On Maine Politics

 The Maine Democratic Party came out swinging today at Republican Les Otten, accusing him of “blatant plagiarism” on his Web site.

 Rep. Dawn Hill, D -York, will drop off her paperwork to the ethics commission Wednesday to officially enter the governor’s race, according to a statement she released today.

 Secretary of State Matt Dunlap put out four ballot questions Friday that are now subject to a 30-day comment period.

 The Wall Street Journal ran a short piece on its editorial page today praising Maine as a place that "cuts tax rates on the rich."

  Les Otten, a former ski industry owner and former minority partner of the Boston Red Sox, is scheduled to announce the formation of a gubernatorial exploratory committee next week.

 Peter Cianchette is coming back to Maine now that his time as U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica has ended, according to a release from the embassy.

 Maine Republican Party Chairman Charlie Webster filed his application for a people’s veto question of the tax overhaul law this afternoon, following up on a promise he made earlier this

 Jesse Connolly, chief of staff for House Speaker Hannah Pingree, is taking a leave of absence from his job this summer to manage the gay-marriage referendum campaign, Maine Freedom to Marry a

 Stateline.org put out a handy roundup today of how other states dealt with miserable budget years, from raising taxes on bourbon in Kentucky to closing 220 state parks in California.

 Gov. John Baldacci held a ceremonial bill signing Monday on L.D.