Last night, hundreds of Mainers and a few folks from other New England states came to Portland High School for the opportunity to speak their minds about how well (or not) the broadcast media is serving their communities.

Four of the five FCC Commissioners were in attendance and patiently listened through the testimony of about two dozen panelists and scores more individuals testifying from the audience. Everyone who came and stayed was given their opportunity to speak on the public record.

However, many of the public testifiers had their voices squashed thanks again to the broadcasters.

We just passed the summer solstice--the longest day of the year--so here's hoping that you're staying out late, enjoying the sunshine, and then ending your day with this, the latest Common Cause news from around the country...

• State organizations hold broadcasters accountable for inadequate election coverage
• Clean Elections on table in Madison, winning early support
• Common Cause Maine to hold training workshop for FCC hearing
• One step closer to voting rights in D.C.
• Impeach Gonzales!

I am pleased to report that Maine, whose motto is "Dirigo" which is  Latin for "I lead", is now the first state in the nation to make a strong stand in support of net neutrality!

Today the Maine State Senate gave final passage to a resolve that first states how important the issue of net neutrality is to Maine consumers, democracy and the economy, then directs the State Office of the Public Advocate to study whether or not Maine has legal jurisdiction to pass net neutrality protections and to analyze the impact the issue has on Mainers.

We at Common Cause worked hard on this issue over the last few months with some terrific allies. The MCLU did a huge amount of work on this bill, so I want to single them out for thanks. In addition, we could not have done this without support from the Community Television Association of Maine, the League of Young Voters, Lance Dutson, Fletcher Kittredge, MoveOn.org and the SaveTheInternet.com coalition. Plus there are many others who did their part by sending messages to legislators, providing testimony, and just getting the word out about this measure.

This sends a message to Congress that people really do care about net neutrality, and it is time for Congress to take action!

You can find the full text of the resolution here.

Maine is taking unprecedented steps to enact Net Neutrality protections for its residents, but the fight is not over yet.

Maine has become the first state in the nation to have a bill clear committee addressing the issue of Net Neutrality. The Utilities and Energy Committee voted "Ought to Pass" on an amended bill that will require the Maine Public Advocate's office to study the issue of Net Neutrality and determine whether or not Maine can pass meaningful legislation to protect Maine's internet users.

Hundreds of Maine residents have contacted their legislators so far in support of this bill (LD 1675) and testimony has been submitted by Common Cause, the MCLU, small business owners, the Community Television Association of Maine, and regular citizens who care about keeping the internet open.

Inspired by the Boston Red Sox six-run ninth-inning comeback for a 6-5 victory on Sunday night--which has nothing to do with this update, we just wanted to mention it--we bring you the latest in Common Cause news from around the country.

• Finally, a sensible implementation of Amendment 41 in Colorado
• Protecting internet freedom in Maine
• Monitoring the media in Sacramento
• Instant Run-off Voting in Vermont
• Paper ballot bill passes committee, heads to House floor
• Ask Yourself Why... Mortgage Foreclosure Rates Are So High
  

It's time for the Maryland Senate to take up and pass a public financing law. So says the Washington Post, in Sunday's edition, with a straightforward and timely editorial as a Maryland Senate committee approaches a vote on the bill: The Post editorial--which is subtitled, "Good government--at $28 million, it's a bargain"--notes that Senate President Mike Miller's past statements indicate his opposition to public financing of elections. The Post staff make a great case, but we'll turn to an even better spokesperson: Beth Edmonds, Maine Senate President, who is in her fourth term running under their "Clean Elections" system.

This same video was shown at the Maryland hearing on the bill last week; we hope Miller and others spend the minute and a half to watch and listen, then put this critical reform bill high up on the agenda for this session.

Here in Maine (as is happening in several states) a state level Net Neutrality bill is being introduced. Considering that we are at a standstill in Congress regarding Net Neutrality, Maine is one state that cares enough to try to move the issue.

We are being careful to draft it in such a way that it would be constitutional, but the worst case scenario is that we push the issue higher on the national agenda.

However, this has led to lobbyists from Verizon, AT&T, Time Warner and Verizon Wireless to contact the sponsor of the Maine bill as well as this missive that Dick Armey sent out through his astroturf group:

On Monday, August 21st, the City of Portland passed a resolution in support of the Bill of Media Rights. (www.citizensmediarights.org)

On Monday, August 28th, the Town of Green passed a similar resolution.

On Wednesday, August 30th, about 40 people came together to deliver over 4700 petition signatures in support of Net Neutrality to Sen. Susan Collins. (www.maineinternetfreedom.com)

These events signify the beginning of a coalition effort in Maine. Common Cause Maine is developing a Maine Media and Democracy Coalition with local partners such as the Community Television Association of Maine, The League (formerly of Pissed Off Voters), P.O.W.E.R., Maine Center for Economic Policy, and many other organizations and individuals.

In addition, we are working with our national partners such as MoveOn, Free Press, and the Future of Music Coalition.

The resolution in Portland was spearheaded by Common Cause activists, but the resolution in Greene was a result of efforts by CTAM members. We expect a number of other municipalities to pass similar resolutions in the upcoming months - all in support of media ownership rules that benefit the public.

The rally in support of Net Neutrality was held on August 30th and included the deliver of 4742 petition signatures in support of the issue to Senator Susan Collins. Collins has yet to announce her position on the issue. Speakers included Jon Bartholomew of Common Cause, Fletcher Kittredge of GWI.net, Lance Dutson who owns a small internet business in Maine, and Priscilla Payne - a librarian from Windham. Full coverage of this event, including the press release can be found by going to http://www.maineinternetfreedom.com.