Newell Augur

After the Fed Up With Taxes coalition submitted 90,000 signatures to the Secretary of State's office, likely putting a People's Veto for beer and wine taxes on the November ballot, House Minority Leader Josh Tardy is predicting a "bruising battle" leading up to Election Day.
The coalition is fighting the recently passed taxes on beer, wine, and soda to support Dirigo Health. The bill also adds a 1.8 percent surcharge on hospital bills and doctor's fees, according to a release from Tardy's office.
The taxes do not apply to Maine breweries and wineries.
The coalition turned in 90,000 signatures to the Secretary of State's office this week - far more than the 55,087 needed for a People's Veto.

This back and forth in the editorial pages is all very interesting for the 50 or so insiders that read it. Unfortunately for Tom, however, he's not running against Libby Mitchell for the State Senate.  He's going for a rematch against Sen. Joe Perry, the chair of the taxaxtion committee and Democrat, who took the seat from Sawyer in 2004.

If I were Mr. Sawyer, I would knock on 50 doors in Bangor and leave the soda wars to the professionals.