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Talking Politics

Family feud

Subtly put.

Well, more subtle than telling me to go to hell.

All this squabbling would be of little importance if Webster and LePage were secure in their positions. But the GOP's total control of state government is built on a shaky foundation.

In 2012, Republicans will have to defend their legislative majorities, which depend on holding a lot of seats — particularly in the Maine House — in nominally Democratic districts. These are places where LePage has little popular appeal, but where Webster had groomed candidates who reached out to independents and swing voters frustrated with Dem economic policies and other ineptitude.

Those folks wanted change, although there's no guarantee they'll be happy with the kinds of change LePage is planning. If the governor's policies prove unpopular, Republicans stand to lose a dozen or more House seats and their majority. Webster will have to work his campaign magic again next year to make sure that doesn't happen.

No matter how miffed the party chairman is at the governor, he's unlikely to sabotage any legislative candidates just to get even. But if Webster's differences with LePage cause him to be less inspired, less committed, less of a take-no-prisoners, kamikaze commando than he was in 2010, the GOP will likely notice the difference in the vote tallies.

LePage needs Webster a lot more than vice versa. If the governor is smart, he'll fix this problem quickly by kissing and making up.

And no, not on the butt.

Tell me to kiss off by e-mailingaldiamon@herniahill.net.