Severin Beliveau

Latest Articles

Hating the government you lead

LePage's inauguration
The Augusta Civic Center lobby swarmed with soldiers, security guards, legislators, lobbyists, and Republican ladies in nice dresses with "Volunteer" badges.
By LANCE TAPLEY | May 26, 2011

Foolish dreams

Maine Democratic Party offers a lot of freebies, beer is not one of them
There’s nothing in the Maine Democratic Party’s platform about free beer.
By AL DIAMON | May 26, 2010

Cleaning up Maine's sleaze

Politicians have left it to the people
When tourists admire Maine's picturesque waterfronts, they aren't close enough to smell the barrels reeking with rotting lobster bait.
By LANCE TAPLEY | March 18, 2009

Taking from the poor

Democratic lawmakers show their Republican values
What values do Maine’s Democrats hold?
By LANCE TAPLEY | May 07, 2008

A “good” tax break in the making

Historic rehab
Legislative leadership supports it, and so does Governor John Baldacci. Last year, the Taxation Committee gave it a unanimous “ought to pass” report. It looks golden.
By LANCE TAPLEY | February 20, 2008

Everyone’s a neocon now

Looking back on state politics — and forward
In the eight years I’ve covered the State House for the Portland Phoenix, I’ve been struck by the depressingly constant themes.
By LANCE TAPLEY | December 21, 2007

Jackpot

Why is the state's gambling watchdog getting a bite of slot-machine profits?
Three years ago, state government hired Scientific Games Corporation, its long-time lottery contractor, to monitor the slot-machine receipts at the state’s first casino.
By LANCE TAPLEY | June 06, 2007

Giving up

What’s the matter with Maine progressives?
Lobbyists in the Maine State House outnumber legislators and do everything from write laws to raise political-campaign funds, so regulating lobbyists has long been a progressive priority.
By LANCE TAPLEY | March 02, 2006