Republican lawmakers defend column against charges of plagiarism

[MaineDem]

LEWISTON — It’s a familiar story. Too familiar.

So familiar, in fact, you might think you’ve read it before.

Several Maine Republican House members have taken credit for writing a guest column that has appeared in newspapers around the state under different bylines.

The same column, almost word for word, appeared under the bylines of Republican Reps. Bruce Hanley, David Trahan, Larry Jacobsen and Sally Lewin in three different newspapers on three different days. The column, deeply critical of Gov. John Baldacci’s handling of the installation of a computer system in the Department of Health and Human Services, was published Aug. 24 under the names of Rep. David Trahan of Waldoboro and Rep. Larry Jacobsen of Waterboro in the Lincoln County News.

The same column appeared in the Norway Advertiser Democrat on Sept. 7 under the name of Rep. Bruce Hanley of Paris.

Then, on Sept. 12, it appeared in the Portsmouth Herald, this time credited to Rep. Sally Lewin of Eliot.

When asked about the column, two of the supposed writers said the same thing: That’s my column and I’m sticking to it.

http://www.sunjournal.com/index.php?t=3&storyid=176718

I'm afraid the newspaper requires registration. bugmenot.com can be used.

The article goes on to say the headline, wording, even punctuation were identical. Do these Republican legislators think the readers are stupid? (Rhetorical question, I know.)

[gratuitous]

1. So if you vote for Tweedledum and Tweedledummer . . .

You'll get four noodleheads for the legislature who can't think for themselves. Seems the oppo ad practically writes itself.

[boobooday]

2. It came from the Ministry of Truth!

Speaking with one voice: America's new Totalitarians.