If the government wanted to build an INTERSTATE between Boston and Portland , pity be to ANYONE who had the "audacity" to stand in the way of "progress" and attempt to "stall" the proceedings !!

Amtrak never HAS had (and never WILL have) the POLITICAL "clout" necessary to become the "transportation force" we all wish it would become. Let's FACE it !!

The situation in Maine is just another situation where Amtrak has been "slapped in the face" and few really care. It is AMTRAK'S "fight" and no one elses. Amtrak will end up with "pie on the face" with everyone blaming IT for the delay in service initiation.

The situation is the same in Pennsylvania where the initiation of Skyline service is "stalled."

I guess we as passenger-rail advocates must simply accept the fact that as opposition to Amtrak INCREASES , Congressional support DECREASES !! For some ungodly reason, Congress seems to want to put as much DISTANCE between itself and Amtrak as possible----pushing it (Amtrak) further and further out on a limb.

Forget about Congressional FUNDS, folks ! Amtrak needs Congressional CLOUT far more desperately. When the Congressional SUPPORT is in place (and I mean legitimate support) then and only then will Amtrak have a "future."