iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Ben Gaines

Bryan Fischer @bryandfischer.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Last 11 quarters of Alabama QB Keelon Russell: 55-of-73 (75%), 9 TDs, 0 INTs, 900 yards and three rushing TDs.

Reposted by Ben Gaines

ProPublica @propublica.org · 22/09/2026

Sen. Susan Collins helped steer millions in federal defense contracts to Navatek, whose CEO illegally funneled thousands of dollars to her campaign. The FBI sought to launch a probe and was eyeing Collins and other lawmakers. Then Trump gutted the unit in charge. THREAD 🧵

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Ben Gaines @gaines-law.com · 19/09/2026

Kiddo's first soccer game today! (Also my first game as assistant coach!)

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Ben Gaines @gaines-law.com · 30/07/2026

Just saw a bald eagle swoop down to grab roadkill off the side of the highway. Feels like a metaphor for something.

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Ben Gaines @gaines-law.com · 26/07/2026

Welp, they put us on the front page of the Sunday paper.

A screenshot of the cover of the Maine Sunday Telegram, with an inset picture captioned "Cumberland County delegate Benjamin Gaines and his son join hundreds of other Democrats expressing their support for the party's candidate at Saturday's convention in Bangor."

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Troy Jackson @troyjackson207.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

🚨 Hancock County numbers are in 🚨 22 of the 23 delegates are JACKSON SLATE SUPPORTERS! When working people organize, we win.

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Ben Gaines @gaines-law.com · 06/07/2026

So, I just took an interesting poll. #mepolitics

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4 Messages
surveymeasure.com
It is possible that Democrat Graham Platner steps down from the US Senate race due to a number of controversies.
In that scenario, the Maine Democratic Party has until July 13th to replace him.
Some have suggested that Democrat Patrick Dempsey will step in to replace Platner on the ballot.
Democrat Patrick Dempsey was born in Lewiston and starred in movies and TV shows like Grey's Anatomy. He founded the Dempsey Center, which offers free support to Maine cancer patients and families.
Republican Susan Collins has represented Maine in the U.S. Senate since 1997 and is running for re-election. She is known for her independence from her party and for delivering federal funding to Maine.
Who would you vote for in the November US Senate election in Maine?

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• Messages
•i| - (33
surveymeasure.com
山
It is possible that Democrat Graham Platner steps down from the US Senate race due to a number of controversies.
In that scenario, the Maine Democratic Party has until July 13th to replace him.
Some have suggested that Democrat Mattie Daughtry will step in to replace Platner on the ballot.
Democrat Mattie Daughtry of Brunswick is the current President of the Maine Senate. She is a brewery co-owner who has served in the Legislature since 2012, and she led passage of Maine's paid family leave law.
Republican Susan Collins has represented Maine in the U.S. Senate since 1997 and is running for re-election. She is known for her independence from her party and for delivering federal funding to Maine.
+
•••

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4 Messages
alج 33
surveymeasure.com
山
Which of the following best describes how you're thinking about the election for U.S. Senate in Maine?
I would vote for most Democrats against Susan Collins, including Graham Platner.
I would not vote for most Democrats against Susan Collins, but I would vote for Graham Platner.
I would vote for most other Democrats against Susan Collins, but I would not vote for Graham Platner.
I would vote for Susan Collins against most other Democrats if they were running against her, including Graham Platner.
Not sure
Next
+
68
•••

1:324
4 Messages
33)
surveymeasure.com
山
Which of the following comes closest to your view?
In rare cases, party leaders should be able to step in and replace the nominee if something big changes after the primary.
This could be a major scandal, a health issue, or something like Joe Biden's 2024 debate performance.
Once a candidate wins the primary, they should be the party's nominee in the general election, no matter what happens later. Party leaders should never replace the person the voters picked.
Not sure
Next
个
+
63
•••

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Waldo Jaquith @waldo.net · 07/05/2026

I wrote a paper about this in 2010, for the Richmond Journal of Law and Public Interest. Basically, low-paying, part-time legislatures serve to enshrine conflicts of interest as a best practice. We should raise pay by 10x.

scholarship.richmond.edu

The General Assembly's Structural Conflicts of Interest

Virginia is not a state saddled with a reputation of ethically challenged legislators, but our part-time citizen legislature is structurally conducive to conflicts of interest. This reality was brough...

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Reposted by Ben Gaines

Headquarters @headquartersnews.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Republican New Hampshire Senate candidate John Sununu says he supports a work requirement for seniors on Medicare: "I certainly support a work requirement for able-bodied Medicare recipients."

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Ben Gaines @gaines-law.com · 24/03/2026

Ok, I hadn't even heard about the lobsterman one.

Maine Opinions Survey
* Platner had a Nazi tattoo for nearly 20 years, lied about not knowing what it meant, and only agreed to cover it up when it became an issue for his campaign.
Please indicate whether that statement raises very serious concerns, serious concerns, minor concerns, or no real concerns for you about Graham Platner.
) Very serious concerns
) Serious concerns
) Minor concerns
) No real concerns
) Don't know

Maine Opinions Survey
* Platner made dozens of offensive comments about women, gay people, and Black people as recently as 2021, not over a decade ago like he is claiming.
Please indicate whether that statement raises very serious concerns, serious concerns, minor concerns, or no real concerns for you about Graham Platner.
) Very serious concerns
) Serious concerns
) Minor concerns
No real concerns
) Don't know

Maine Opinions Survey
* Platner called Black people cheap, asking why they
"don't tip."
Please indicate whether that statement raises very serious concerns, serious concerns, minor concerns, or no real concerns for you about Graham Platner.
) Very serious concerns
) Serious concerns
Minor concerns
No real concerns
) Don't know
+
...

Maine Opinions Survey
* Platner called lobstermen
"terrible people," "lazy," and
"drug addicted maniacs."
Please indicate whether that statement raises very
serious concerns, serious concerns, minor concerns, or no real concerns for you about Graham Platner.
) Very serious concerns
) Serious concerns
) Minor concerns
No real concerns
) Don't know
→
+
...

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Ben Gaines @gaines-law.com · 24/03/2026

I get polled a lot: Graham Platner's dirty laundry edition. Wait for it.

Maine Opinions Survey
* Do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the following statement:
Graham Platner is the best candidate to win the general election against Susan Collins.
Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
Somewhat disagree
) Strongly disagree
) Don't know
→
...

Maine Opinions Survey
* Do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with the following statement:
Janet Mills is the best candidate to win the general election against Susan Collins.
) Strongly agree
) Somewhat agree
Somewhat disagree
) Strongly disagree
) Don't know
→
+
...

Maine Opinions Survey
* Have you seen any ads about Janet Mills in the past two weeks?
• No
• Yes
) Don't know
+
8

Maine Opinions Survey
* Have you seen any ads about Graham Platner in the
past two weeks?
) Yes
• No
) Don't know
8
.•.

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Reposted by Ben Gaines

Existential Comics @existentialcomics.com · 14/03/2026

Possible solution to the Strait of Hormuz?

Straight of Hormuz, with Buddha imposed, text: The realization that the lack of oil isn't causing your suffering, but the desire for oil itself, on your path to enlightenment.

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James @gravitysra1nbow.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

"We're fighting to win the war" We are a week in and absolutely nobody has any idea what the political aim we're attempting to achieve is. Win what? Literally what are we fighting to achieve at the moment. I have absolutely no idea atm if we are close to winning because I have no idea what we want

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G Elliott Morris @gelliottmorris.com · 27/02/2026

The entire Democratic strategy debate — "moderate" or move left? fight or compromise? — is based on a misreading of data. Voters don't think Dems are too progressive; they think Dems are weak. The actual math on what to do about this isn't even close! New: www.gelliottmorris.com/p/new-poll-d...

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Ben Gaines @gaines-law.com · 15/02/2026

4 year old despondent that he's not allowed to root for Germany.

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Ben Gaines @gaines-law.com · 28/01/2026

Support for this group is vital to keeping our neighbors safe in Maine. We are already seeing families unable to make rent after missing work for fear of being snatched off the street. This is only going to get worse, and the groups on the ground doing this work in Maine do not have enough help.

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Reposted by Ben Gaines

Brian Goldstone @brian-goldstone.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

And here's a fund for impacted families facing eviction in Maine:

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Susie Crimmins 8647 @scrimmins.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Let’s do this one more time. This is a really legitimate effort to keep our immigrant neighbors, in their homes during this time when they can’t go to work for fear of getting picked up by ICE. If you can donate, fabulous. Please consider sending this to some of your friends as well. #MePolitics

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Reposted by Ben Gaines

Mark Joseph Stern @mjsdc.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

The terror that ICE and CBP have inflicted on the children of the Twin Cities is, by itself, a crime of scandalous proportions that will forever stain this country's moral fabric, and all those responsible should never know another day of peace. www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...

Bauer, who is 49, struggled to maintain her composure as she described the day early this month when ICE showed up in force outside her school. Agents had been circling the school since December, seemingly learning its routines, and they arrested some parents just before the winter break. But this time, agents leapt out in riot gear and began entering the apartments just across from the school, where many students live.

“We had to lock down and keep the kids inside, and parents linked arms to block the school entrance,” Bauer said. “We had a student who was looking out the window and saw them break into his apartment and just sobbed, ‘That’s my house. That’s my home.’ And we shut the blinds, but it was too late.”

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Joe Sudbay @joesudbay.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

Do you need ICE to murder Mainers before you stop this voting for this madness @senangusking.bsky.social? And @golden.house.gov, you've done a lot of shitty things over last 8 years. Your vote to fund the murderers is your legacy Abolish ICE and get them the fuck out of Maine

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James O’Brien @mrjamesob.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

‘Terrible things are happening outside… Families are torn apart; men, women and children are separated. Children come home from school to find that their parents have disappeared. Women return… to find their families gone.’ Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...

theguardian.com

ICE detains five-year-old Minnesota boy arriving home, say school officials

Superintendent says Liam Ramos and his father were taken into custody while in their driveway and sent to Texas

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Reposted by Ben Gaines

Ben Gaines @gaines-law.com · 20/01/2026

Would be a great time for a Carson Beck int.

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Ben Gaines @gaines-law.com · 20/01/2026

Would be a great time for a Carson Beck int.

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Ben Gaines @gaines-law.com · 10/01/2026

Got another one! (This one's from Shenna.) #mepolitics

Today 5:28 PM
Hi Benjamin, Dynata is conducting a short survey on issues important to Maine. By sharing your opinions, you will help us shape the future.
Survey Link: https://
voter.community/DYdyziDZA
Reply STOP to Opt-out
The sender is not in your contact list.
Report Junk

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Christopher Mims @mims.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

WSJ investigation: In the past 6 months ICE agents have fired at vehicles 13 times, leading to: * 8 people shot * 5 of which were U.S. citizens * 2 died * no victims drew a weapon The playbook: Agents box in a vehicle, block attempts to flee, then fire www.wsj.com/us-news/vide...

wsj.com

Videos Show How ICE Vehicle Stops Can Escalate to Shootings

A WSJ visual investigation found that the Minneapolis ICE killing is one of 13 incidents where federal immigration agents have used deadly force against civilians in vehicles since July.

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Ben Gaines @gaines-law.com · 10/01/2026

Trying to convince my dad and uncle, both IU grads, that this might be for real.

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Reposted by Ben Gaines

Brian Grubb @briancgrubb.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

was sitting in the waiting room of the doctor’s office earlier today mindlessly scrolling through pictures of the dogs competing in this year’s Puppy Bowl (as one does) but then I got to LOBSTER ROLL and an audible “oh my GOD” slipped out

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SFDB @sfdb.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

January 3, 1990: Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega surrenders to U.S. forces, 10 days after taking refuge in the Vatican’s diplomatic mission.

Front page of the Miami Herald for January 4, 1990, highlighting the surrender of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega.

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Ben Gaines @gaines-law.com · 01/01/2026

@cjzero.bsky.social can I get that clip of ohio state fans leaving early?

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Aaron Reichlin-Melnick @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

I don't think the Justices understand the extent to which they are playing with fire. The more they do this, the more District Courts will engage in open disrespect of the Supreme Court, because what other response is there to open disrespect directed at them? That's bad for the Judiciary, period.

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Sanho Tree @sanho.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

Exactly 80 years ago this precise moment (8:40am Hamburg time, Nov. 30, 1945), German submarine commander Heinz-Wilhelm Eck and two of his former subordinates on the U-852 were shot by Allies in Hamburg for killing the survivors of a ship they had sunk. Pete Hagueseth needs to lawyer up immediately.

usni.org

The Peleus War Crimes Trial

After sinking the Greek steamer Peleus in 1944, the captain ordered his crew to attack the survivors, three sailors survived and faced their attackers in a war crime trial.

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Joe Sudbay @joesudbay.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

In case anyone is wondering what kind of campaign Collins intends to run next year, now we know. No achievements, only hate: Susan Collins backs referendum to overturn Maine’s protections for transgender students www.bangordailynews.com/2025/11/24/p...

bangordailynews.com

Susan Collins backs referendum to overturn Maine’s protections for transgender students

Collins' office said she signed onto the petition because she agrees with President Donald Trump’s interpretation of Title IX.

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Mark Copelovitch @mcopelov.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

Almost completely, every single problem with higher education that folks think is mainly about something else is <primarily> about the massive decline in state public funding since the 1980s. Yes, including everyone's obsession with getting their kid into the "right" college:

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Maine Equal Justice @maineequaljustice.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

11/7 5 pm: GOOD NEWS about SNAP! "Maine DHHS will issue full November SNAP benefits beginning on November 10 through November 14 -- the State's standard schedule for issuing benefits." vist.ly/4de65

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David Noll @david.noll.org · 07/11/2025

If you have a license to practice law and find yourself arguing that millions of people should go hungry to help Mr. Trump's negotiations with Congress you should probably take a moment to reflect on the choices you've made in your life.

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Alex Ip 葉清霖 @alexip718.com · 06/11/2025

To put this in scale, Elon Musk's salary from Tesla alone could fund the SNAP program for the entire country into 2034.

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jamelle @jamellebouie.net · 29/10/2025

honestly the only piece worth reading on the platner situation. @tressiemcphd.bsky.social is absolutely cooking here. (gift link)

nytimes.com

Opinion | A Nazi Tattoo Exposes Democrats’ Greatest Weakness

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Alex Kirshner @alexkirshner.com · 29/10/2025

I don't really wanna weigh in on the Platner thing (would rather my eyeballs be poked w/ needles) but going w/ "the idea that you must be perfect" when the issue at hand is an SS tattoo on his body for EIGHTEEN YEARS is hilarious

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James Myall @jamesxmyall.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Hopefully this delivery of $1.25 million in help to food banks is just the first step. Families stand to miss $29m in benefits. (The release does say she’s “continuing to evaluate all options”) #mepolitics content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEG...

content.govdelivery.com

Governor Mills Announces $1.25 Million for Maine Food Pantries and Anti-Hunger Programs as Federal Shutdown Continues

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rev. howard arson @theophite.bsky.social · 25/10/2025

he covered up his nazi tattoo 48 hours ago and is still lying about it

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Tina Smith @smith.senate.gov · 25/10/2025

“If we don't fight hard enough for the things we stand for, at some point we have to recognize that we don't really stand for them.” — Paul Wellstone

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Timothy Burke @bubbaprog.xyz · 19/10/2025

As called on ESPN Deportes / Alabama Radio / Tennessee Radio

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