[bigfootbob]

"Totally disgusting. I had one lawmaker recently email me that Maine is becoming so bad, NO ONE will want to come here. I believe it!!!"

It's not quite that bad yet. Unlike us, your state hasn't driven away it's largest and most recognized employer like we've done. Boeing is now based in Chicago.

[metesky]

Biggest employer in Maine: Bath Iron Works (BIW), builds Aegis class destroyers on government contracts.

Second biggest employer in Maine: Eastern Maine Medical Center, thriving on Medicare and Medicaide.

Largest private industry in Maine, the paper industry: leaving in droves.

Champion Paper in Bucksport is moving its largest machine to New York to get away from Maine's taxes (Maine taxes capital equipment at one of the highest rates in the nation).

James River mill in Old Town laying off half its crew.

Millinocket closing down completely.

East Millinocket laying off half its crew.

Large companies in Maine that do not do business with the government are screwed.

[yankeedame]

It's not quite that bad yet. Unlike us, your state hasn't driven away it's largest and most recognized employer like we've done. Boeing is now based in Chicago.

Changing the subject completely but has there been any sort of "morning after" after Boing pulled out? You know, where people (esp. in government) wake up, fully sober and wonder, "What happened???" or does Seattle continue to laugh and play?