The second will be held Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. at Lake Region High School.

With so much press dedicated to races for national offices, the forums offer a great chance to learn what candidates believe are the most important local issues and how they will address them.

Please plan to attend the forums. To quote the late Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, “All politics is local.”

David Harry, editor