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Maine gubernatorial election, 2010

 

Maine gubernatorial election, 2010

Maine gubernatorial election, 2010
November 2, 2010
 
Nominee Paul LePage Eliot Cutler
Party Republican Independent
Popular vote 218,065 208,270
Percentage 37.6% 35.9%
 
Nominee Libby Mitchell Shawn Moody
Party Democratic Independent
Popular vote 109,387 28,756
Percentage 18.8% 5.0%

County results
  Counties won by LePage
  Counties won by Cutler
Governor before election

John Baldacci
Democratic

Elected Governor

Paul LePage
Republican

Elections in Maine

The 2010 Maine gubernatorial election took place on November 2, 2010. Incumbent Democratic Governor John Baldacci was term-limited and unable to seek re-election. Primary elections took place on June 8, 2010. The candidates who appeared on the November ballot were (in alphabetical order by last name): Eliot Cutler (Independent), Paul LePage (Republican), Libby Mitchell (Democrat), Shawn Moody (Independent), and Kevin Scott (Independent).[1]

With 94% of precincts reporting on the day after the election, the Bangor Daily News declared LePage the winner, carrying 38.1% of the votes.[2] Cutler was in second place with 36.7% of the votes (less than 7,500 votes behind LePage), while Mitchell was a distant third with 19%.[2] Moody and Scott had 5% and 1%, respectively.[2] Two days after the election, with 99% of precincts reporting, LePage's lead over Cutler had widened to more than 10,000 votes.[3]

Contents

  • Democratic primary 1
    • Candidates 1.1
      • On ballot 1.1.1
      • Write-in 1.1.2
      • Withdrawn 1.1.3
      • Declined 1.1.4
    • Polling 1.2
    • Results 1.3
  • Republican primary 2
    • Candidates 2.1
      • On ballot 2.1.1
      • Declined 2.1.2
    • Polling 2.2
    • Results 2.3
  • Independents 3
    • Candidates on the ballot 3.1
    • Write-in candidates 3.2
    • Disqualified candidates 3.3
    • Withdrawn 3.4
  • Maine Green Independent Party 4
    • Withdrawn 4.1
  • General election 5
    • Predictions 5.1
    • Polling 5.2
    • Results 5.3
  • See also 6
  • References 7
  • External links 8

Democratic primary

Candidates

On ballot

Write-in

  • Donna Dion, former Mayor of Biddeford.[11][12] Did not appear on the ballot due to lack of petition signatures, but continued her campaign in the primary as a write-in candidate.[13]

Withdrawn

  • Dawn Hill, State Representative.[14][15] Hill withdrew from the race on January 1, 2010, citing the crowded field of candidates.[16]
  • John G. Richardson, former Commissioner of Economic and Community Development and former Speaker of the House.[4][17] Richardson withdrew from the race on April 26 amid allegations that some of his campaign workers had not followed proper procedures for collecting donations to qualify him for Maine Clean Election funding.[18] The primary ballots had already been printed before Richardson withdrew from the race, so Richardson's name appeared on the ballot even though he was no longer a candidate.[19]
  • Peter Truman (also known as Peter Throumoulos), former state representative and convicted Did not appear on the ballot due to lack of petition signatures. [20]

Declined

Polling

Poll source Dates administered Mitchell Rowe Scarcelli McGowan Undecided
Pan Atlantic SMS Group May 21–29, 2010 13.3% 11.7% 7.0% 6.3% 61.7%

Results

Democratic primary results[23]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Elizabeth "Libby" Mitchell 42,328 34.4%
Democratic G. Steven Rowe 27,923 22.7%
Democratic Rosa Scarcelli 26,444 21.5%
Democratic Patrick K. McGowan 24,392 19.8%
Democratic John Richardson 1,604 1.3%
Democratic Write-in 236 0.3%
Totals 122,927 100%

At 11:32 p.m. EDT, WCSH declared Libby Mitchell the winner of the Democratic primary.[24]

Republican primary

Candidates

On ballot

Declined

Polling

Poll source Dates administered Otten LePage Mills Abbott Beardsley Poliquin Jacobson Undecided
MECPO [45] May 22-June 2, 2010 17.0% 10.7% 22.1% 13.9% 5.9% 4.9% 1.4% 24.0%
Pan Atlantic SMS Group May 21–29, 2010 17.0% 10.3% 8.4% 8.3% 3.6% 3.3% 2.0% 47.0%

Results

Republican primary results[23]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Paul LePage 49,126 37.4%
Republican Les Otten 22,945 17.4%
Republican Peter Mills 19,271 14.7%
Republican Steve Abbott 17,209 13.1%
Republican William "Bill" Beardsley 12,061 9.2%
Republican Bruce Poliquin 6,471 4.9%
Republican Matt Jacobson 4,324 3.3%
Totals 131,407 100%

At 11:19 p.m. EDT, WCSH declared Paul LePage the winner of the GOP primary.[46]

Independents

Candidates on the ballot

Write-in candidates

  • John Jenkins, former State Senator, former Mayor of both Auburn and Lewiston, and a 2002 gubernatorial candidate.[54] Jenkins, who won his most recent mayoral campaign by write-in, declared he would run for Governor of Maine if 5,000 people followed his Facebook fan page[55] within 45 days.
  • Beverly Cooper-Pete.[56] Did not appear on the ballot due to lack of petition signatures,[49] but continued her campaign as a write-in candidate.[57]

Disqualified candidates

  • Alex Hammer, business owner and self-published author.[4][58] Did not appear on the ballot due to not meeting the deadline for turning in petition signatures. Hammer attempted to turn in some of the signatures electronically, but the Secretary of State ruled that such methods were not allowed. Hammer filed suit to appear on the ballot in Penobscot County Superior Court on June 28, 2010.[59][60] On September 28, 2010, the judge upheld the Secretary of State's decision.[61]

Withdrawn

  • Samme Bailey.[4][62] Did not appear on the ballot due to lack of petition signatures.[49]
  • Augustus Edgerton.[4] Did not appear on the ballot due to lack of petition signatures.[49]
  • Michael Heath, former leader of the Christian Civic League of Maine (now known as the Maine Family Policy Council).[63] Withdrew from the race due to lack of petition signatures.[64]
  • John Whitcomb.[4] Did not appear on the ballot due to lack of petition signatures.[49]

Maine Green Independent Party

The Maine Green Independent Party did not have a gubernatorial candidate on the ballot, as no candidate collected required number of signatures.[65]

Withdrawn

  • Lynne Williams, attorney and former state chair of the Maine Green Independent Party.[66][67] On March 15, 2010, Lynne Williams announced her withdrawal from the campaign, citing a lack of clean elections funds and qualifying signatures.[68]
  • Patrick Quinlan, political activist, author, and lone legislative aide of Maine Green Independent Party caucus in state House of Representatives for 2004 and 2005; former campaign manager and consultant for Green state representative John Eder[4]

General election

Predictions

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report Toss up[69] October 29, 2010
The Rothenberg Political Report Toss up/Tilt Republican[70] October 28, 2010
RealClearPolitics Leans Republican[71] October 22, 2010
Sabato's Crystal Ball Leans Republican[72] October 28, 2010
CQ Politics Leans Democrat[73] October 29, 2010
Rasmussen Reports Solid Republican[74] October 28, 2010

Polling

Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		Paul LePage (R) Libby Mitchell (D) Eliot Cutler (I) Shawn Moody (I) Kevin Scott (I) Undecided
MPRC / Down East Magazine October 28–30, 2010 546 ± 4.19% 39% 24% 29% 4% 1% 2%
Critical Insights / MaineToday Media October 27–28, 2010 621 ± 4% 40% 21% 21% 4% 1% 11%
Pan Atlantic SMS October 25–28, 2010 400 ± 4.9% 38.6% 21.8% 30.6% 2.8% 1.1% 7.3%
Public Policy Polling October 26–28, 2010 1,812 ± 2.3% 40% 24% 28% 4% 1% 2%
Rasmussen Reports October 26, 2010 500 ± 4.5% 40% 26% 26% - - 5%
Critical Insights October 13–17, 2010 600 ± 4% 32% 20% 19% 5% 1% 21%
Pan Atlantic SMS October 11–15, 2010 501 ± 4.4% 32.9% 28.0% 14.0% 4.6% 0.4% 20.2%
Rasmussen Reports October 12, 2010 500 ± 4.5% 35% 32% 21% * * 6%
Critical Insights / MaineToday Media October 10–11, 2010 605 ± 4% 32% 26% 11% 5 1 26%
Pine Tree Politics / Maine Center for Public Opinion October 4–7, 2010 679 ± 3.76% 29.6% 28.7% 11.1% 4.9% 1.6% 24.1%
Critical Insights / MaineToday Media September 27, 2010 405 ± 4.9% 29% 30% 9% 5% 0% 26%
Rasmussen Reports September 20, 2010 500 ± 4.5% 45% 27% 14% * * 10%
Critical Insights / MaineToday Media September 13, 2010 603 ± 4% 38% 25% 11% 4% 1% 21%
Public Policy Polling September 2–6, 2010 1,468 ± 2.6% 43% 29% 11% 5% 1% 12%
Rasmussen Reports August 12, 2010 500 ± 4.5% 38% 30% 16% * * 11%
Rasmussen Reports July 14, 2010 500 ± 4.5% 39% 31% 15% * * 12%
Rasmussen Reports June 10, 2010 500 ± 4.5% 43% 36% 7% * * 14%

* Shawn Moody and Kevin Scott, two Independent candidates who appeared on the ballot, were not offered as choices in the Rasmussen polls.[75]

Results

2010 Gubernatorial Election, Maine[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Paul LePage 218,065 37.6% +7.39%
Independent Eliot Cutler 208,270 35.9% —
Democratic Libby Mitchell 109,387 18.8% -19.31%
Independent Shawn Moody 28,756 5.0% —
Independent Kevin Scott 5,664 1.00%
Majority 9,795 1.7% -6.2
Turnout 580,538 +29,673
Republican gain from Democratic Swing

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.pressherald.com/home/governor/The-day-after-Governors-race-takes-shape-.html
  2. ^ a b c Miller, Kevin; Wickenheiser, Matt (3 November 2010). "BDN projects LePage to win governor's race". Bangor Daily NEws. Retrieved 3 November 2010. 
  3. ^ a b "Campaign 2010 - Maine Election Results". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Kevin Miller. "9 hopefuls for top job in Maine". Bangor Daily News. 
  5. ^ Press, Associated (5 January 2010). "McGowan joins Maine gubernatorial field".  
  6. ^ Cover, Susan (2009-08-11). "Elizabeth Mitchell files for governor's race".  
  7. ^ Gagnon, Matthew (8 December 2008). "Steve Rowe Running For Governor".  
  8. ^ Rowe For Governor (official candidate web site)
  9. ^ Wickenheiser, Matt (20 July 2009). "Businesswoman launches Blaine House bid".  
  10. ^ Rosa Scarcelli, Democratic Candidate for Governor of Maine, 2010 (official candidate web site)
  11. ^ Williams, Cindy (22 July 2009). "Former Mayor Donna Dion Announced Run For Governor".  
  12. ^ Donna Dion For Governor 2010 (official candidate web site)
  13. ^ Hoey, Dennis (21 March 2010). "Dione will run for governor as a write-in candidate".  
  14. ^ O'Bryan, Heather (1 July 2009). "House Member Announces Run For Governor".  
  15. ^ dawnhillforgovernor.com (official candidate web site)
  16. ^ "Rep. Hill drops out of Maine gov. race" - SeacoastOnline.com
  17. ^ David Hench (16 November 2009). "Richardson to announce for governor".  
  18. ^ Richardson withdrawing from governor's race Portland Press Herald, April 26, 2010
  19. ^ Cover, Susan (7 June 2010). "Governor's Race: Independents can vote Tuesday, but they need to know the rules". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved 7 June 2010. Democrat John Richardson pulled out in April after the ethics commission found problems with his application for Clean Election funds. But it was too late for the ballots, which had already gone to the printers. 
  20. ^ Wickenheiser, Matt (10 September 2009). "Man once jailed for forgery seeks state office".  
  21. ^ SunJournal.com. "Auburn lawmaker decides against bid for governor". Retrieved 2009-09-02. 
  22. ^ Mainepolitics.net. "Allen Discusses Future". Retrieved 2008-12-31. 
  23. ^ a b "Maine Governor Primary Results". Maine SOS. June 8, 2010. Retrieved August 9, 2010. 
  24. ^ "Mitchell wins Democratic Primary". WCSH 6. June 8, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010. 
  25. ^ PressHerald.com. "Does Abbott Have his Eye on Governors Job?". Retrieved 2009-02-02. 
  26. ^ "Collins aide joins Maine gov's race".  
  27. ^ "Former Husson president to run for governor".  
  28. ^ Bill Beardsley: Governor For Maine (official candidate web site)
  29. ^ Mainepolitics.net. "Republican Announces for Governor". Retrieved 2009-02-26. 
  30. ^ Matt Jacobson For Governor (official candidate web site)
  31. ^ "Waterville mayor files to run for governor".  
  32. ^ Paul LePage - Gubernatorial Dark Horse?
  33. ^ , September 18, 2009Morning Sentinel
  34. ^ Paul LePage for Governor 2010 (official campaign web site)
  35. ^ Mills declares candidacy for governor
  36. ^ "Welcome to the Public Campaign Finance Page for the State of Maine". Mainecampaignfinance.com. Retrieved 2010-08-21. 
  37. ^ Peter Mills for Governor of Maine (official candidate web site)
  38. ^ Les Otten for Governor (official candidate web site)
  39. ^ "Portland, ME | Race For Governor Already Taking Shape". WCSH6.com. 2010-01-04. Retrieved 2010-08-21. 
  40. ^ Bruce Poliquin for Maine Governor (official candidate web site)
  41. ^ "> Archives > News > Poliquin jumps to early cash lead". The Times Record. 2009-07-20. Retrieved 2010-08-21. 
  42. ^ Cianchette insists he won't run for governor
  43. ^ "Kevin Raye Will Not Run For Governor". Pine Tree Politics. 2009-11-10. Retrieved 2010-08-21. 
  44. ^ "Josh Tardy". Abbott for Governor. Retrieved 2010-08-21. 
  45. ^ Note: Poll paid for by Mills Campaign
  46. ^ "LePage projected to win Maine GOP primary". WCSH 6. June 8, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010. 
  47. ^ Christian, Ken (August 24, 2009). "Cutler To Run For Governor As Independent".  
  48. ^ Cutler 2010 (official candidate web site)
  49. ^ a b c d e f g Cover, Susan (2 June 2010). "Three unenrolled candidates qualify for governor's race". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved 2 June 2010. 
  50. ^ "Two Independent Gubernatorial Candidates Qualify for Maine Ballot".  
  51. ^ Shawn Moody for Governor of Maine (official candidate web site)
  52. ^ Wilensky-Lanford, Ethan (May 27, 2010). "'"Scott envisions role as 'a citizen governor. Portland Press Herald. Retrieved May 27, 2010. 
  53. ^ Kevin L. Scott: Maine Governor 2010 (official candidate web site)
  54. ^ Tice, Lindsay (August 26, 2010). "Jenkins' campaign hinges on Web friends". Lewiston Sun Journal. Retrieved August 27, 2010. 
  55. ^ Draft John Jenkins to be Maine Governor in 2010 Facebook Fan Page. August 26, 2010.
  56. ^ "Waterville mayor files to run for governor".  
  57. ^ Wickenheiser, Matt (15 September 2010). "Maine gubernatorial candidates put the focus on homeless". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved 15 September 2010. The candidates who attended were Democrat Libby Mitchell and independent Shawn Moody, along with write-in candidates Beverly Cooper-Pete and Ed Braley ... 
  58. ^ Alex Hammer for Maine Governor (official candidate web site)
  59. ^ Miller, Kevin (June 29, 2010). "Blaine House candidate sues over denied petitions". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved July 1, 2010. 
  60. ^ "Gov. candidate Hammer sues Sec. of State | Mainebiz". Mainebiz.biz. Retrieved 2010-08-21. 
  61. ^ Associated Press. "Judge: state correct in rejecting candidate's signatures". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved 29 September 2010. 
  62. ^ Sam Bailey: Governor 2010 (official candidate web site)
  63. ^ Journal, Kennebec (14 April 2010). "Gay-rights foe running for Maine governor".  
  64. ^ Press, Associated (14 April 2010). "Heath decides against running for gov".  
  65. ^ Cover, Susan M. (March 16, 2010). "Falling short on signatures, Williams exits". The Morning Sentinel. 
  66. ^ Bangor Daily News. "Maine Green party chairwoman to run for governor". Retrieved 2008-12-30. 
  67. ^ Lynne Williams for Governor 2010 (official candidate web site)
  68. ^ Green candidate drops out of governor's race March 15, 2010, Portland Press Herald
  69. ^ "2010 Governors Race Ratings".  
  70. ^ "Governor Ratings".  
  71. ^ "2010 Governor Races".  
  72. ^ "2010 Governor Ratings".  
  73. ^ "Race Ratings Chart: Governor".  
  74. ^ "Election 2010: Gubernatorial Scorecard".  
  75. ^ "Maine Governor". Rasmussen Reports. August 12, 2010. 

External links

  • Maine Secretary of State - Elections Division
  • Maine Governor Candidates at Project Vote Smart
  • Campaign contributions for 2010 Maine Governor from Follow the Money
  • Maine Governor 2010 from OurCampaigns.com
  • 2010 Maine Gubernatorial General Election: Paul LePage (R) vs Libby Mitchell (D) graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com
  • Election 2010: Maine Governor from Rasmussen Reports
  • 2010 Maine Governor - LePage vs. Mitchell vs. Cutler from Real Clear Politics
  • 2010 Maine Governor's Race from CQ Politics
  • Race Profile in The New York Times
Official campaign websites
  • Patrick McGowan (D)
  • Elizabeth "Libby" Mitchell (D)
  • Steven Rowe (D)
  • Rosa Scarcelli (D)
  • Steven Abbott (R)
  • William Beardsley (R)
  • Matt Jacobson (R)
  • Paul LePage (R)
  • Peter Mills (R)
  • Les Otten (R)
  • Bruce Poliquin (R)
  • Eliot Cutler (I)
  • Alex Hammer (I)
  • Shawn Moody (I)
  • Kevin Scott (I)
Debates
  • Debate hosted by the Associated General Contractors of America (Democrats, Republicans, and Cutler)
  • Democrat debate hosted by WCSH-TV, Part 1
  • Democrat debate hosted by WCSH-TV, Part 2
  • Republican debate hosted by WCSH-TV, Part 1
  • Republican debate hosted by WCSH-TV, Part 2
  • Democrat debate hosted by WMTW-TV and University of Southern Maine, Part 1
  • Democrat debate hosted by WMTW-TV and University of Southern Maine, Part 2
  • Republican debate hosted by WMTW-TV and University of Southern Maine, Part 1
  • Republican debate hosted by WMTW-TV and University of Southern Maine, Part 2
  • Democrat debate hosted by Maine Public Broadcasting
  • Republican debate hosted by Maine Public Broadcasting
  • Debate featuring all five general election candidates, hosted by WGME-TV and MaineToday Media, Part 1
  • Debate featuring all five general election candidates, hosted by WGME-TV and MaineToday Media, Part 2
  • Debate featuring all five general election candidates, hosted by WMTW-TV and University of Southern Maine, Part 1
  • Debate featuring all five general election candidates, hosted by WMTW-TV and University of Southern Maine, Part 2
  • Debate featuring all five general election candidates, hosted by WCSH-TV and Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Part 1
  • Debate featuring all five general election candidates, hosted by WCSH-TV and Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Part 2
  • Debate featuring four of the five general election candidates (LePage chose not to participate), hosted by MPBN and Bates College
  • Debate featuring all five general election candidates, hosted by WGME-TV, WGAN-AM, and MaineToday Media, Part 1
  • Debate featuring all five general election candidates, hosted by WGME-TV, WGAN-AM, and MaineToday Media, Part 2
Candidate interviews
  • Interview with Democratic candidate Donna Dion
  • Interview with Republican candidate Les Otten
  • Interview with Democratic candidate Rosa Scarcelli
  • Interview with Republican candidate Paul LePage
  • Interview with Democratic candidate Libby Mitchell
  • Interview with Independent Alex Hammer
  • Interview with Republican candidate Paul LePage
  • Interview with Democratic candidate Libby Mitchell
  • Interview with Republican candidate Bruce Poliquin
  • Interview with Democratic candidate Steven Rowe
  • Interview with Green candidate Lynne Williams
  • Interview with Independent candidate Shawn Moody
Elections and referendums in Maine
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