It was April 1, but there were no April Fools’ jokes, as the Lincoln County Republican Committee (LCRC) met at the Edgecomb Town Hall to discuss the serious issues facing the state of Maine and the country. Fiscal responsibility, immigration reform and the impact of Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act) were among the topics discussed.

Speaking at the meeting, Isaac Misiuk, Republican candidate for Congressional District 1, which includes Lincoln County, said he entered the race because his generation is in trouble. He said they are inheriting a federal debt now standing at 17 trillion dollars and rising and unfunded liabilities in excess of 100 trillion dollars. And for many, they will have the added burden of paying off student loans for years. Musiuk also stressed that he feels that the federal government has been over stepping its Constitutional bounds in many areas that rightly belong to the states, who know better the needs of their residents. In contrast, the federal government takes a one-size-fits-all approach, he added.

At 25, Musiuk has taken off time from his studies at the University of Maine to run his campaign. Prior to entering collenge he had a sucessful sales career. In response to a question, Musiuk said that he has found young people typically to be fiscally conservative and socially moderate. The state GOP, it was noted, recently announced it #GEN207 initiative aimed at attracting young people.

With the tremendous financial advantage his opponent has, he needs the financial support of those concerned about where we are headed. He said he has the will and passion to win.

At the state level, several Lincoln County Candidates spoke of their campaigns. Jeff Hanley, candidate for House District 87, reiterated the need for fiscal responsibility. He said he wants to undo the madness in Augusta. He said he will be very conservative with voters' money so will only support legislation that reduces spending.

As for welfare reform, there was discussion about the Democrats' unwillingness to make some common sense changes such as making it illegal to use cash welfare benefits to buy alcohol, lottery tickets, tobacco and post bail. And there is evidence of EBT cards being used in Disney World and Las Vegas casinos. Maine taxpayers are footing the bill.

Henry Simmons of Nobleboro announced that he was withdrawing as a candidate for House District 90 for health reasons. That leaves Anna Morkeski of Damariscotta unopposed as the Republican House candidate from the district. Morkeski said that she was just interviewed by the Lincoln County News for an upcoming edition. She has a website coming and is using software to help her identify district voters. As a Second Amendment supporter, she said she was closely watching legislation that would allow only the State Police to issue concealed carry permits. Currently some municipalities can issue them.

Stuart Smith, LCRC chairman, said that the executive committee has agreed to give each state candidate $350 and Musiuk $500.

The next meeting of the LCRC will be held Tuesday, May 6 in Waldoboro, location to be announced. The first Tuesday of the month is now the regular LCRC meeting night.

For more information about the LCRC, visit its website, www.lincolncountyrepublicans.org or email Info@lincolncountyrepublicans.org.