Usually, by now, we’re several weeks past the governor’s annual State of the State address, which sums up Maine’s position and outlines the policy agenda the chief executive wants to fulfill during the upcoming legislative session.

Gov. John Baldacci has delayed the annual event this year. It has yet to be scheduled; some reports published earlier said late February was the anticipated time, but late February is here. On Friday, the governor’s office said the second week of March is the new ETA.

These are trying times for state government, with the deficit to fill and the stimulus to spend. There are major policy initiatives being politicked as well, namely tax reform and gay marriage. The state is shedding jobs, seeing foreclosures rise and growing more pessimistic about the future.

Maine needs, in short, a pep talk. We need to hear the State of the State.

We urge the governor to speak to us, without delay. One thing our new president has proven conclusively, over and over, is the power of oratory to inspire, settle and mobilize people. Most importantly, we need the speech to show us our leaders are leading.

It doesn’t have to be Obama-esque (few possess his skills). But it has to, at least, set the tone for government, the state, to follow. The governor is the coach and we’re all his players in the locker room, at halftime, waiting on bended knee. We need to be charged up.

If the current crisis is one mainly of confidence, as some theorize, delivering this speech as soon as possible is even more crucial. Governor, there’s precious little time to delay.

Give the State of the State.