WATERVILLE – U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud says a Republican proposal to redraw Maine’s two congressional districts is probably aimed at unseating him in 2012.

Michaud, the Democrat who represents Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, made his comments Wednesday morning as he strolled in downtown Waterville, speaking with business owners, city officials and people on the street.

“I wouldn’t want to speculate on the Republican motives, but one can very easily assume, by looking at the plan they came up with, that’s probably what they’re trying to do,” Michaud said.

Republicans propose including Androscoggin County, Oxford County and some Franklin County towns in a new 1st District, creating more of an east-west divide.

Democrats propose to effectively keep the current north-south divide, switching only Vassalboro from the 1st District to the 2nd.

The GOP plan would transfer some towns that traditionally have been loyal to Democrats to the 1st District, giving the GOP a little more of an advantage in the 2nd District.

Advertisement

No one has yet announced a candidacy against Michaud, but Democrats say Senate President Kevin Raye, a Republican, is gearing up for the race. Raye served 18 years on the staff of U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe and made a run for Congress in 2002 against Michaud.

Contacted later Wednesday, Raye said he hasn’t decided whether to run against Michaud, but is very flattered by the suggestion and is thinking about it.

Morning Sentinel Staff Writer Scott Monroe can be contacted at 861-9239 or at:

smonroe@centralmaine.com

 


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.