Maine gubernatorial election, 2014

Maine gubernatorial election, 2014
Maine
November 4, 2014
 
Nominee Paul LePage Mike Michaud Eliot Cutler
Party Republican Democratic Independent
Popular vote 294,533 265,125 51,518
Percentage 48.2% 43.4% 8.4%

2014 County by County Map
Governor before election

Paul LePage
Republican

 Elected Governor

Paul LePage
Republican

Elections in Maine

The 2014 Maine gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 2014, to elect the Governor of Maine. Incumbent Republican Governor Paul LePage ran for re-election to a second term in office, against sitting congressman from the second district, Mike Michaud, and second place finisher from the 2010 gubernatorial election, attorney Eliot Cutler.

LePage was initially considered vulnerable in this race, due to persistent approval ratings below 50%. The consensus among The Cook Political Report,[1] Governing[2] and The Rothenberg Political Report[3] was that the race was a "tossup" and Daily Kos Elections[4] and Sabato's Crystal Ball[5] rated the race as "lean Democratic".

At 12:04 AM on November 5, the Bangor Daily News declared that Paul LePage had won re-election to a second term.[6]

Background

After a close three-way election in 2010, Republican Paul LePage, the Mayor of Waterville, was elected Governor with 38% of the vote. He beat Independent candidate Eliot Cutler, who won 36%, and Democrat Libby Mitchell, the President of the Maine Senate, who won 19%. Republican gubernatorial nominees in Maine have failed to win a majority of the vote in 12 consecutive cycles over the last 50+ years - the longest such GOP streak in the nation.[7] No governor has been popularly elected with less than 40 percent of the vote in two consecutive cycles in U.S. history.[8]

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

Polling

Results

Republican primary results[11]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Paul LePage (Incumbent) 50,856 81.61
Blank ballots 11,457 18.39
Total votes 62,313 100

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

Withdrew

Declined

Polling

Results

Democratic primary results[11]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Mike Michaud 56,286 86.48
Blank ballots 8,799 13.52
Total votes 65,085 100

Green Independent primary

Candidates

Withdrew

Independents

Candidates

Declared

Withdrew

Declined

General election

Candidates

Campaign

On January 17, 2014, Eliot Cutler announced that he had challenged LePage and Michaud to a series of policy debates, with at least one to be held in each of Maine's 16 counties, over the course of the campaign. Cutler noted that neither man currently has a primary challenger and as such the field is largely set, with plenty of time to debate. Both LePage and Michaud's campaigns criticized Cutler as issuing such a challenge only to jump-start his campaign and generate attention.[29]

Lee Schultheis said that his campaign was not about winning the election, but about encouraging honest conversation on the issues and working towards compromise, while criticizing the win-at-any-cost mentality in politics. He summarizes his campaign as "I'm running for Governor, but not really". He had qualified for the ballot and as such had been invited to at least one debate.[30] However, citing the fact that two of three debates he had been invited to had been cancelled, as well as the difficulty of an independent working in the two-party system, he withdrew from the race on September 5, 2014.[27]

Cutler posted a video to his Facebook and Twitter accounts on May 5, 2014, where he responded to a voter's question about his candidacy potentially splitting the vote again. He stated that his supporters, if they felt on the night before the election that he could not win, should vote for someone else.[31]

In July 2014, Cutler claimed that in May 2011 he had been approached by Maine Democratic Party Chairman Ben Grant to run as a Democrat in 2014, with assurances that the Party would "clear the field" in such a circumstance. Grant denied Cutler's claim, calling it "100 percent false", stating that while he had met with Cutler, that subject was not discussed. He added that the party had been focused solely on getting Mike Michaud or Chellie Pingree to run for Governor. Cutler stated that he would be willing to sign an affidavit on the matter, as he remembered the conversation "very clearly". Attorney and Democratic activist Severin Beliveau disputed Cutler's claim that he had been offered a "cleared field", saying: "That's [Cutler's] ego. We all have egos, but his is in another world, in the ether somewhere." Cutler further claimed that in the spring of 2011 he was asked by then-Maine Republican Party Chairman Charlie Webster to join the Republican Party. Webster also repudiated Cutler's claim, saying that he only met Cutler as a courtesy, asking "why would Republicans want a candidate who doesn't share our views? That doesn't make sense."[32]

LePage stated on a WVOM-FM radio show on August 7 that he believes he will either win by a landslide or lose by a landslide, stating that his views are too different from his opponents' to result in a close race.[33]

On September 18, LePage told the editorial board of The Portsmouth Herald that he did not want their endorsement, saying his interest in it was "none, zero". He further stated "I'm not about politics. I'm about issues. I do not want be endorsed. I don’t want to be mentioned in the same vein as Mike Michaud."[34]

In mid-October, it was reported that the Maine Republican Party had begun spending money to target Democratic voters with negative attacks against Michaud that also praised Cutler, in the hopes of repeating the 2010 election, when Cutler played a spoiler role and LePage won with 37.6% of the vote.[35] LePage had previously said in June that Cutler's candidacy was good for his re-election campaign.[36] Meanwhile, Cutler himself has appeared to be winding down his campaign, decreasing his spending on television advertisements, leading to speculation that he was essentially conceding the race.[35][37] By the end of October, this seemed to be confirmed, as columnist Ethan Strimling noted that Cutler's weekly TV spending had decreased across October from $55,000 to $50,000, then $29,000, down to $4,000. By contrast, campaign committees and outside groups supporting LePage and Michaud were outspending him 100-to-1 each.[38]

In late October, the Republican Governors Association began airing a television advertisement that attacked Michaud before pivoting to praise Cutler, noting that he had been endorsed by Independent U.S. Senator and former Independent Governor Angus King. The spot did not mention LePage, hoping instead to persuade Michaud supporters to vote for Cutler. Michaud campaign manager Matt McTighe called it "a desperate attempt to split the vote that is uniting to defeat Gov. LePage"[39] and King, despite having endorsed Cutler, accused the RGA of "trying to trick people" and called their tactics "[dis]honest... they're trying to promote one candidate when they're really trying to promote someone else."[40]

After Cutler announced that he would hold a press conference on October 29, it was speculated that he was doing so to withdraw from the race.[41] Cutler did not announce his withdrawal but did say that he was a "realist" and acknowledged that any victory by him would be a "long shot". He said that his supporters should "vote their consciences", whether that be for LePage or Michaud. Cutler went on to say that he would not withdraw to "kowtow to party politics and allow a bunch of political polls to drown out the voices of thousands of Mainers who believe that standing for principles, ideals and ideas makes you an American, not a spoiler." However, his announcement was seen by many as "an acknowledgement that [his] campaign is over."[42][43][44] Cutler also encouraged Maine voters to support a proposed citizen initiative to implement ranked choice voting.[42]

Immediately after his press conference, a group of former Cutler supporters reiterated their backing of Michaud, saying that "the right thing now is to unite behind Mike Michaud."[45] Shortly after, Angus King announced that he was switching his endorsement from Cutler to Michaud, explaining: "it is clear that the voters of Maine are not prepared to elect Eliot... The good news is that we still have a chance to elect a governor who will represent the majority of Maine people: my friend and colleague, Mike Michaud."[46][47] Cutler stated that he was "obviously disappointed" by King's change.[48]

Debates

The Michaud campaign stated on July 30 that Michaud would only participate in debates where LePage is present and not attend ones where Cutler is the only other participant, because: "we are running against Paul LePage, he's who we are looking to unseat". The LePage campaign has said they will schedule debates around the Governor's work schedule and priorities and declined to participate in a debate in the Lewiston/Auburn area in September. Cutler criticized both men as "cowards" and said that they wanted voters to make their decision "on the basis of a cascade of negative television ads bought by outside special interests". Michaud's campaign responded that at least four debates have been scheduled so far.[49]

Despite Michaud's position on debates, he did appear at a forum on September 12 to discuss energy policy topics with only Cutler, after LePage abruptly withdrew from participating, citing what he called a change in the format of the event. The LePage campaign stated that they had thought each candidate would appear on stage separately, but learned the day of the event that the candidates would share a stage. LePage said: "If you set up a format, you've got to stick to that format" and his campaign said event organizers "attempted to arrange a setting to put politics ahead of public policy". They denied the withdrawal was politically motivated to force Michaud to debate Cutler.[50] Both the Michaud and Cutler campaigns stated they were aware of the format. Cutler offered to leave the stage while LePage spoke, but that did not change LePage's mind. Event organizers stated "there was no intent to place politics before policy" and that the issue distracted from their efforts to discuss energy policy.[51]

LePage told WMTW Channel 8 on September 22 that he was considering not participating in any debates with Michaud,[52] though he was still willing to debate Cutler alone.[53] He said he did not want to share a stage with Michaud due to his not having criticized a TV advertisement by a liberal PAC publicizing a press release where LePage called Social Security "welfare, pure and simple", which LePage later stated was not what he meant. LePage said that he used to respect Michaud but called the lack of criticism "sad". Michaud responded by issuing a statement saying that LePage was looking for an excuse to avoid debates and that he should instead use them "to set the record straight and explain why he said in a press release that Social Security is 'welfare' and why Maine's economy hasn't recovered as quickly as the rest of the country." Michaud went on to state that "It's not a gubernatorial debate without the Governor."[53] Cutler issued a statement that both the other men should "stop playing games".[53] Michaud stated the following day at a press conference that he would attend the six debates that his campaign agreed to, regardless of what LePage does. He stated that he expected LePage would attend once his "temper tantrum" was over.[54]

LePage announced on September 28 that he would participate in five debates, saying "This decision has come after much reflection over the past week on the value in debating Congressman Michael Michaud, who has continually been dishonest with the Maine people about Governor LePage’s stance on Social Security", and saying he wanted to set the record straight.[55]

Endorsements

Polling

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Paul
LePage (R)		 Mike
Michaud (D)		 Eliot
Cutler (I)		 Other Undecided
Maine People's Resource Center October 31–November 2, 2014 906 ± 3.25% 44.4% 44.7% 9.2% — 1.6%
Bangor Daily News/Ipsos October 23–29, 2014 488 ± 5.1% 42% 42% 13% — 2%
46% 48% — 2% 3%
40% — 53% 4% 3%
Magellan Strategies October 22–23, 2014 869 ± 3.32% 42.3% 41.6% 13.2% 1.2% 1.7%
Public Policy Polling October 22–23, 2014 660 ± 3.6% 40% 40% 17% — 3%
44% 49% — — 7%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov October 16–23, 2014 1,177 ± 5% 35% 37% 7% 0% 21%
Pan Atlantic/SMS Group October 15–21, 2014 400 ± 4.9% 40.3% 39.7% 12.7% — 7.4%
43.8% 48.5% — — 7.5%
University of New Hampshire October 15–21, 2014 639 ± 3.8% 45% 35% 16% — 4%
641 50% 43% — — 6%
625 48% — 47% — 5%
Bangor Daily News/Ipsos October 6–12, 2014
540 LV ± 4.8% 36% 42% 16% 1% 5%
41% 50% — 3% 6%
38% — 49% 6% 7%
903 RV ± 3.7% 30% 43% 19% 1% 6%
35% 52% — 5% 7%
32% — 50% 8% 8%
Rasmussen Reports October 7–9, 2014 930 ± 3% 41% 40% 16% 1% 3%
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner October 5–7, 2014 605 ± 4% 39% 43% 15% — 3%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov September 20–October 1, 2014 1,531 ± 3% 37% 39% 10% 0% 13%
Critical Insights September 24–30, 2014 606 ± 4% 39% 36% 21% — 4%
Pan Atlantic/SMS Group September 23–29, 2014 400 ± 4.9% 39.3% 33.6% 19.5% — 7.8%
46.3% 46.5% — — 7.3%
University of New Hampshire September 18–25, 2014 482 ± 4.4% 38% 40% 12% — 10%
44% 50% — — 6%
41% — 52% — 7%
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner September 21–23, 2014 605 ± 4% 38% 44% 15% — 3%
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner September 7–10, 2014 900 ± 3.3% 40% 42% 15% — 3%
Public Policy Polling September 8–9, 2014 1,059 ± 3% 42% 43% 11% — 3%
46% 50% — — 4%
Rasmussen Reports September 3–4, 2014 750 ± 4% 39% 43% 15% — 4%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov August 18–September 2, 2014 1,202 ± 4% 38% 37% 10% 0% 14%
Maine People's Resource Center July 26–28, 2014 796 ± 3.47% 41.4% 42.6% 12.6% — 3.5%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov July 5–24, 2014 1,353 ± 2.7% 38% 52% — 5% 4%
Normington Petts July 14–16, 2014 600 ± 4% 37% 41% 13% — 9%
University of New Hampshire June 12–18, 2014 527 ± 4.3% 36% 40% 15% 2% 7%
44% 51% — — 4%
38% — 50% 3% 9%
Public Policy Polling May 5–6, 2014 754 ± ? 39% 43% 15% — 3%
Rasmussen Reports April 23–25, 2014 830 ± 3% 40% 40% 14% 1% 5%
Critical Insights April 16–23, 2014 601 ± 4% 36% 37% 18% — 8%
Pan Atlantic/SMS Group March 31–April 5, 2014 400 ± 4.9% 38.6% 37.3% 20.3% — 3.7%
Public Policy Polling April 1–2, 2014 583 ± 3.5% 37% 44% 14% — 5%
Normington Petts March 3–6, 2014 800 ± 3.5% 35% 39% 16% <1% 9%
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner January 13–23, 2014 400 ± 4.9% 32% 45% 18% — 5%
Pan Atlantic SMS November 25–30, 2013 400 ± 4.9% 36% 37.3% 18.3% — 8.5%
Public Policy Polling November 8–11, 2013 964 ± 3.2% 36% 38% 15% — 10%
39% 53% — — 8%
38% — 49% — 13%
Critical Insights September 27–30, 2013 600 ± 4% 30% 33% 24% — 14%
Maine People's Resource Center September 8–10, 2013 652 ± 3.84% 34% 40% 16.8% — 9.1%
36.1% 55.9% — — 7.9%
Public Policy Polling August 23–25, 2013 953 ± 3.2% 35% 39% 18% — 9%
39% 54% — — 7%
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner July 11–16, 2013 400 ± 4.9% 31% 40% 26% — 3%
34% 61% — — 3%
Clarity Campaigns June 22–24, 2013 628 ± 3.72% 32% 32% 24% — 12%
Pan Atlantic SMS March 11–16, 2013 403 ± 4.9% 33.5% 22.8% 25.6% — 18.1%
34.5% — 42.2%[118] 8.4% 14.9%
Public Policy Polling January 18–20, 2013 1,268 ± 2.8% 34% 30% 26% — 10%
36% 57% — — 9%
41% — 49% — 10%

Results

Maine's Gubernatorial Election, 2014[119]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Paul LePage (Incumbent) 294,533 48.18
Democratic Mike Michaud 265,125 43.37
Independent Eliot Cutler 51,518 8.43
Others 79 0.01
Total votes 611,255 100
Republican hold

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Ratings". Retrieved September 6, 2013.
  2. ↑ Jacobson, Louis (July 18, 2013). "Handicapping the 2013-2014 Governors Races: The Tossups". Governing.com. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
  3. ↑ "Ratings". Retrieved September 6, 2013.
  4. ↑ "Daily Kos Elections gubernatorial race ratings: Initial ratings for 2013-14". Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  5. ↑ "Ratings". Retrieved September 6, 2013.
  6. ↑ "Gov. Paul LePage wins a second term; Michaud concedes". The Bangor Daily News. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  7. ↑ Ostermeier, Eric (March 6, 2014). "The Elusive Republican Majority". Smart Politics.
  8. ↑ Ostermeier, Eric (October 13, 2014). "Could Paul LePage Become the First 30/30 Governor in History?". Smart Politics.
  9. ↑ "LePage: I'm running for re-election". Kennebec Journal. July 2, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Expanding Medicaid would be 'sinful,' LePage says". Kennebec Journal. March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Tabulations for Elections held in 2014". Maine Secretary of State. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  12. ↑ "Michaud to formally enter governor’s race Thursday at Lewiston’s Franco-American Center". Bangor Daily News. August 14, 2013. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Stone, Matthew. "Former Maliseet rep takes 1st step toward gubernatorial bid – Capitol Incite - BDN Maine Blogs". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  14. ↑ Stone, Matthew (April 26, 2013). "Chellie Pingree announces she won’t run for governor in 2014". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved April 27, 2013.
  15. ↑ "Senate campaign over, Steve Woods is running for governor". Portland Press Herald. Associated Press. November 16, 2012. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Koenig, Seth (August 21, 2013). "Steve Woods withdraws from Maine gubernatorial race, says Michaud ‘will restore honor and integrity to the Blaine House’ — Politics — Bangor Daily News — BDN Maine". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 "Leery of third-place pattern, Democrats already have eyes on Blaine House | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram". Pressherald.com. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  18. ↑ Demeritt, Dan (November 30, 2012). "Dan Demeritt: Baldacci best hope for Democrats in 2014 – and for LePage, too". The Portland Press Herald. Retrieved December 23, 2012.
  19. ↑ "Sen. Emily Cain launches bid for Michaud's congressional seat". Maine Sun Journal. June 14, 2013. Retrieved June 15, 2013.
  20. ↑ "Washington Notebook: Mills keeping options open after Cabinet post". Pressherald.com. February 17, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
  21. ↑ Miller, Kevin. "Chellie Pingree says she won't run for Maine governor". Kennebec Journal. Retrieved April 26, 2013.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Maine Campaign Finance". Retrieved 25 October 2013.
  23. ↑ "Eliot Cutler tells Portland radio show hosts that he’s running for governor in 2014". Bangor Daily News. June 6, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  24. ↑ "Michaud's official bid for governor this week?". Kennebec Journal. June 14, 2013. Retrieved June 14, 2013.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Candidate Quick List". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  26. ↑ "Michaud closer to joining governor race". Kennebec Journal. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Lee Schultheis, ‘not really’ candidate for governor, drops out of race due to lack of debates". Bangor Daily News. September 5, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  28. ↑ Mistler, Steve (July 9, 2013). "Shawn Moody making another run for gov? Maybe.". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
  29. ↑ "LePage and Michaud call Cutler’s debate challenge a stunt". Bangor Daily News. January 17, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  30. ↑ "LePage and Michaud call Cutler’s debate challenge a stunt". Bangor Daily News. July 23, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  31. ↑ "Cutler gives supporters permission to vote for someone else". Bangor Daily News. May 6, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
  32. ↑ "Cutler says Democrats asked him to run in 2014". Kennebec Journal. July 26, 2014. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  33. ↑ "LePage: I'll either win or lose by a 'landslide'". WCSH-6 TV. August 7, 2014. Retrieved August 7, 2014.
  34. ↑ "LePage bets GOP will take Maine House in 2014". Bangor Daily News/York Weekly. September 20, 2014. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 Mike Tipping (October 18, 2014). "Republican Party begins spending to boost Cutler". Bangor Daily News/York Weekly. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  36. ↑ Paul Merrill (June 3, 2014). "Candidates for governor campaign in southern Maine". WMTW. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  37. ↑ Ethan Strimling (October 2, 2014). "Is Cutler pulling up stakes?". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  38. ↑ Ethan Strimling (October 20, 2014). "Cutler campaign goes dark". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  39. ↑ Steve Benen (October 28, 2014). "Republican Governors Association exploits its pawn in Maine". MSNBC. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  40. ↑ Steve Mistler (October 28, 2014). "Angus King: RGA ad boosting Cutler tries to ‘trick people’". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  41. ↑ "Will Cutler Drop Out In Maine?". Political Wire. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 "Cutler says victory is ‘long shot,’ tells supporters to vote accordingly". Bangor Daily News. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  43. ↑ "Cutler, Trailing In Maine, Says He's 'Hopeful' But a 'Realist'". Bloomberg. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  44. ↑ "Cutler staying in race, insists Mainers should ‘vote their conscience’". Portland Press Herald. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  45. ↑ "You don't have to vote for me, Maine gubernatorial candidate tells supporters". The Guardian. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  46. ↑ "Eliot Cutler Staying In Maine Governors Race But Tells Backers To 'Vote Their Conscience'". The Huffington Post. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 "Angus King switches endorsement from Cutler to Michaud". Portland Press Herald. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  48. ↑ "King switches gubernatorial nod from Cutler to Michaud; Snowe robocall to boost LePage". Bangor Daily News. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  49. ↑ "LePage, Michaud aren’t interested in many public debates". Bangor Daily News. July 30, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  50. ↑ "LePage objects to format of Portland energy forum, drops out". Bangor Daily News. September 12, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  51. ↑ "Gov. Paul LePage refuses to appear at energy forum". Kennebec Journal. September 12, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  52. ↑ "Gov. LePage says he may not attend political debates". WMTW. September 22, 2014. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 "LePage casts doubt on debates, says he won’t appear on stage with Michaud". Bangor Daily News. September 22, 2014. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  54. ↑ "Michaud refuses to denounce ad criticizing LePage, calls governor’s opposition a ‘temper tantrum’". Bangor Daily News. September 23, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  55. ↑ "LePage reverses position, will participate in 5 debates". Bangor Daily News. September 23, 2014. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
  56. ↑ "Re-Elect Governor Paul LePage". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 "George H.W. Bush, Barbara Bush endorse LePage for governor". Bangor Daily News. October 23, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 58.2 58.3 58.4 Thistle, Scott (August 1, 2014). "Snowe, McKernan to host fundraiser for LePage". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  59. ↑ Byrne, Matt (April 22, 2014). "N.J. Gov. Chris Christie to stump for LePage". Kennebec Journal. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  60. ↑ Moretto, Mario (November 1, 2014). "Collins donates Maine-made food, boosts LePage’s campaign at Blaine House charity drive". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved November 1, 2014.
  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 61.2 61.3 Thistle, Scott (October 23, 2014). "Lewiston and Auburn mayors endorse Gov. LePage". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  62. ↑ "Want public confidence in your public policy? Don’t look to LePage for guidance". The Bangor Daily News. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  63. ↑ Cousins, Christopher (June 3, 2014). "LePage endorsed by building contract group during campaign stop at gravel pit". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  64. ↑ Moretto, Mario (October 2, 2014). "LePage to receive endorsement from NRA, other guns-rights groups on Thursday". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 "Republican Leaders Endorse Michaud and His Plans to Improve Treatment of Veterans". October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  66. ↑ Koeing, Seth (August 26, 2014). "Bill Clinton to campaign for Michaud in Portland next week". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
  67. ↑ Harrison, Judy (October 19, 2014). "Hillary Clinton to campaign for Michaud in Maine on Friday". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved October 19, 2014.
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 68.2 68.3 68.4 68.5 "More than 130 Town and City Leaders Endorse Michaud". Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  69. ↑ "Independent State Rep. Evangelos Endorses Michaud". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  70. ↑ 70.0 70.1 70.2 "Penobscot, Passamaquoddy Leaders Endorse Michaud". 2 November 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  71. ↑ "Maine GOP releases recording of Gratwick saying Michaud is ‘not a brain guy’". The Bangor Daily News. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  72. ↑ "Angus King endorses Eliot Cutler at Portland press conference". Retrieved 18 August 2014.
  73. ↑ "Wisconsin and Maine are what happens... - Colleen Lachowicz for State Senate - Facebook". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  74. ↑ "Hon. George Mitchell Endorses Michaud for Governor". Mike Michaud for Governor. September 22, 2014. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  75. ↑ 75.0 75.1 75.2 Moretto, Mario (September 22, 2014). "Michelle Obama to stump for Michaud in Orono". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  76. ↑ 76.0 76.1 Cousins, Christopher (October 15, 2014). "Obama coming to Maine as part of national swing to help Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  77. ↑ 77.0 77.1 Moretto, Mario (July 21, 2014). "Democratic Govs. Deval Patrick, Peter Shumlin stump for Michaud in southern Maine". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  78. ↑ Koeing, Seth (October 7, 2014). "Michaud, Bellows join former Ohio governor to tout minimum wage hike, steps to help middle class". Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  79. ↑ 79.0 79.1 "Former LePage Appointee Gen. Don McCormack And Gen. John Bubar Endorse Michaud for Governor". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  80. ↑ "As a former leader of EqualityMaine, here’s why I support Eliot Cutler for governor". The Bangor Daily News. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  81. ↑ Tipping, Mike (October 31, 2014). "Civil rights leader Betsy Smith switches support to Michaud". Retrieved November 1, 2014.
  82. ↑ 82.0 82.1 "Firefighters, Police Groups Endorse Michaud". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  83. ↑ "Steelworkers Endorse Mike Michaud in 2014 Maine Governor’s Race". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  84. ↑ 84.0 84.1 84.2 84.3 84.4 "Michaud for Governor Earns Four Key Endorsements". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  85. ↑ "Michaud Earns Maine Credit Union League Endorsement". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  86. ↑ "Workers Throw Early Support Behind Mike Michaud for Governor". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  87. ↑ "Michaud Earns Endorsement from Teamsters". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  88. ↑ 88.0 88.1 "Michaud Earns Two Big Endorsements". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  89. ↑ 89.0 89.1 89.2 89.3 "Maritime Unions Endorse Michaud". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  90. ↑ 90.0 90.1 90.2 90.3 "Endorsements". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  91. ↑ "Michaud receives endorsement from labor union that doesn’t always support Democrats". Bangor Daily News. May 13, 2014. Retrieved May 13, 2014.
  92. ↑ "Democracy For America - BREAKING: Michaud leads LePage by four in new ME Gov Poll". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  93. ↑ "Collins, Bellows in TV ad war; Cutler passes on enviro endorsement; ‘Fear the beard’". State & Capitol. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  94. ↑ "Leading Maine gay-rights group endorses Michaud in governor’s race". Central Maine. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  95. ↑ "Human Rights Campaign Endorses Mike Michaud for Maine Governor". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  96. ↑ "Maine People's Alliance Endorses Michaud". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  97. ↑ "Maine Conservation Voters endorse Michaud’s 2014 gubernatorial bid". The Bangor Daily News. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  98. ↑ "Maine Renewable Energy Association Endorses Michaud in Race for Governor". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  99. ↑ "Maine Rep. Michael Michaud’s Evolution on Choice Earns NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC Endorsement". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  100. ↑ "Michaud Earns Endorsement from National Organization to Protect Social Security and Medicare". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  101. ↑ "Planned Parenthood’s PAC endorses Michaud in Maine governor’s race". The Bangor Daily News. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  102. ↑ "Nelson Durgin: Why I, as a Republican, will vote for independent Eliot Cutler". The Bangor Daily News. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  103. ↑ Moretto, Mario (August 6, 2014). "Pat Flood, Maine Senate GOP’s budget guru, endorses Eliot Cutler". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
  104. ↑ "Cutler for Maine". Cutler 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  105. ↑ "Maine Voices: Mike Michaud’s record does not prove he’s ‘evolved’ on reproductive choice". The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  106. ↑ "Cutler for Maine". Cutler 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  107. ↑ "Portland Meet& Greet". Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  108. ↑ "Cutler for Maine". Cutler 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  109. ↑ "Cutler for Maine". Cutler 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  110. ↑ "Cutler for Maine". Cutler 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  111. ↑ Williams, Lynne (October 6, 2014). "Eliot Cutler is the right candidate for this Green Party member — Opinion". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  112. ↑ Moretto, Mario (July 24, 2014). "Maine Citizens Against Handgun Violence endorses Eliot Cutler". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  113. ↑ "Cutler would return dignity, reason and vision to the Blaine House". Bangor Daily News. October 22, 2014. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
  114. ↑ "The Best Choice". The Times Record. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  115. ↑ "ENDORSEMENT Cutler for Maine governor". The Portsmouth Herald/Seacoastonline.com. October 19, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  116. ↑ "OUR OPINION: Who do we endorse? Nobody — and here’s why". MaineToday Media/Kennebec Journal. August 31, 2014. Retrieved August 31, 2014.
  117. ↑ "Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine won’t endorse candidates in gubernatorial, federal races". Bangor Daily News. August 21, 2014. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
  118. ↑ Cutler was specifically listed as the Democratic nominee, not an Independent candidate
  119. ↑ "Maine General Election 2014". Maine Secretary of State. 2014-11-04. Retrieved 2014-12-19.

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