Paul LePage, Maine's just inaugurated Governor, just couldn't contain his enthusiasm to give his rabid base what they wanted -- a big dish of fresh red meat. We are not a state overwhelmed with immigration issues -- hell we haven't yet erected fences against our foreign neighbors -- those clever Canadians (some of whom don't even speak English!), but that didn't stop Paul LePage from issuing his first Executive Order -- one that takes us a step into Brewer-land and rescinds an Order from former Governor John Baldacci that prohibits state officials from inquiring about immigration status when providing services. The press announcement about the Executive Order was trumpeted, but unfortunately the actual order was unavailable to the press -- it was still being drafted. He just couldn't dish the red meat up fast enough!
Maybe it was a surprising first act -- but I think it signals that the ride ahead may be a wild one. Here's a press link to the story. It certainly has some heads spinning, but this is a Governor intent on sending a message. Response was quick and predictable. The usually more moderate Republican Senate President Kevin Raye (a former Olympia Snowe Chief of Staff) sprang to the defense of the action indicating that it sends just the right message to people who may think they can take advantage of Maine's generosity.
The civil liberties leadership offered statements of concern about potential profiling and targeting of people of color -- who are rare enough as is in lily white Maine.
Perhaps the shrewdest comment came from the House Minority Leader, Democrat Emily Cain who just asked benignly, "why the rush?" She pointed out that LePage had not even appointed senior officials who would be responsible for enforcing the policy, so there was no one to talk to about the implications of the policy. Expecting rationality and thoughtfulness from this tea party administration may be a vain hope.
When one reporter asked for the information on the scope of the problem that had precipitated this hasty action, instead of crickets he got assurances that meaningful anecdotes may soon follow. Obviously red meat must be served up fast -- even before the crowd starts to howl for it.
Unfortunately, there will be more dispatches from Maine as this administration gets into high gear. Probably more interesting to observe from afar than for the people who will have to live with the consequences. At least we are close to the border if it gets too bad ....