Governor's letter raises volume of Real ID debate

AUGUSTA, Maine—Several groups critical of Gov. John Baldacci's promise to improve security of Maine's driver's licenses are going on the offensive today.

Several groups outraged by Baldacci's decision plan a news conference in the State House. The Maine Civil Liberties Union will be joined by the Roman Catholic Diocese and immigration and civil rights groups.

Baldacci agreed to submit legislation to address shortcomings cited by the government in moving toward Real ID compliance in order to get more time to comply. Without it, Mainers' licenses wouldn't have been accepted as identification in airports and federal facilities beginning next month.

Meanwhile, Republican legislative leaders are praising the Democratic governor for promising to stop issuing licenses to illegal aliens. House Republican leader Josh Tardy says there's a need to set minimum license standards to reduce the nation's vulnerability to fraud by terrorists, identity thieves and illegal aliens.