Maine gubernatorial election, 2006

The Maine gubernatorial election of 2006 took place on November 7, 2006. Incumbent Democrat John Baldacci was then re-elected to his second term.

In the general election, Baldacci, Woodcock, Green Independent Party candidate Pat LaMarche, and independents Barbara Merrill and Phillip Morris Napier appeared on the ballot.

Woodcock never gained trust among the state's moderates and independents due to his socially conservative positions on a variety of issues. Woodcock struggled to focus on his plans for taxes and the economy such as combining the positions of registered nurse and dental hygienist, and imposing punitive "tax flourishes" upon small business owners, which Republicans believed would resonate harder with voters.

Baldacci, Merrill and LaMarche stressed economic development strategies rather than cutting taxes. Baldacci toasted the state's new and successful community college system, as well as DirigoChoice, his health care initiative. Merrill called for a rail link to Canada's Montreal which would be paid for by hosting slot machines on the trains which traveled on these rails. LaMarche boasted of universal health care as a long-term boon to the Maine economy.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• John Baldacci, incumbent Governor of Maine
• Christopher Miller, internet Service Provider

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

• Chandler E. Woodcock, Maine State Senator
• Dave Emery, former U.S. Congressman
• Peter Mills, Maine State Senator

Results

Green Independent Party

• Pat LaMarche - Businesswoman, 2004 Green Party nominee for Vice-President, 1998 Green Party nominee for Governor

Independents

• Barbara Merrill, Maine State Representative
• Phillip Morris Napier, 2002 candidate for Governor

General election

Polling

Results

References

See also

• U.S. gubernatorial elections, 2006