March 2, 2012  Snowe: 'Sensible Senate has virtually
disappeared'  The Associated Press   PORTLAND — Lamenting that
the "sensible center has now virtually disappeared," U.S. Sen.
Olympia Snowe on Friday renewed her call for consensus building
in the polarized Senate. She said voters need to reward instead
of punish lawmakers willing to set aside partisanship to find
common ground.  Snowe, R-Maine, also had a rebuke for those at
the extremes of both parties who criticize centrists like Snowe
who're willing to compromise.  "There are people who condemn
moderation. They say it's a capitulation of principles. It is
not. You have your principles and then you decide how to reach
the end goal to achieve those principles," Snowe said to a roar
of applause from a roomful of Republicans at a hotel next to the
Portland International Jetport.  Looking relaxed, Snowe met with
reporters and supporters in Maine for the first time since she
shocked the political establishment with her decision not to
seek a fourth term, brin