AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Gov. John Baldacci jokes that the source of his new haircut, which features buzz-cut side borders to his wispy-haired but mostly bald pate, must remain “anonymous.”

But he maintains that the new style, which has been drawing double takes in the last few days, shows he’s serious about a training regimen that is being stepped up so he can make a good showing in this summer’s TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10-kilometer road race in Cape Elizabeth.

Since the 54-year-old governor showed up with his new look late last week, members of his staff and other State House regulars have gossiped discreetly about who did it and why.

Baldacci claims not to have heard much.