Patrick, you seem concerned that a "moderate Republican" would think people should CONSIDER voting for moderate Democrats.

You imply that Bancroft has had a political reassignment for thinking outside the box and that he may actually have always been a secret moderate Democrat.

Quite honestly, I would rather "have a beer with Bancroft," or read the opinions of someone who thinks outside the box than read a political opinion from someone who feels he cannot think outside the box and must, therefore, only recommend members of one political party.

Peter B Hayward

Press Herald Blog:

http://tinyurl.com/5fqnhn

Peter,

I don’t advocate blind devotion to a political party, and if my post implied otherwise, I regret it.

However, it seems to me that advocating for 75% Democrats itself displays a lack of moderation on the part of Mr. Bancroft. The dismal prospects for the Maine economy must be laid at the feet of the Democratic Party, given their historic control of the State House. It’s true that Maine needs moderation: That is – moderation in the direction of more conservative fiscal policy and a business-friendly tax environment.

Regarding the Ron Bancroft situation: When Mr. Bancroft’s column was introduced, he was touted by himself and the PPH staff as a moderate Republican. Presumably, this was in response to frequent criticism that the Republican viewpoint was under-represented on the Opinion Page. I can’t help but think that other moderate Republicans must now feel that they were sold a Bill of Goods.

Same old, same old …

Well put, Patrick.

I agree.

Not bad... Not bad.

There has been a great deal of migration from the Republican Party and Republican ideas: de-regulation, free markets without oversight, supply side economics (i.e., direct money towards the rich and they will put it to work for us), etc.

Alan Greenspan - the Republican money guru - has announced his surprise and disillusionment with his previous ideas about the financial markets.

Talk Radio HATED John McCain until they were stuck with him as the Republican candidate.

The Religious Right is no longer. Many evangelical leaders have switched parties and ideologies on such issues as global warming and health care.

My conservative Republican next door neighbor was pleased to be voting for Obama since he has found the Republican party to be broken.

We're witnessing a fight between Social Conservatives and more Libertarian types in the Republican Party. Palin, championed by Talk Radio and representing social conservatism, and McCain, more of the old school moderate/libertarian type of Republican, are both trying to throw each other under the bus to relieve their own side of blame for the huge loss.

I think Bancroft is a rather typical Republican. He is thoughtful and open-minded. And this is Maine: Obama won huge where Collins won huge. We're not so locked in to party affiliation as other people.

Look at the economy. Look at the wars. Look at the divided and broken state of the country - all under 8 years of Bush and 12 of the past 14 years with both houses of Congress led by Republicans. If you were on the fence, who would want to be a Republican right now?

Sorry, Mr. Moening, but you're going to see many, many more Republicans looking less and less like the Republicans of old. If the GOP doesn't accept that, it will split in two and sink.