Tidbits from the campaign trail while waiting for undecided voters to get decisive …

Does anyone else have the feeling that Maine’s gubernatorial election is poised for an “October surprise?”

The term typically applies to a presidential race to describe a late event, news story or TV ad — sometimes deliberately timed — that influences an election. But with Election Day just over two weeks away and an apparent abundance of undecided, uninspired or ambivalent Maine voters, it seems as though many are waiting for something, anything, to help them make up their minds.

There are six television debates remaining before Nov. 2, so perhaps a headline-worthy performance could shake up what the polls are saying is a toss-up between Democrat Libby Mitchell and Republican Paul LePage.

And lest anyone forget independent Eliot Cutler, a recent Rasmussen poll showed the Cape Elizabeth resident surging from the doldrums. At last Thursday’s forum sponsored by the Androscoggin County Chamber, Cutler delivered his best performance yet: More hopeful, less cranky; more clear initiatives, less haughty policy-wonk delivery.

It looked as if Cutler was starting to believe what he’d been telling audiences for the last month: That his campaign was going to be the “greatest comeback story in Maine.”

Cutlerfiles: Work of the ‘duopoly’?

So this cutlerfiles.com story is getting interesting, isn’t it?

After Cutler’s campaign filed a complaint with the Maine Ethics Commission against the anonymous site for violating the state’s disclosure laws, Republican lawyer Dan Billings swooped in to defend the site’s First Amendment Rights.

Now enter Dennis Bailey, the public relations maven who has headed several political campaigns, including CasinosNo!, Democratic primary candidate Rosa Scarcelli and former Gov. Angus King.

MPBN reported this week that Bailey, who is currently working for independent gubernatorial candidate Shawn Moody, could be subpoenaed by the Ethics Commission to testify about his involvement in cutlerfiles.com.

It’s doubtful that the Ethics Commission will release any findings before Election Day. But if it turns out Bailey and Billings are involved in cutlerfiles.com, Cutler’s previous claim that his candidacy was victimized by a Republican-Democrat “duopoly” will sound remarkably prescient, if not well-informed.

A lot of dough for lawn signs

Those following the money in the congressional and gubernatorial races are probably accustomed to seeing contributions from political action committees.

But PAC money in legislative campaigns is usually funneled only to the most hotly contested races.

It’s not clear if state Sen. Deborah Simpson, D-Auburn, is vulnerable against Republican challenger Loise Snowe-Mello. But one thing is clear: Simpson is getting a lot of support from three PACs.

According to the state’s latest independent expenditure reports, PACs have spent more than $18,000 to help Simpson’s cause. Leading the way is the Maine Conservation Voters Action Fund PAC, which has spent over $12,000 in fliers, palm cards and mailings. 

Equality Maine is second, spending $5,043 on mailings for Simpson.

Lightning round

Clever marketing: The Lewiston Maineiacs are holding an election-themed promotion on Oct. 20. Seats are $1 for fans wearing or toting political paraphernalia (hat, pin, bumper sticker, sign, etc.).

Random thought: Pretty sure that now infamous picture of Libby Mitchell holding a plaque calling former President George W. Bush a terrorist would have played much better for the Blaine House hopeful if she’d been posing next to a bottle of Gritty’s or Shipyard beer instead of a Heineken.

Simones’ Hot Dog Stand will be releasing the results of its in-house gubernatorial and congressional race poll on Thursday. The reported margin of error will be plus or minus five ketchup stains. And don’t you dare question Jim Simones’ methodology.

For daily political updates follow the Political Pulse blog at politcalpulse.sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link