Will the budget shortfall affect the elections?

[Shorebound]

The Press Herald has a front-page story this morning about the worsening revenue shortfall. There's already talk of more budget cuts and layoffs and possible tax increases. The GOP must be salivating at the thought of being able to hang layoffs and tax increases around our necks going into next November's legislative elections. (Never mind next November; my Republican neighbor was nagging me about it yesterday.) Anyone have some insights into how to handle this, or if it will hurt us at the polls?

Press Herald story:

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=157241&ac=PHnws

Maine's revenue shortfall may grow
More spending cuts, and possibly tax increases, may be necessary if the shaky economy cuts into income.

By PAUL CARRIER, Staff Writer December 22, 2007

AUGUSTA — It's too soon to make predictions, but the state's $95 million budget shortfall could get worse in the months ahead if the economy remains soft and volatile.

And if that happens, the governor and the Legislature will have to make tougher choices than those they face already.

[luckyleftyme2]

1. not a chance

all this flak when we all know the state hasn't recovered from "BUSHCO" CUTTING ALL THE STATES FUNDING FOR PROGRAMS IN PROGRESS. how soon the right forget that his act of stupidity
nearly bankrupted the country. Sparsely populated states like maine were swamped with debt overnight.
NO THE BITTER TASTE OF THIS NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION WILL TAKE YEARS TO FORGET.
NEGATIVITY BREEDS CONTEMPT-
the national debt load is draining all states!

[jpak]

2. nope

State budget shortfalls happen all the time - it's not a *Maine* or *Democratic* problem.

If, however, Baldacci *raised* taxes (and did not make spending cuts) to cover the shortfall, Republicans could salivate - but that hasn't happened and it won't happen...and any future problems can be blamed on the Bush economy and federal GOP policies and legislation.

More people care about their heating bills right now than Maine's budget shortfall - they see ChimpCo and the GOP holding LIHEAP funding, giving hugh!!!!11 tax breaks to Big Oil - when gas and heating oil is >$3 a gallon - and fighting homeowner renewable energy and energy conservation tax credits tooth and nail.

Your republic neighbor better hope for an Algore Global Warming winter from here on out...

[luckyleftyme2]

3. I knew I read this somewhere

he was over today complaining about the price of oil and gas. he still thinks the
republicans are great. he now watches his mileage and curtails his driving to a min.
between him and his wife they drive over a 100 miles a day to work and back.
I FEEL SORRY FOR YOUNG COUPLES THAT HAVE TO TRAVEL A LONG DISTANCE TO WORK.
It has to be tough on the pocketbook!