AUGUSTA – The White House called.

All four members of Maine’s delegation in Congress called.

Presidential Democratic candidate John Kerry called.

So did hundreds of ordinary citizens. They all wanted to know the same thing: How was Gov. John Baldacci after his SUV crashed Wednesday morning?

Calls and e-mails full of good wishes from regular Mainers “is what’s making the biggest impression,” said Baldacci spokesman Lee Umphrey. “Our director of constituent relations is keeping a stack of those for the governor when he comes back.”

The exact nature of the calls from the White House and Kerry was not known, but here is a sampling of the messages from Mainers:

• James and Janet Heard of Bath, who are on the call force for the Bath Fire Department, wrote in an e-mail: “We want to express well wishes to you. Hope you are not seriously hurt.”

• The Nelson family of Poland Spring said they pray for the leaders of the nation every day. “Today we are also praying most fervently for God’s blessing for the well-being of our governor and his driver. …”

• Claire Julian of Kennebunkport said she was sorry to hear about Baldacci’s crash, “but am so thankful that you will be fine. I hope you and Det. Trask will both feel better soon. We need you to keep doing the wonderful job for the people of Maine.”

As the House of Representatives began its day, Speaker Patrick Colwell briefed members, saying the governor appeared to be “doing fine” and that the man in the vehicle struck by the governor’s SUV was also not seriously injured.

“It appears that someone was smiling on us from up above this morning. We are all grateful for that.”

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