Mainers have been bombarded by political charges and claims over the airwaves, in newspapers and, in some cases, in person. Not easily understood is just what social and financial impacts the Republican and Democrat presidential candidates’ views and positions would have in Maine and on Mainers. The Sun Journal has identified the differences between the two candidates on issues of likely importance here at home. We reviewed a variety of published reports, talked to experts and checked with the candidates’ respective campaigns on more than a dozen issues and compiled the information for you to consider before going to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Reporters Bonnie Washuk, Kathryn Skelton, Doug Fletcher and Carol Coultas contributed to this report