CAPE ELIZABETH – Democrat Patrick McGowan hit some Portland-area hot spots Saturday morning, from a lacrosse game to Rudy’s of the Cape restaurant to the town’s Recycling Center.
The gubernatorial candidate expects sizable support in northern Maine, where he’s run strong campaigns in the past and where he’s well-known. But forays into southern Maine, particularly in Cumberland County, mean he’s “campaigning in the heart of the beast,” said McGowan. Two strong competitors — Democrats Steven Rowe and Rosa Scarcelli — are based in Portland and enjoy geographic support.
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McGowan said the 2nd Congressional District — which is generally northern, eastern and western Maine — is looking good for his campaign. He’s expecting to come in a close third, or possibly second in Cumberland County. The numbers he’s seen, said McGowan, put him in a dead heat for overall first with Elizabeth Mitchell of Vassalboro.
He’s received endorsements from a number of southern Maine papers, including the York Weekly, the York County Coast Star and the Portsmouth Herald. That’s in addition to the endorsement of MaineToday Media’s papers. MaineToday Media publishes The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel daily newspapers, the weekly Coastal Journal in Bath and their respective websites.
He’s launched a new TV ad, touting those endorsements and trying to keep the momentum going.
“I think we’re going to do really well in southern Maine,” said McGowan. “We’ve got a great team in Biddeford-Saco, good response in Sanford-Springvale.”
His sisters have been in the area for 30 years, and they’re working for him, as are his daughters and ex-wife, who’s making calls for him, said McGowan.
McGowan plans to rally his base and supporters at Brian Boru’s in Portland tonight. The candidate said he and a few of his campaign workers — Leo Trudel and Amy Jennings — will play some live music, have some pub food and possibly try some Guinness.
Staff Writer Matt Wickenheiser can be contacted at 791-6316 or at:
mwickenheiser@pressherald.com
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