AUGUSTA – The top contestants for the gubernatorial nominations of Maine’s three political parties took to the airwaves Sunday morning, sandwiching campaign adds within public affairs broadcasting to woo supporters in advance of Tuesday’s primary elections.
Heading toward the voting, Democratic incumbent John Baldacci and Green Independent Pat LaMarche have little to worry them. Baldacci, seeking a second Blaine House term, faces token opposition from computer specialist Christopher Miller. LaMarche is unopposed within her party.
But for the three GOP rivals, suspense is building even if excitement is not. The Republican campaign among former U.S. Rep. David Emery and state Sens. Peter Mills and Chandler Woodcock has been polite and low-key and the ads on Sunday were resolutely positive.
Emery, a consultant from St. George who served in Congress from 1975 to 1982 and who alone in this year’s primary contest has run as a privately funded candidate, is highlighting his backing from U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, whose presidential effort Emery supported in 2000.
Mills, a lawyer from Cornville who is moderate enough to be regarded as a maverick in some state Republican circles, has sought to make electability a central issue in the race, arguing that he would make the best GOP candidate in November.
Woodcock, a longtime teacher from Farmington casting himself as the antithesis of a career politician, says he wants to restore trust in government.
On Sunday, Emery was scheduled to spend time at a VFW hall in Waterboro. The Maine Sunday Telegram carried an op-ed piece outing Mills’ candidacy by longtime GOP eminence Merton Henry and state Sen. Karl Turner of Cumberland.
Brad Littlefield of Sanford, a sign captain for the Woodcock campaign, said a relatively low level of interest in this year’s race was not uncommon for a primary election. He also said he liked Woodcock’s chances.
“I think he’s got a shot at it. … I think southern Maine, especially York County, tends to be more conservative in the Republican Party than other areas and I think that’s one thing that’s good for Woodcock,” Littlefield said.
Baldacci, meanwhile, was scheduled to attend an environmental event in East Winthrop and make a graduation speech at Wells High School.
In another Democratic face-off Tuesday, attorney Eric Mehnert takes on organic farmer and writer Jean Hay Bright to decide which will challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, who is seeking a third term.
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