About that Letter/A Letter, A Rebuttal, and a Response

 

I have waited for several weeks, in a vain hope against reality, for Doug Thomas to show some modicum of integrity and honesty to clarify just exactly what was meant by the supposed “letter of endorsement” from Governor LePage. Surprised that LePage would create an appearance of aligning himself against a strong political ally such as Paul Davis, I contacted various sources close to the Governor. Given Thomas’ abysmal performance in the last primary, I was hard pressed to believe that LePage would take such a calamitous political risk in challenging Senator Paul Davis, who enjoys strong popularity, influence, and strength of reputation, with no signs of diminishing.

I was able to contact those close to the Governor; in fact, seated right next to the Governor, who answered my questions and confirmed my suspicions. Governor LePage was given to believe, when he wrote the letter, that Paul Davis was retiring and would not seek reelection. He has assured me that had he known that Senator Davis would seek another term, he would not have written that letter.

I would have hoped that Mr. Thomas would have been honest with voters of Senate District 4. He has not, but sadly, this is just another in a pattern of dishonest acts from the former Senator. So here is the simple truth; Governor LePage never intended to endorse Doug Thomas against Paul Davis. Paul Davis has Governor LePage’s full support and should have yours this July 14th.

Andy Torbett

Doug Thomas printed a rebuttal to my letter, which can be read at the Piscataquis Observer . Here is my response to that rebuttal:

A Letter, A Rebuttal, and a Response

It seems I need to offer a few words of explanation to Doug Thomas as to why I, my own person, view him as a dishonest person. First, let me thank Mr. Thomas for his rebuttal to my former letter, which offers a clear case in point to my assertions and beliefs. Let us move forward and step by step dissect the half-truths and downright lies in this rebuttal.

Thomas tries to immediately pivot to blame his opponent, Paul Davis, for my letter and past letters against him. Paul Davis has never been involved with The Maine Conservative Voice or any of my opinion letters. I stand on my own merit, beliefs, and opinions for better or for worse.

I did write fund raising letters and “Get Out The Vote” letters for Senator Davis, a service which I also did for Doug Thomas when he was Senator. I did get paid a consulting fee for that service, but these are not opinion or activist articles. I have my billings, receipts, and copies of the letters.

After a lengthy history on his endorsement letter, Doug Thomas claims that I am questioning the reality of this letter. I have done no such thing; in fact, my letter was an acknowledgment that it does exist. I was disappointed, however, Mr. Thomas had not provided better clarity to it.

Neither do I refute that Governor LePage stands by it. I would have advised the Governor to do just that. Rescinding the letter would have made him look weak, but some clarification from Thomas would have gone a long way towards honesty.

I have never done a radio ad. Not with Paul Davis. Not with anyone.

Paul Davis has been nothing but respectful in public appearances to any of his opponents, including Doug Thomas. I believe Paul Davis referred to Thomas as a chameleon in an interview, can’t be sure. A chameleon is not a skunk, not even close, and I’m sure about that.

I am the one who has questioned Doug Thomas’ honesty and integrity, not Paul Davis. Senator Davis has no idea of what I write, although I’m sure it makes him a little uncomfortable when he reads it. The “anyone that opposes them” is simply opposing Doug Thomas, that’s all, and this rebuttal from Thomas only solidifies my personal opinion that he is not fit to represent the good people of District 4.

Andy Torbett

Atkinson

Letter to the Editor

The cover up continues in Piscataquis County. The Democrats and their media allies here are pitched in an effort to gain a foothold in The Red County. This has been sent to the Piscataquis  Observer, The Eastern Gazette, and the Bangor Daily. I’m not letting this go and I will not be silenced. They should know better by now.

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to express my genuine concern and frustration that the double standards we see played out on the national political stage have made their way into Piscataquis County. The requirements for a candidate to run for a house seat in Maine clearly read that the individual must reside in the district he or she wishes to represent for at least the 90 days/3 months directly preceding the election. This is to insure that local communities have local representation.

Reports have surfaced, with documented evidence, that Dr. Richard Evans has applied for and received Homestead exemption in the Town of Addison, ME, Washington County, which carries a requirement of residency in that town. To be clear, Addison is not even close to the District he is running for office in here in Piscataquis County. He has his mail sent to Dover-Foxcroft to give the appearance of residency in Piscataquis. Unfortunately for Dr. Evans, by rule, he cannot have it both ways.

Mr. Evans must make a choice. Does he want residency in Addison to maintain his tax exemption or does he want residency in Dover-Foxcroft to run for political office? Whatever his choice, the facts are clear, he cannot run for office in Piscataquis County now.

In the end, the fault lies with the Democrat Party. So used to a double standard, Democrats operate under the assumption that the rules do not apply to them and the media will always run cover. There is a way to end the double standard and that is to vote in November against the dishonesty of the Democrat Party!

Andy Torbett

Atkinson ME