In keeping with the spirit of the ever lengthening campaign cycle, it is time to raise the flag for the 2010 race for Governor. Today, we begin with the Democrats. Steve Rowe. No question about it, the former 4-term House member from Portland and current Attorney General will be on the primary ballot for the democrats. He has his website reserved, has marched in parades this summer from Fort Fairfield to Biddeford and has already lined up key support from political insiders within the democrat ranks.
In keeping with the spirit of the ever lengthening campaign cycle, it is time to raise the flag for the 2010 race for Governor. Today, we begin with the Democrats.
Steve Rowe. No question about it, the former 4-term House member from Portland and current Attorney General will be on the primary ballot for the democrats. He has his website reserved, has marched in parades this summer from Fort Fairfield to Biddeford and has already lined up key support from political insiders within the democrat ranks. Look for Rowe to come out of the gate early, perhaps as early as November. Major strengths: Portland connections, one of the more respected politicians and in sync with the liberal voting base. Biggest weaknesses: More liberal than the voters in the general election, wonky and too serious.
Bill Diamond. The self described moderate is serving his second term in the Maine State Senate and prior to that he served as Maine's Secretary of State. Diamond is a smooth politician, carving out a niche in the State Senate as a voice of moderation on taxes and spending, while maintaining a good working relationship with his more left leaning colleagues. Diamond understands instinctively that Maine voters are drawn to moderates in state wide elections and he has worked to preserve that during his Senate service. Major Strengths: Wide appeal with moderates in both parties, can raise money, knows his way around politics. Biggest weaknesses: Has to win over the left leaning primary voter first, Stuck in the State Senate, which will be in the center of a very difficult legislative session leading up to the 2010 election. That may hurt him if he gets tagged as a part of the problem.
Mike Michaud. Depending on who you talk to, Congressman Michaud is absolutely running for Governor or he is definitely sticking with his Congressional job representing Maine's second district. One thing is certain, if Congressman Michaud gets in the race for Governor he will be a front runner. Mike has a long history in state politics serving in the House and Senate, where he served as Senate President. He has a reputation as a hard worker and he is viewed as a moderate with cross party appeal in the second district. Mike also has staff on the ground in Maine working this election cycle that would give him a big advantage in any campaign organization. Major Strengths: He owns the second district, can raise money from his DC buddies, and he is about as normal and real as they come. Biggest weaknesses: Poor public speaker - debater, really weak in the first district with the beautiful people, his position on abortion and guns may be a tough sell in a democratic primary.
John Richardson. Mr. Richardson is a former Speaker of the House and currently the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development. Over the past year, Commissioner Richardson has been busy touring the state and promoting Maine businesses. Many saw his addition of Pat Eltman (Tourism Director) on his staff as a sure sign that he was planning a run for Governor. Eltman's political and campaign skills are legendary, so it makes sense that Richardson would put her in his inner circle, although, it remains to be seen if Eltman has any interest in that role. Major Strengths: Articulate, connects well with voters, has a job that allows him to talk to Maine people about issues they are about it-jobs. Major Weaknesses: Comes off as a politician and not on the top of many Democrat operatives top three list.
Bobby Monks. Mr. Monks is a businessman, democratic fundraiser and political insider from greater Portland. He has become more visible in political circles, particularly after his record breaking Obama fundraiser. He has great money and political connections and he has a well known name in the political world, as his father is Robert Monks, made an unsuccessful primary bid for the United State Senate against Senator Susan Collins in 1996, as well as many other republican, green and democrat efforts and endorsements over the years. Major Strengths: Money, high name ID and instant approval among the liberal elite in greater Portland. Biggest Weaknesses: has never held or run for office, no campaign structure or organization readily available, primary voters often trust the familiar over new.
Other possibilities:
Pat McGowan: Commissioner of Conservation. Early rumblings of a possible run for Governor, but nothing as of late.
Glenn Cummings: Speaker of the House. He has gone back to school to pursue a PhD. It looks as though he will be taking a pass on 2010.
Becky Wyke. The former Commissioner of Administration and Finance and newly appointed boss of all things financial for the University System has not even remotely indicated an interest, but she does have that whole Sarah Palin thing going on -glasses and all. Wyke is not afraid of the boys and has saved more money with her tight fisted approach to the bureaucracy than all of the legislators combined. She would be a formidable candidate.
Peter Vigue. I think he's a democrat. The CEO of Cianbro and all around good guy would make a terrific candidate in the General Election. Not sure he could survive the rough and tumble world of a democratic primary. So far Mr. Vigue is a persistent rumor when it comes to his gubernatorial aspirations.
Beth Edmonds. The Senate President from Freeport is "thinking about it." She also thought about running for Congress. My money is on the "thinking about it" right through 2011.
Tom Allen. Let's hold off until after November 4th on that one.
UP NEXT: The Republican List.
Did I forget anyone? Drop me a line and let me know at politickerme@aol.com
