John McKernan

U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe is the 20th richest member of Congress, Roll Call reported today.

However, Roll Call prefaces the report by saying that their list is based on lawmakers’ financial disclosure forms, which are not always reliable.

Here is what the Capitol Hill publication says about Snowe, whose worth is $15.05 million:

MINNEAPOLIS -- It wasn’t a very good year for Republicans, but John “Jock” McKernan from Maine and John McCain of Arizona both got elected to Congress in 1982. They served on the Foreign Affairs Committee together.

Neither was looking too far into the future, however McKernan, who later served as Maine’s Governor from 1987 to 1995, said he saw great potential in McCain, who was officially nominated as the Republican presidential candidate this week at the Republican National Convention.

“He stood out immediately because of his background,” McKernan said. “Most of us came from fairly traditional backgrounds. He had been a prisoner of war six years ago.”

Snowe and McKernan: Olympia Snowe and John McKernan at the Maine Republican Convention in May. Politicker file photo.MINNEAPOLIS -- U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe said she would not take a job in presidential nominee John McCain’s administration if given the opportunity.

“No,” she said when asked by PolitickerME Wednesday. “I like what I’m doing in the Senate.”

However, had she been offered the vice presidency she would have “seriously considered it,” though she was never asked.

Snowe and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins are both close to McCain. Several Republican leaders have speculated that they would be on the top of McCain’s list for a cabinet job, if the Republican is elected.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Former Gov. John “Jock” McKernan said he knows of four or five good candidates for governor in 2010, but won’t say who they are.

McKernan was the last Republican to hold the chief executive position in the state, serving from 1987 to 1995. Before that he served in Congress from 1983 to 1987.

In order for a Republican to take back the Blaine House, McKernan said the candidate will need a combination of political and business experience. The right candidate will need to know how to make government work, be passionate about the state and have a vision to make things better.

Blaine House celebration: Govs. McKernan, King and Baldacci. Politicker photo.

For all most people know, there could be remnants of “John loves Olympia” etchings in the furniture in the Governor’s office. It has, after all, been around since John McKernan was governor from 1987 to 1995.

Current Gov. John Baldacci isn’t replacing it, but it is time for a touch up, said communications director David Farmer Wednesday.

Soon, the furniture will be shipped off the Maine State Prison’s upholstery shop to be repaired.

At the prison, the upholstery program is federally certified. The money prisoners earn while working there goes toward reimbursing the state for room and board expenses, and also to paying victim restitution and child support.

To honor the 175-year anniversary of the Blaine House, Gov. John Baldacci (D-Bangor) will gather with three of his predecessors for a two-day event this weekend.

Angus King (I-Brunswick) served from 1995 to 2002. John McKernan, Jr. (R-Bangor) served from 1987-1995, and John Reed (R-Fort Fairfield) served from 1959 to 1967. Baldacci has been in office since 2002. Their families will attend the event as well.

On Friday there will be an invitation-only dinner at the State House.

On Saturday from 11 to 2, there will be a public tour of the Blaine House, tours of the Maine State Library and the Maine State House, and games and rides in Capital Park. There will be fireworks in the park at 9 p.m.

Republican Presidential candidate John McCain will be in Maine on Monday for a private reception in Kennebunkport and a public presentation at the Maine Military Museum.

McCain is scheduled to speak at the South Portland museum Monday afternoon, according to its Web site. No further details are available.

The museum is hosting a special event honoring prisoners of war. McCain spent five years as a POW in Vietnam.

At 11:30 Monday, McCain will be in Kennebunkport for a fundraiser. For $2,300, donors can visit the Bush family compound for a VIP reception and photo opportunity. For $1,000, donors can attend a private reception and for $500 they can attend a general reception, both to be held at the Nonantum Resort.

The Host Committee includes: President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush, Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, and former Gov. John McKernan.