Gordon Smith: Dirigo will be

Gordon Smith, a lobbyist for the Maine Medical Association and spokesman for the No On 1 campaign, said today the Dirigo Health Program will be hurt if voters repeal a proposed new funding source. "It will be wounded and it will truck along until a new day and a new revenue source," he said. Smith and two others came to the Kennebec Journal today to ask for an endorsement of their position -- a no vote -- on Question 1, which seeks to repeal taxes on beer, wine and soda to pay for Dirigo. The Yes on 1 effort, led by a group called Fed Up With Taxes, has effectively used television ads to tap into overall anger with the economy, including frustration with gas and home heating oil prices, Smith said. If Fed Up With Taxes is successful, Smith said Dirigo will continue to cover those currently enrolled, but the long-term viability will be compromised. "In my opinion, Dirigo would be in a death spiral," he said. "It's ironic that the very people who say it's been unsuccessful because it doesn't cover enough people are denying us the resources to open enrollment and grow Dirigo."