While on the campaign trail I will be listening to a great many people, going all over the District and the country, and absorbing like a sponge all that I experience.
"Dean's Diary" will be my effort to keep all of you in the loop; to share what I see, hear and learn on the trail.
I will also share some non-political observations from time to time so you may get to know me a little better along the way. I look forward to hearing what you think.
I feel as if I am applying for the least popular
job in the world. As I speak to Mainers across the
District, they consistently tell me how disappointed
they are with the performance of Congress. These personal
conversations mirror the historically low approval
ratings that national polls give Congress.
Recently, one Maine business owner took the conversation
a step further. He suggested that Congress is overpaid
and this overpayment results in a lack of motivation
to solve the problems that face the nation. In fact,
Congress recently gave themselves a 4% pay increase
while simultaneously withdrawing the funding for the
border fence!
Now a Congressman’s annual salary is up to $175,000.
Plus the most attractive benefits package in the world.
And the most paid Holidays in the workforce. And the
longest vacations in the nation! My business-owner
friend observed how once in office, members of congress
tend to have as much job security as a tenured teacher.
Also, consider how insulated a member of congress
is during a turbulent economic period – “Must be nice,”
the business owner said.
Members of congress, and many of the candidates for
congress in this 1st District race, seem more like
the CEOs they often complain about for over paying
themselves. What makes their position so hypocritical
is that, while the private markets actually require
the participation of the investors, the board members
and the stockholders, members of Congress are allowed
to act unilaterally with our tax dollars, regardless
of the consequences for the company. In this case
the “company” is the United States of America.
In the real world, the worse a business performs
the less the executives make. This common sense formula,
for some reason, is not applied to government. How
motivated toward success can employees be who make
a flat salary of $175,000 per year, with benefits
guaranteed for life, and more vacation time than a
college professor?! Imagine how completely different
a member of Congress’s performance might be if their
pay was attached to their performance. Since the Supreme
Court has already rejected the idea of federal term
limits for congress, perhaps performance-based pay
is the next, best alternative.
I pledge that in my first term of Congress I will
introduce the following pieces of Legislation:
1) Performance-based Pay for Members of Congress
– I will introduce legislation that will reduce the
pay for members of Congress. This legislation will
also eliminate the guaranteed lifetime benefits of
its members. How many of us, after having a job for
two years, qualify for a lifetime of benefits? This
legislation will show the true motivation of those
holding office, separating those who are there for
service from those who are there for show. It is time
we were able to distinguish between the career politician
and the concerned public servant.
2) Earmarks – Instead of doling out money freely,
members of congress should be charged for each earmark
they propose. It is one thing to offer up endless
lists of expensive gifts for those in your District,
another entirely to have your pay docked for each
one you propose.
3) Entitlement Spending – We are teetering on the
brink of economic collapse. For years we have heard
members of congress suggest that failure to curtail
our entitlement spending will bury us in record deficits.
However, each term they fail, and they fail not by
a slim margin, but by ever-widening margins. Yet somehow
they are compensated nonetheless, and even grant themselves
a pay raise. As we spiral towards economic collapse,
they will be paid even more. This needs to be changed.
Our elected officials must feel the pain that the
average American taxpayer feels. I will introduce
legislation that will allow people to have the choice
to invest their own savings toward their retirement.
4) Border Fence Funding – In December funding for
the border fence was pulled from the budget. Illegal
immigration continues to strain our country financially
and threaten our national security. I will make it
a priority to re-introduce legislation to finance
the border fence while addressing the larger issue
of illegal immigration crisis.
5) Education – We know for a fact that the quality
of an education is not directly related any involvement
from the federal Department of Education. More important
by far is the direct involvement of the parents. I
will introduce legislation that will encourage states
to adopt school choice, provide vouchers, develop
charter schools and slowly return parents rights to
determine the education for their children, not the
Department of Education.
6) Reduce the Size of Government – Any plan to reform
government, create hope or bring about real change
must focus first on reducing the size and scope of,
and our growing dependence upon government. I will
introduce legislation that begins reducing the size
of government by creating the U.S. Tech Corp. Prior
Presidents have encouraged our best and brightest
minds to tackle society’s greatest challenges, both
at home and across the globe. While honorable, these
programs often involved government offices. I will
introduce legislation that encourages our best and
brightest students at the high school level to integrate
with the best and brightest minds in Information Technology
and business. Together the combination of youth and
experience will discover new and exciting ways to
make government more efficient by adapting the operational,
informational and technical efficiencies of business
and applying them to government. It is indeed time
that we operate government more like a business.
7) Making the Bush tax cuts permanent – This is a
must. Very simply, individuals who do not understand
that tax cuts create wealth should not be trusted
with the authority to make decisions that impact our
national economy.
8) Repeal the Death Tax – Again, it is very simple.
In my opinion, elected officials who support taxing
your wealth on the occasion of your death should not
be allowed to hold office. It is an un-American concept.
Taxing your property when you die is anti-family,
and is the equivalent of government-sponsored theft.
9) Reduce Governments Carbon Footprint – Finally,
I would like to see the government begin to outsource
itself. Many of the functions performed by the typical
government bureaucrat can be done anywhere in the
country by people with access to a phone line and
the Internet. There is no need to continue the ‘last
generation’ exercise of sending tens of thousands
of bureaucrats to and from D.C. everyday when most
of these functions can be seamlessly outsourced.
Both environmentalists and economists can agree that
a smaller, streamlined government will significantly
reduce operational costs and carbon emissions. In
the modern economy, the real world, businesses are
getting smaller, faster and more efficient. We can
no longer afford to accept government as a perpetual
growth machine. We do not need to invent the model;
companies all over the world are already doing this.
I will submit legislation requiring the reduction
of the carbon footprint of government. As your Congressman,
I will fight to reduce the size of government, and
subsequently its influence in our daily lives, with
new and modern ideas.
When I was growing up in Kittery,
the bellowing sound of the Shipyard whistle that marked
the changing shifts served as a constant and comforting
reminder of the Yard’s presence. The Shipyard was
the center of the local community and even the greater
region for all who lived and worked there. For many
it still is. I remember my dad leaving early and returning
by the sound of the whistle each day. Many of my friend’s
fathers also worked at the Shipyard. The sense of
camaraderie was tangible throughout the community.
The town of Bath,
like Kittery, also has a proud legacy in shipbuilding. Bath
Iron Works has a shipbuilding legacy that spans
more than 120 years, from clipper ships to the next
generation modern navy, as reflected by the DDG
1000, the United States Navy's 21st Century multi-mission
destroyer. While the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard provides
much needed maintenance of our submarine fleet, Bath
builds new destroyer class vessels.
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“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
Proverbs 18:21.
What are your leaders telling you are? I have found
that the most telling difference between my message
as a Republican and the message of my Democratic opponents
is in our belief of who Mainers and Americans are
and what we believe we are capable of.
I believe Mainers and Americans are ruggedly self-reliant.
The people I meet on the campaign trail believe in
the ability of our families and communities to help
each other along. There is a shared belief in a deep,
inherent power of the individual to overcome obstacles
and achieve their goals. A strong belief in self,
family and community invariably translates into liberty,
freedom and less dependence upon the state. Individuals
with a healthy sense of self tend to be much too proud
to take hand outs in perpetuity from the state.
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A Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Message from Dean Scontras
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
daily for almost a month now. It is the story of a
boy who, as he gets older, begins to lose his belief
in the Magic of Christmas.
I think I was sixteen when I first watched “Eyes on the Prize” and had my first in-depth look at the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. My curiosity was piqued. As I became more interested in the legacy of Dr. King I observed that his remarks appealed to the mind through the heart. In Dr. King’s own words, “We shall so appeal to your hearts and conscience that we shall win you over in the process and our victory shall be a double victory.” His remarks are wonderful because they don’t simply aim to appeal to the obvious and the ordinary, the legal and the written, to the things we can see.
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THANK YOU AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
“Christmas casts its glow upon us, as it does every year. And it reminds us that we need not feel lonely because we are loved, loved with the greatest love there has ever been or ever will be.” —Ronald Reagan
As I have often said, Christmas is about children in so many ways. I am blessed with two beautiful children and they remind me almost hourly that Christmas is about children. This Christmas we have read and watched The Polar Express daily for almost a month now. It is the story of a boy who, as he gets older, begins to lose his belief in the Magic of Christmas.
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When I was growing up I took part in the rich tradition of high school basketball in Maine. Traveling up and down the Maine Turnpike during the campaign trail, I am reminded of the many bus rides, bouncing along with hoops hope of Augusta glory.
If you are a basketball fan you’ll recall Jimmy Valvano. Jimmy Valvano lead the 1983 NC State Wolfpack to an improbable victory over the much balley-hooed University of Houston, which at the time featured All-American and future NBA star Hakeem Olajuwan. NC State, in stark contrast, was a merry band of no-names. NC State won on a remarkable last second play, which featured an airball that missed from way outside, and was caught and dunked by Lorenzo Charles for the game-winning basket.
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The Case For Free Market Solutions
Recently I have found myself arguing with many Democrats and even some Republicans about social welfare programs. I present free market solutions and they....well they find victims and parade them in front of the cameras, then rush to institute ever more social welfare programs while the tears are still in the public’s eyes. I used to do this with my mom as a child. Play the hurt victim and ask for a treat while her sympathy was high; worked every time. “How can I demonstrate the superiority of free market solutions?” I asked myself. I’ve found a very unlikely ally in this mission - France.
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As expected the President vetoed the SCHIP bill. As expected, the Democrats found some victims to parade in front of the public to promote their cause, in an effort to override the veto. Healthcare is a big issue, a really big issue. More so, it’s an emotional issue. For purposes that have nothing to do with providing healthcare for poor children, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are totally misrepresenting the issue.
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In 1980 my life was altered by one of the greats of our time. In November of that year, Ronald Reagan won the presidency, but that’s not what I am referring to. In 1980 Larry Bird came to Boston. For the subsequent winter months my father and I would huddle around the small TV in our sun porch in Kittery and watch every Celtics game. We had not watched this religiously before, and we haven’t really watched much since. With his working man's style of play, Larry Bird restored the Celtics franchise to glory and renewed our faith in the sport. He provided a reason, season after season, for father and son to sit with one another for a few hours, spellbound by his play.
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Those of you following the 1st District Congressional race know that last week four candidates participated in the first candidate’s forum. Sponsored by the Sanford VFW, the event took take place the day following the delivery of the Petraeus/Crocker reports on Capitol Hill. This was a unique forum as it included two Republican candidates and two Democrat candidates.
After that evening it was very apparent to me how important it is for the Republican Party to nominate a candidate who knows the issues inside and out. While we did not get to hear the entire Democrat field last week, the two that we heard from are well versed on the issues, articulate, and passionate in their delivery. If we are going to return a Republican to this seat, we will need a candidate who can match and exceed the presentation expected from the other side of the aisle.
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Over the last several months on the campaign trail I have frequently been asked about Iraq. My response has been consistent. The Iraq study group, a bipartisan group, has outlined a strategy in Iraq. The president has been slow to adopt those findings, but nonetheless he has. One of the findings suggested that if the commanders recommended a ‘surge’ he should listen. The commanders requested a surge, and the President responded. Along the way I have also suggested that Congress should not make military decisions. Our military leaders should do that. While I believe that the military should be managed, I know that it should not be micro-managed. Finally, I have been very clear, stating on more than a few occasions that we should wait and see what Petraeus and Crocker say upon in September. Well, this week they spoke. I agree entirely with their findings, and believe that the primary reason for the vocal questioning of their findings is political reasons.
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I met with the Maine College Republicans this past Saturday. It was a meeting I was looking forward to, as many of the issues surrounding them and their parents are close to my heart. Where are they going to work when they graduate? What are they going to do? How can they help shape next generation Republican politics in Maine? In 1991 I graduated from the University of Maine and reluctantly had to leave for greener economic pastures. It is important that our next congressional candidate understand the new economy and the issues surrounding globalization, technology and the emerging workforce. I believe it is incumbent upon the Party at the state level and the national level to tap into the energy of youth and fully involve them in the activities of the Party.
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My apologies to Bill Chapman and the Knox County GOP Committee. I was scheduled to visit the Union Fair Saturday, but another event ended up consuming the entire day. I swung by Kennebunkport early Saturday on my way to Union to say hello to Byron Grant and lend some support to the Gathering of Eagles. For those not familiar with GOE, they are American Veterans who stand in support of the fallen and those on active duty by standing in quiet dignity, offering silent opposition to the professional anti-war activists that routinely protest around the country. I was looking forward to meeting Bill Scarborough and the folks who were setting up around Walker’s Point to “welcome” Cindy Sheehan and her minions. As events progressed, it quickly became apparent that I couldn’t leave. It was important that I stand shoulder to shoulder with those committed to the cause. I grabbed my sign and waited in the August heat for the protestors to approach. They eventually arrived, like some kind of angry circus.
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Feeling Like Hurricane Dean
As I write this, Hurricane Dean is absorbing energy from the warm gulf waters, threatening to become a category-5 storm. Candidate Dean, on the other hand, is recouping from expending a significant amount of energy over the last week. My week began by conducting several meetings. As I sit down one by one with Mainers, I continue to be emboldened by the words of support. As my candidacy takes shape, so does my message. Subsequently the response I receive becomes consistent.... On more than one occasion I have heard “Its your time Dean.”
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Of Candidates and Kings
This past weekend I went to the Topsham Fair, walking the grounds, taking in the sights and sounds, and meeting some of the folks. The first gentleman I met as soon as I walked in the gates had recently slipped and fallen at work, fracturing six vertebrae and broke his leg. He said that he never imagined himself relying on a wheelchair to get around. He was understandably dour as he told me his story. I can’t tell you that he was entirely optimistic about the state of the country and the world. Yet in our brief exchange, despite his condition and his observations about the state of the nation, he let me know that he clings to a hope for a brighter future. He looked up at me from his wheelchair and said very sincerely, "Thank you for stopping to speak with me." It was humbling.
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I had a ball at the Cumberland County GOP golf outing, literally. I spent time with all the great people who turned out, chatting a bit before the tournament. I know how much works goes into putting together a successful golf outing. There are many details, not least of which is the weather. Hats off to Bill Holmes and the Cumberland County GOP for a job well done. The whole day was a big success. Even the rain held off until just after the last group came off the course. Team Dean ‘08 looks forward to defending our title next year. We will be there, Bill! Read full entry ››
Saturday was a busy day on the campaign trail, marking the beginning of fair season for me. I attended both Woolwich Days and the Rockland Lobster Festival. I had a great time and wish I had more time to spend at both events.
I arrived in Woolwich, where one of Maine’s most active and organized Town Republican Committees had a booth that was very visible from busy Route 1. I was greeted like one of the family by chairwoman Liz Warnke, Susan Wasserott, Senator Paula Benoit and Carl Young. (Special thanks to Carl who spent some time watching George the Beagle.) My son Jack quickly made it to the water slide while I quickly made my way to the booths. I met people from the greatest generation and from the next generation.
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National Republican Congressional Committee Candidate School, Washington D.C.
Last week’s trip to Washington, D.C. was very worthwhile. I was treated to three straight days of presentations by some of the most notable and respected voices in American politics. Strategists, experts, members of Congress, media trainers, fundraising specialists, pollsters, writers, Ranking Republicans and White House staff, all sharing their vast campaign experiences with a room full of congressional wannabes like myself. The experience was at once overwhelming and enlightening. I will attempt to share a few snapshots with you…
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I am attending Candidate School, hosted by the National Republican Congressional Committee. In addition to learning a great deal, I am bolstered by the message that I am hearing. Time after time, one notable speaker after another seems to be borrowing a page from MY campaign manual. The message that we need a reformer, a political outsider, someone from the rank and file of the citizenry to get involved is being repeated at many of the educational sessions. Read full entry ››
On Tuesday I spoke at the Cumberland County Republican Committee meeting. It was well attended for an evening in July. When I arrived one of the attendees asked me "What does it mean to be a ‘Next Generation Republican’?"
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I have an idea and I need your help. Let's renew the Reagan Revolution here in Maine's 1st District. Keeping consistent with the theme of my campaign, let's call it Reagan Revolution 2.0.
I was on WLOB this morning with Ray & Ted. On the segment before my appearance Ray issued a call to arms. He was on fire! His clarion call was simple: Republicans need to organize; more importantly we need to energize.
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