Cutler gains in poll as LePage, Mitchell slip
GOP hopeful Paul LePage still leads the race, a poll suggests, but support for independent Eliot Cutler is up 8 points.
By Susan M. Cover scover@mainetoday.com
MaineToday Media State House Writer
AUGUSTA - Poll results released Monday on this year's race for governor show small declines for the two major-party candidates and a surge for independent Eliot Cutler.
Paul LePage
Derek Davis/Staff Photographer
Libby Mitchell
Derek Davis/Staff Photographer
Additional Photos Below
Republican Paul LePage, the mayor of Waterville, still leads the pack, with 39 percent support. He is followed by Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell of Vassalboro, the Democratic nominee, at 31 percent.
Cutler, who was supported by just 7 percent of the respondents in a poll a month ago, is now at 15 percent, according to Rasmussen Reports, which polled 500 likely Maine voters July 14. The margin of error is 4.5 percentage points.
The survey done last week showed 12 percent undecided, and 3 percent favoring other candidates. Shawn Moody of Gorham and Kevin Scott of Andover are two independents who will be on the November ballot.
In a Rasmussen poll last month, LePage had support from 43 percent and Mitchell had 36 percent. Voters were surveyed just two days after the June 8 primaries, when both candidates were in the news frequently.
Cutler's campaign manager, Ted O'Meara, said his candidate is moving in the right direction.
"After the primary, we went up on TV with a modest ad buy, and to double support while Mitchell and LePage are trending downward is exactly where we want to be," he said.
But for the LePage campaign, continuing to hold the lead is good news.
"That's certainly encouraging," said John Morris, LePage's chief of staff. "We will continue to work to increase those figures."
David Loughran, spokesman for Mitchell, said the numbers indicate to him that it's a two-way race.
"It still looks like a race between Libby and LePage, with a high number of undecideds," he said. "Libby is the best candidate, so we're confident the more voters get to know her, the more they are going to like her."
Other results gathered by the polling firm show that LePage gets support from 78 percent of Republicans and Mitchell gets support from 52 percent of Democrats. Cutler, a Cape Elizabeth resident, is supported by 20 percent of the Democrats and 5 percent of Republicans.
Among voters not affiliated with any party -- the largest voting bloc in Maine -- LePage had 41 percent support, Mitchell came in at 18 percent, and Cutler had 16 percent.
MaineToday Media State House Reporter Susan Cover can be contacted at 620-7015 or at: scover@centralmaine.com
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Eliot Cutler Derek Davis/Staff Photographer |
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129 COMMENTS
Badjuju said...
Nice photo.....not.
July 20, 2010 at 5:27 AM Report abuse
Govt2Wasteful said...
I wonder why this newspaper has used terrible photographs of both Mr. Cutler and Mr. LePage?
July 20, 2010 at 5:49 AM Report abuse
Jack_Pine said...
We have to stop spending money we don't have and those who have been milking the system need to be sent packing.
July 20, 2010 at 5:50 AM Report abuse
Biddy said...
Cutler is still the brightest, the most experienced candidate and the one with most connections that can help rebuild our economy in Maine. Just look at who the Republicans attack the most. It isn't Mitchell. The campaign hasn't begun in earnest as traditionally Labor Day is the start of it. LePage's coarseness and his extreme positions on social issues and inexperience with state government will be exposed in debate.
July 20, 2010 at 6:02 AM Report abuse
Badjuju said...
Extreme position on SOCIAL issues??? That is EXACTLY what we need. And we don't need the typical candidate with the good 'ol boy "experience".
July 20, 2010 at 6:14 AM Report abuse
Dirk Lerxst said...
Biddy, are you on some payroll to try to tear down Lepage on every article? Seriously, it's enough, we get it. I find Cutler's poll numbers very suprising. Very much looking forward to this election.
July 20, 2010 at 6:19 AM Report abuse
Biddy said...
No. I'm not on any payroll for any candidate. I simply don't like knotheads that appeal to the ignorant by simplifying every complex issue and demonizing those with the least ability to effect change. And too bad if it offends you pal. You should have thought about that before following your testostorone and nominating a negative candidate like LePage.
July 20, 2010 at 6:26 AM Report abuse
Kyle Milsaps said...
Why isn't Mitchell's support among Democrats higher? My opinion is it's because she's a typical, middle-of-the-road corporate Democrat, and the progressives in the party are looking elsewhere. Now I'm not sure Cutler is the savior for progressives by any means, but it should send a clear message to Mitchell and others in the party that they cannot take the progressive vote for granted.
July 20, 2010 at 6:27 AM Report abuse
falstaff said...
Cutler will tear the mayor of Wartville to shreds. What a spectacle it's going to be!
July 20, 2010 at 6:31 AM Report abuse
Dirk Lerxst said...
Biddy,irony, google it.
July 20, 2010 at 6:43 AM Report abuse
Ellen said...
How can anyone see Cutler as anything other than a vanity candidate?
July 20, 2010 at 6:48 AM Report abuse
Evil41 said...
It appears that the headquarters of the Cutler campaign is located at the PPH offices...
July 20, 2010 at 6:55 AM Report abuse
said...
Mitchell, Cutler, and the ol'biddy have the same answer for every problem, dump more money on it. It has to stop.
July 20, 2010 at 6:59 AM Report abuse
beulah said...
Come on PPH, where are the red eyes and horns for LePage? falstaff>>> I have to tell you that the only person Cutler is going to shred is Mitchell. LePage will be our next Gov.
July 20, 2010 at 7:00 AM Report abuse
jake007 said...
Evil41......you nailed it..... Ellen ....good call on that.
July 20, 2010 at 7:07 AM Report abuse
MainelyJack said...
What a headline. Of course Cutler has improved his position. He has started to campaign. Duh. This paper is solidly in his camp, however he will only be able to make sure Mitchell loses and he will never pass LePage in voter approval. This is the year to throw the D's out and to be able to throw out two in one election is delicious.
July 20, 2010 at 7:08 AM Report abuse
Biddy said...
Actually we have been cutting funding to education and human services for years. Even in a recession, when increased funding is needed, we've been cutting. And it has been a DEMOCRAT that has presided over the cuts with little or NO tax increase. The Republicans in the Legislature have really had little to complain about. And there has been a substantive amount of restructuring too. Any rational person realizes that we have to maintain a social safety net and that cutting education drastically will affect economic development. And restructuring the secretarial pool might cut some costs in local government but won't move the numbers much at the state level. So LePage and other big mouths what are your ideas besides innuendo?
July 20, 2010 at 7:10 AM Report abuse
said...
Got to love Moody taking money from people to spread his business logo among the dumd. Advertising his collision business in Maine's front yards? Take your car to the Showroom today. Classless.
July 20, 2010 at 7:10 AM Report abuse
Jack_Pine said...
More and more people are awakening with each passing week and they don't like what they see in Washington,DC and Augusta. It seems the day after LePage won and it became clear that Libby Mitchell was in trouble, the media manufactured the fantasy of a Cutler victory. But Cutler is Jimmy Carter redux and along with Mitchell will likely be no match for the tide this November. Time for fiscal responsibility and putting our great nation back on track.
July 20, 2010 at 7:12 AM Report abuse
said...
If you want to remember the current financial crisis fondly by all means vote for Cutler. I have faith he will be able to duplicate his magic from the 1970's. Maine's bond rate won't be worth the toilet paper it's printed on. His legacy is a prime rate of over 20%, most major cities broke, and unemployment rising. He's part of the reason Carter was a one and done President. But like Saint Jimmy, the revisionists have him "remembered" as a financial genius. Too bad for him too many of us are left to remember his REAL history.
July 20, 2010 at 7:16 AM Report abuse
said...
I get the impression that Biddy spends taxpayer money in some fashion. No one can be this biased unless they are getting a slice of the pie.
July 20, 2010 at 7:18 AM Report abuse
beulah said...
Biddy>>> You have a short memory. There have been many tax increases. The cigarette tax went up I believe $2.00 a pack in the last 5 years, the Maine State income tax was restructured and last year everyone who paid taxes paid $500.00 more than the year before. Remember the soda tax, dry cleaning, restaurant, car repair, motel, hotel, etc. etc. taxes that were shot down by the voters? Democrats do nothing but raise taxes and give it to there blood sucking constituents. Also, the reason why we are in this mess in the State of Maine is in part due to Main Care. In some places 80% of the people who go to the hospital are on Maine Care, WE CAN NOT AFFORD THAT.
July 20, 2010 at 7:23 AM Report abuse
Biddy said...
beulah. You are a true simpleton. The reason so many people are on Mainecare is 1. We have lost much of our manufacturing base in Maine. The Union workers who had benefits are now working part time jobs with NO benefits!! Because of the insurance mess in the U.S., ignored by your sainted Republicans, insurance is unaffordable unless you are in a group. Would you rather have those same people receiving charity care with NO reimbursement? That would help the hospital's bottom line. The cigarette tax is in part a health tax to cut smoking. You don't pay it if you don't smoke. And if you smoke YOU are costing ME money by increasing MY premiums. Kind of leech like don't ya think? The other taxes were voted down and the DEMOCRATS CUT the budget. So stop whining.
July 20, 2010 at 7:38 AM Report abuse
Fred said...
The far right spin about Cutler is amusing. He was most recently registered as a REPUBLICAN and only switched to Independent because of the extremists taking over that party. Yes he was in the Carter administration - in a technical management role. But then Carter even appointed Nixon's Secretary of Defense to a much higher policy position in his cabinet. Gee, was a guy who served as Nixon's Secretary of Defense a "far left liberal too"? By the comments here trying to paint Cutler that way just because of his role, I guess he must have been!
July 20, 2010 at 7:40 AM Report abuse
sam said...
Oh dear - the Lepagians are certainly on the defensive today! Their candidate drops his support by 10% while Cutler DOUBLES his! This trend is making them very, very nervous. Add to the mix that the polling outfit is a known Republican polling house with a tenacity to skew hard right and their concerns are quite understandable. Keep whistling in the dark guys. It is amusing.
July 20, 2010 at 7:43 AM Report abuse
NoPig said...
Too bad LePig is slipping. The more people find out about this joke lower his poles will go.
July 20, 2010 at 7:44 AM Report abuse
beulah said...
Biddy>>> You are a true liberal, smarter than everyone else. Thank god for people like you, we simpletons would not know how to take care of ourselves. Try making a comment without putting people down. I disagree with you, but I don’t think you are a simpleton, or stupid, I just disagree with you on almost everything. I’m sure if we met and had a conversation we would agree on some things.
July 20, 2010 at 7:48 AM Report abuse
said...
Culter for me.
July 20, 2010 at 7:49 AM Report abuse
beulah said...
Sam said>>Oh dear - the Lepagians are certainly on the defensive today! Their candidate drops his support by 10% while Cutler DOUBLES his! This trend is making them very, very nervous. I can tell you Republicans are not nervous about Cutler. We know we have a fight, but in the end LePage will WIN!!!!!!!!!!
July 20, 2010 at 7:53 AM Report abuse
AXel said...
After seeing LePages picture I am now joining the rest of the state, Cutler is going to kick bu$$.
July 20, 2010 at 7:53 AM Report abuse
Fred said...
Only one candidate has 1) started a business from scratch and had to meet a payroll. 2) Successfully brought new business home to the US from overseas and 3) has a strong background in executive branch budgeting and cost cutting. It's NOT Mitchel or Lepage folks. Only Cutler has this strong background that will be essential to getting anything meaningful done. We CANNOT AFFORD either the extensive on the job training that Lepage would require or the favors that Mitchel will owe the schools and unions!
July 20, 2010 at 7:54 AM Report abuse
Badjuju said...
Biddy wants Pat Mcgroin and Phil McKrackin.
July 20, 2010 at 8:02 AM Report abuse
said said...
Jack_Pine said..."We have to stop spending money we don't have and those who have been milking the system need to be sent packing."---------------- Excellent point. Now, who exactly is milking the system? Got any names, or just generalities like "immigrants" or "the poor?"
July 20, 2010 at 8:03 AM Report abuse
homeboy said...
It is not always easy to take a good photo of someone or something when the material is not there in the first place! Let's face it, Cutler cannot and will not win, and can only be a spoiler. Interesting is the fact that he is taking from both sides, but I'm not sure equally. As for Libby Mitchell, I challenge anyone who has sat down and had a conversation with her to continue to make the kinds of accusations that are being leveled by some here. She is a class act, yet is tough as nails when she needs to be. Cutler and LePage would have no legislative constituency if elected, and would find it almost impossible to get anything done.
July 20, 2010 at 8:05 AM Report abuse
Biddy said...
So sorry, just found my meds. I will be better in a few. This brain disease is awful.
July 20, 2010 at 8:07 AM Report abuse
sam said...
Comment guidelines specifically prohibit "Comments where it appears the commenter is masquerading as another person." Anyone using already established screen names that are not their own could find themselves banned from commenting.
July 20, 2010 at 8:16 AM Report abuse
Biddy said...
beulah. I'm not putting YOU down. Only your opinions as voiced here. I am far from an elitist. Doubtlessly many of us would agree on some things if we met face to face. You need to really look behind the typical political verbage that is spoon fed to us. For example Mainecare covers a great many people including middle class elderly who need nursing home care, truly disabled people, children, and others who are not able to work. Noncategorical enrollment has been capped for some time. And Mainecare reimbursement is low which causes hospitals to pass the over cost to others. We need to examine the whole system of insurance AND cost for services in this state.
July 20, 2010 at 8:20 AM Report abuse
Biddy said...
People that use others' names here to make inane comments are abusing the system. Why can't people be honorable?
July 20, 2010 at 8:26 AM Report abuse
COMMON_CENTS said...
Doing the CUTLER Shuffle...first you go to the left and turn about; then you go to the right and give Conner a shout, and wave your hands all about...hopefully no one will notice that you've never danced before!
July 20, 2010 at 8:28 AM Report abuse
Biddy said...
That's why they call it an HONOR system! Would be interesting to see how many that are being dishonorable are LePage supporters.
July 20, 2010 at 8:29 AM Report abuse
AXeL said...
NOWHERE in the Guidelines does it say members could be BANNED from commenting, Sam. All they will do is remove the posting. It also says they send an email explaining why the post was removed, which they certainly do NOT do. All I know is that I started reading and saw MY NAME above a comment I DIDN'T WRITE.
July 20, 2010 at 8:32 AM Report abuse
beulah said...
Biddy, I agree people should not use other people’s names, but you comment that LePage supporters are the ones doing it is uncalled for. I know some nasty Democrats, and some special Republicans, but that is not the norm.
July 20, 2010 at 8:35 AM Report abuse
SL of SP said...
We need to stop the handout freebie programs, it is bankrupting the middle class. We definitely don't need to go backwards to move forward. I guess it's either Cutler or Moody.
July 20, 2010 at 8:43 AM Report abuse
BITTY said...
Nothing like impersonating someone from Biddeford to add another disgusting element to another humid day in Maine...yearns to enter a certain law firm's board room and have a hot young intern fetch my coffee!
July 20, 2010 at 8:46 AM Report abuse
SL of SP said...
Common, did you ever think maybe Cutler is bright enough to understand that neither party has all the right answers? Maybe just maybe he will bring some common_sense to the state? Maybe he will reduce the partisan politics, that you love and adore. AND heaven forbid he reduce the social service hand outs and keep the Church out of the schools and politics...
July 20, 2010 at 8:46 AM Report abuse
AXe-l said...
Republicans want to flex with the excitement of the Tea Party white movement, but they probably won't like what the see when they get to know LePage a bit more. Cutler is decent but he's more likely to be a spoiler than a genuine candidate. Mitchell is the smartest, best and best-informed but she has too much relevant experience and the public doesn't like feeling like they are being pressured to make the best choice when it could choose from its gut.
July 20, 2010 at 8:47 AM Report abuse
youknowit said...
The truth is that Paul LePage is still in the lead, by a sizable margin. So why was this headline worded to put Press Herald favorite Cuttler in a favorable light? 39% LePage to 15% Cutller. Mitchell, with the big money, from the party of special interest big bucks, still at 31%. Cuttler, and Mitchell supported the failed, rejected fake tax reform, that had no indexing, and was a big tax break for millionaires, while taxing everything from hair cuts to car repairs for the average people in Maine. Perhaps that's why?
July 20, 2010 at 8:47 AM Report abuse
AXel said...
Axel...love it when your wheels come off, just like the ones on the Cutler Bandwagon....enjoying the breeze from the SACO wind turbine...they make such smart government decisions down there!...I'm green with envy! lololololol
July 20, 2010 at 8:51 AM Report abuse
nimrod said...
The far right is going nuts - they can't stand it that the repug lead is slipping away...you can blame it all on the candidate. LePain was nominated because Mainer's didn't like the big money and slick delivery of the Lester machine. But Mainer's are also smart and practical. They're not going to elect a CREATIONIST to the Blaine House. Cutler for Gov!
July 20, 2010 at 8:56 AM Report abuse
said...
Maine voters need to send both parties a message and vote Indy!
July 20, 2010 at 9:05 AM Report abuse
said...
Govt2Wasteful said... I wonder why this newspaper has used terrible photographs of both Mr. Cutler and Mr. LePage? -------------- Because you can't change ugly. P.S. - Do you REALLY think that is a good picture of Mitchell??? I don't think that any of them are going to be winning a beauty contest anytime soon. Thankfully, unlike the South.......good looks aren't a prerequisite for winning elections in Maine.
July 20, 2010 at 9:09 AM Report abuse
sam said...
Cutler is a native Mainer who left the Democratic party years ago to enroll as a Republican because he believed Democrats had moved too far to the left. More recently he changed his enrollment from Republican to independent because the Republican party has moved to hard to the right. He was absolutely correct in both of those party changes. Today's Republicans would even label Reagan's policies as RINO or even far left (for example Reagan implemented amnesty for illegal immigrants and raised taxes on the rich to fund two purely socialistic programs) and today's Democrats (at least in Maine) are led by folks too far to the left to be truly fiscally conservative. Cutler is a centrist and this FACT scares the pants off the Lepage supporters because they know that as Lepage gets more well known his support from moderate Republicans and Independents will plummet.
July 20, 2010 at 9:12 AM Report abuse
said...
I don't know what all you conspiracy buffs are implying but if you look at Cutler's picture I'd say your argument ain't worth a whole lot...
July 20, 2010 at 9:12 AM Report abuse
_Christopher said...
It seems that LePage has been in hiding. They must be afraid he is going to say something stupid. I bet he is practicing his soundbites because as soon as he starts opening his mouth his ratings are going down even more.
July 20, 2010 at 9:13 AM Report abuse
jake007 said...
Cutler does in fact look like Fred Flinstone!
July 20, 2010 at 9:13 AM Report abuse
Jonathan Albrecht said...
First, This is a Rasmussen poll also called with good reason the anti-democratic poll. Rasmussen is never right giving Republicans a 10-15 point advantage nationwide, but then the Republican losses. Second, Maine has no fiscal mess. Compared to the 30+ states that raised general taxes and still have 1-26 billion dollar budget gaps Third, no one is milking the system other than corporations with their trillions of dollars in corporate welfare. Fourth, LePage is going down because people are paying just a little attention and have discovered that he's completely wacko.
July 20, 2010 at 9:18 AM Report abuse
Get real said...
LePalin's lead continues to slip...
July 20, 2010 at 9:18 AM Report abuse
said...
The only good news in this poll is that Cutler appears to be taking more from Mitchell then LePage. Which makes sense because Cutler is nothing more then a liberal Democrat that wouldn't even be in this race if he had stayed in the party. Pretending to be an Independent immediately proves Cutler cannot be trusted.
July 20, 2010 at 9:21 AM Report abuse
UR A D B said...
Anonymous said..."Cutler is nothing more then a liberal Democrat..."---------------Right, except for the fact that he was most recently a Republican. But don't let facts get in the way of a good rant.
July 20, 2010 at 9:27 AM Report abuse
Aldon said...
Jake 007- The PPH removed my handle. I'm not anonymous and I also know Moody does not own The Showroom. My point was that he's abusing the political process for his commercial aggrandisement and hasn't the education or experience to be an animal warden. Take your car and your vote anywhere else. Get it?
July 20, 2010 at 9:33 AM Report abuse
Biddy said...
If you look at the numbers in the poll they are similar to the last election for Governor. Baldacci didn't get 40% of the vote. Barbara Merrill got 18%. Woodcock got 30%. It appears the next Governor Won't have a mandate which means the Legislature will be all important. That will most certainly be Democrat controlled. The debates will be well watched and will be a defining moment for the candidates. LePage's numbers will slip at least slightly then but expect him to get at least 30-35% of the vote.
July 20, 2010 at 9:35 AM Report abuse
COMMON_CENTS said...
Love to see some factual documentation of Cutler's 'CONVERSION' to Republicanism? ...dates, meetings, oaths sworn as an elected republican; you know the usual litmus test that we all like to see before we swallow the swill, err. Elixir. Most of Cutler's formative years were spent in the company of Liberal Democrats. It's sort of like being Jewish; once you have a BRIS, you can't undo it that easily.
July 20, 2010 at 9:42 AM Report abuse
said...
I love those touting Cutler as party hopping because of principle, and not because as a lawyer he was just doing what any other groupie does when the power shifts. Moral and ethical standards are not part of the legal profession, manipulating the law and getting paid is really all that has ever mattered to any lawyer that has been playing in Cutler's circle.
July 20, 2010 at 9:42 AM Report abuse
AXel said...
It's pretty clear what's going on now and it's not much of an indicator about what will happen down the pike. Right now, probably 5% of the public knows the candidates and the differences between them, so most of us are just polling with our superficial affiliations. Democrats, for example, are comfortable saying they would vote for Cutler but in a close race, they will be more driven by voting against LePage than for either Cutler or Mitchell so they will vote for the strongest non-LePage candidate. The charges of racism are sticking against the Tea Party and that's going to turn many away from Tea Party candidates. People are going to learn about the experiences and positions of the major candidates and then will vote with their brains rather than their hearts. Right now it looks like an open race, but the candidate with most experience and most intelligent take on policy will prevail.
July 20, 2010 at 9:43 AM Report abuse
lefthook said...
It appears, after careful analysis of the latest polls, that around about election day there will be 0 votes for each candidate. The write in wins. Unfortunately that winner will be Mickey Mouse, a perpetually strong vote puller. He gets the free mansion in Augusta for four years....
July 20, 2010 at 9:48 AM Report abuse
COMMON_CENTS said...
My perception of Libby, is that she's an iron fist in a velvet glove...she didn't work her way up through her Party and leadership in the Legislature by waiting in line; but by being ruthless and controlling. She is asking for Party loyalty among elected Democrats; and if she doesn't get it...bye, bye,...the smooch of death! JAKE...funny line, can see them schlepping around Mardens looking for bargains.
July 20, 2010 at 9:55 AM Report abuse
beulah said...
For the most part the only people who are not going to vote for LePage are Union members and most State employees. This is not a problem because 99.9999999% of these people are Democrat and won’t vote for him anyway. That leaves the Republicans and Independents; combined I bet LePage will get 65-70% of them. There you go LePage gets 10% of the Democrats (the Franco Americans) 65% of everyone else. Bingo, LePage wins big. Sorry Dems, we get the State back.
July 20, 2010 at 9:56 AM Report abuse
jake007 said...
Aldon....thanks for the correction. And the PPH is loosing it. I sent a letter to the mgr.editor about this handle or screen name thing. The wheels have come off,,,,
July 20, 2010 at 10:03 AM Report abuse
beulah said...
Axel, I can not sit here and read what you say about the Tea Party people and not say anything. You are so wrong to call the Tea Party people racists. People have to start standing up to people like you, you are a blasphemer. I have been to many Tea Parties and I have never heard or seen anything close to racism. I have been to Tea Parties in Maine, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, and DC. You should be ashamed of yourself, and people who believe what you spew should be ashamed with you. Please get the facts before you start with the mouth. You; my friend are a bigot for saying Tea Party people are racists.
July 20, 2010 at 10:08 AM Report abuse
said...
Biddy>>> Then you fall in with the 90% of Democrats who are not going to vote for him. You must be a Democrat. I have no problem with that it is a free Country, I respect the fact that you stand up for what you believe, i truly do, and I probably would like you. We just could not talk about politics; I have many friends that I do not talk about politics with. I respect that. This is what makes our Country Great.
July 20, 2010 at 10:18 AM Report abuse
beulah said...
Anonymous was me Beulah, I must not have put a name in. Sorry
July 20, 2010 at 10:22 AM Report abuse
jake007 said...
COMMON_CENTS thanks..I hope voters can see through the enigma that Cutler is.If I could only vote for one or the other I would vote for Mitchell.At least she is honest about what she is. The PPH just announced that Conner,Cutler and Monks are in Freeport picking out china for their new condo. One can only assume its the same kind of china in the movie "The Birdcage" with little boys playing leap frog on the bowls!
July 20, 2010 at 10:22 AM Report abuse
Paul Portland said...
Cutler is the worst kind of scum sucking lawyer. He wrote EPA regs for the Carter administration and then went into private law selling companies ways to get around them. This is exactly what we need to purge from the political process.
July 20, 2010 at 10:25 AM Report abuse
Biddy said...
Actually I'm merely a guy that wants the government to run well and a create a climate for opportunity and the American dream to be realized. To make sure our children are well educated. To make sure those who can't take care of themselves are able to have a decent life. To me the most important thing to be done that will fix many of our issues is to expand the economy. To do that we must have a Governor with good connections and who can think outside the box. Cutler is that candidate.
July 20, 2010 at 10:30 AM Report abuse
Badjuju said...
You want a government that runs well, biddy, and you say I am the one living in a fantasy world? Less government and intrusion in our lives is the answer.
July 20, 2010 at 10:33 AM Report abuse
sam said...
lol - Re: Lepage being hidden to keep him from saying something stupid: Did you see the front page pictures of him on primary night arm in arm with the owner of the Bob-In? For those not familiar with the Bob-In, well it is an establishment recently cited prominently in major drug busts and it has long been notorious for hard drinking, drugs and lots of "working girls". The Republican elite must have just loved that picture!
July 20, 2010 at 10:53 AM Report abuse
said...
Mayor LePage has told the truth in many ways. He has characterized welfare, Mainecare, and all the rest as a very cruel system. It is cruel. Once in this system's grasp it takes huge almost impossible effort to get out of it. If I want healthcare for my business, I should be able to buy it anywhere I want. Not a health insurer who has to abide by Maine's burdensome statutes. Businesses (and/or jobs)are going where they can create profit and grow. If a new business stays in Maine, the ability to grow and hire is reduced because of taxes and insurance. It's common sense. If I have the cost of one full time job tied up in taxes and insurance for every five I hire, then I don't grow or I have to ask my current employees for 20% more effort. Maine is facing a billion dollar structural deficit. No one is going to hire until we can predict the risks.
July 20, 2010 at 10:56 AM Report abuse
Cartman said...
Has anyone ever seen Cutler and Angus King in the same room?
July 20, 2010 at 11:03 AM Report abuse
Kramer said...
Great pictures. I didn't realize that they held their first debate under the light of a Kenny Rodgers Chicken sign.
July 20, 2010 at 11:23 AM Report abuse
rcm said...
Cutler will get enough Democratic votes to assure that LePage will be elected. A vanity candidate who might also appeal to the self-regard of a certain Democratic demographic.
July 20, 2010 at 11:46 AM Report abuse
flabberGasted said...
Cutler is so going to be governor it's not funny. It'll be hilarious though watching Libby and Pauly wriggling and writhing with those inconvenient questions from real people and not just delivering their manger's talking points. What fun!
July 20, 2010 at 11:57 AM Report abuse
sam said...
I real reason I like Cutler because I met him at the Bob-In. It was a special evening.
July 20, 2010 at 12:06 PM Report abuse
Carolyn Irish said...
Fugeddabout it. Cutler has NO chance. Elitist pig. LePage all the way.
July 20, 2010 at 12:07 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
Sam. That's very true. LePage and Karter were pictured together on the front of the Kennebec Journal. The Bob In was raided prior to that and 5 people were arrested. Researching Waterville city politics of the past and knowing as I do my own similar city of Biddeford, I've had a hunch about the type of politician LePage is. We had a similar Mayor in Biddeford not so many years ago and while he was re-elected and then elected to the Council, it was disastrous. That administration campaigned on the same ideas as LePage, spent the surplus to set an artificial tax rate, and ended up costing us more in legal fees then it saved. I'm all for efficient government and well run programs but there is a limit what can be cut. And we need a good administrator who can mediate solutions, not a dictator.
July 20, 2010 at 12:10 PM Report abuse
Token said...
Is LePage posing for a laxative commercial?
July 20, 2010 at 12:22 PM Report abuse
said...
Hey Biddy - you said LePage's coarseness and his extreme positions on social issues and inexperience with state government will be exposed in debate. Let's hope you are correct!!!! It's past time for someone like LePage with NO obligations to the ole' boys' club. Libby Mitchell is the same old game in an equally old wrapper.
July 20, 2010 at 12:22 PM Report abuse
towel said...
Did Libby Mitchell get that pearl necklace from Nazi Pelosi?
July 20, 2010 at 12:45 PM Report abuse
said...
No one asked me...I am for Libby Mitchell, the only person that really knows what is going on in government.
July 20, 2010 at 1:03 PM Report abuse
Ryan said...
none of these candidates have any appeal to me.
July 20, 2010 at 1:20 PM Report abuse
said...
rasmussen robo calls? YEAH THAT IS relaible- NOT
July 20, 2010 at 1:31 PM Report abuse
Scott said...
Let's all hope that LePage loses in November. That's all we need is a Republican Governor who will screw up this State the way that Bush, Cheney screwed up this Country. Remember when Clinton was President and we were paying under a $1.00 a gallon for gas and when Bush took office we were paying close to $4.00 a gallon for gas, which do you prefer paying. Anyone who votes republican either lacks intelligence or is Wealthy and loves the Tax Breaks that Republicans always give to the Highest Income Americans, or both of the above. I won't even get started on how many American Soldiers have died or been wounded because of the War in Iraq that never should have happened anyways, but Bush & Cheney lied to the American People and the United Nations, saying that Iraq had weapons of Mass Destruction, which we now know was a blatant lie. Republicans are the reason this Country has become so hated throughout the World and the reason this Countries Economy is in the sad shape that it's in today.
July 20, 2010 at 1:57 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
I must tell the truth. I work for Elliot Cutler. If fact I run his campaign headquartes in Bidderford. Now you all know.
July 20, 2010 at 2:09 PM Report abuse
Valdez Greene said...
Rasmussen is a far right "polling" agency that skews results to prop up right wing candidates. It is a tactic of the right to create these inevitables as a way of influencing the electorate, rather than merely offering unbiased information. If you doubt that, then you have to grasp that Fox "Republican" News regularly uses Rasmussen and the owner recently was the headliner at a National Review "cruise." It is clear what is really going on. Sad that Central Maine Newspapers plays into this nonsense, but then again, the owner is a right wingnut so what can we expect. Republican: When we win, everyone loses!
July 20, 2010 at 2:33 PM Report abuse
said...
"none of these candidates have any appeal to me." i know what you mean...we get to choose from suck, suck and super suck.
July 20, 2010 at 2:37 PM Report abuse
Valdez Greene said...
Biddy, Cutler is a strong candidate who would make a good governor. Thing is that Mitchell wouldn't be bad, though she wasn't my choice in the primaries. You're going to have to convince a lot of Democrats that Cutler can really win, and that he's not going to act like Nader and hand the election over to a buffoon, in this page, LePig.
July 20, 2010 at 2:39 PM Report abuse
Valdez Greene said...
Seriously? GOP "narrative" pollster Rasmussen is still being reported by "credible" news outlets? Rasmussen Reports poll has a "house effect" GOP bias, and is effectively a GOP "narrative" poll -- a form of push polling. The lazy political media continue to dutifully report the Rasmussen Reports "top line" poll numbers from press releases without ever questioning the scientifically flawed methodology of this outlier poll, or at least including an appropriate disclaimer that the poll numbers are no more accurate than the daily horoscope in the newspaper. It is for entertainment purposes only.
July 20, 2010 at 3:43 PM Report abuse
said...
Barette, The "poll" is merely a right wing push poll you conservatard. You people are really clueless.
July 20, 2010 at 4:32 PM Report abuse
beretta said...
Anonymous, LePage is getting over 70% of Repubs and Mitchell is getting a little over 50% of Dem's. Where is Cutler's increase coming from mostly? Math was something you did not excel in huh? Typical lib moonbat - LOL!!!
July 20, 2010 at 4:40 PM Report abuse
said...
The polls begin to get accurate after Labor day.I think our choices stink.Leaning toward Cutler.
July 20, 2010 at 4:49 PM Report abuse
Paul Portland said...
Rasmussen does a much better job of predicting the actual outcome of elections than other pollsters. The difference is he screens for likely voters. Polls the libs like to quote question registered voters or adults. Heck, Kos' personal pollster was making up his numbers. He didn't even have a contract with a call center. The libs were lapping up Kos polls like ice cream so there is no reason to believe anything they say about polls.
July 20, 2010 at 4:51 PM Report abuse
Valdez Greene said...
Baretta, No, I believe you flunked the subject. How many registered Democrats are there in Maine in comparison to registered Republicans? The numbers from the Secretary of State’s Office indicate that for every two new Democrats since November 2006, the GOP was losing an enrolled voter. There were 309,525 registered Democrats in Maine and by June 2008, that had increased to 319,690 registered Democrats. Over the same time, registered Republicans decreased from 279,641 to 273,686. The largest block of potential voters, the independent or unenrolled, also increased, going from 375,235 to 379,024. Yet, somehow there's a majority of "support" for LePig. You just prove how ignorant, worthless, un-educated, self-delusional and childish conservatard Republicans in Maine really are! You love LePig because he reminds you of yourself! Republican: Ignorant. Clueless. Gone.
July 20, 2010 at 4:55 PM Report abuse
said...
Paul, I'd guess you must be employed by Rasmussen to say it predicts elections better than ACTUAL, SCIENTIFIC polling! They're a PUSH POLLING GOP OUTFIT! Get it?! Wow, Republicans are quite beyond reality!
July 20, 2010 at 4:56 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
So much for honorable people posting here. I picked up at least four hijackings of the name Biddy today. I don't work for Cutler's campaign. Although I DO support his candidacy and wouldn't mind volunteering for the campaign this fall.
July 20, 2010 at 4:57 PM Report abuse
Green Giant said...
Where there is no Green candidate i will vote straight Democratic ticket as a sign of support for Obama. Best President since the last Democrat.
July 20, 2010 at 5:00 PM Report abuse
RickD said...
Robert C.S. Monks, who has stepped down as treasurer of the Cutler campaign is an investor in and a board member of MaineToday Media, which publishes The Portland Press Herald, the Maine Sunday Telegram, the Kennebec Journal and the Morning Sentinel, the weekly Coastal Journal in Bath and their respective websites. Well at least we now know why Cutler is the candidate of choice for the PPH, and no doubt the rest of MaineToday Media holdings. No such thing as an unbiased media any longer. Cutler has been enjoying the best coverage any slanted media outlet could provide.
July 20, 2010 at 5:11 PM Report abuse
said...
To quote and obviously wayward sole, BHO is the best president since the last Democrat. Too funny. One thing for sure, BHO is well on his way to knocking Jimmy Carter off the bottom rung as the worst president of all time.
July 20, 2010 at 5:20 PM Report abuse
A X e L said...
I made two comments today. Other people hijacked my nom de plume in order to discredit and smear. I was called a racist in one reaction to a posting I did not make. AXeL is now gone. I will post under "anonymous" from now on. Much thanks to PPH and their POS product.
July 20, 2010 at 5:56 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
Well AXel if you must know it was me. You are know it all and a left leaning closet homophobe pretending to be a conservative. May I supply you with a Cutler for Govenor bumper sticker?
July 20, 2010 at 6:06 PM Report abuse
workingclass said...
You hit it on the head. BHO = Future worst president in HISTORY.
July 20, 2010 at 6:23 PM Report abuse
said...
No excuses in here! Come on, we have a definite CHOICE! If Cutler increases by another 10%, I'll change my Libby vote to him. NO! LePage for ME.
July 20, 2010 at 7:04 PM Report abuse
AXel said...
I have to admit that it's obvious BHO is going to wind up on the nickel or the two-dollar bill for shattering the glass ceiling as he did. It's no surprise when you consider the type of sacrifice made by Lincoln, Dr. King and so many other honest Americans who believed that all men were created equal. I don't think our boys went to fight in WWII because they wanted to maintain America's forcing blacks to drink water at separate water fountains. I think they gave their lives for some bigger ideals - like freedom and equality. Not the right to be a racist.
July 20, 2010 at 7:13 PM Report abuse
coolfusion said...
Another bureaucrat that has never held a real job in the private sector. He either was on the taxpayers payroll or lobbying for government interests all his life. This state doesn't need another lawyer to lead. Don't let the Independent fool you.. he another entrenched democrat .. just check his bio.
July 20, 2010 at 8:21 PM Report abuse
Demsdone said...
Liberal PPh trying desperately to brainwash it's readers..HA!! Lepage by a landslide in Nov. Sorry libs...NO SOUP FOR YOU!
July 20, 2010 at 9:30 PM Report abuse
Green Giant said...
BHO is better than Jesus. Better in every way. BHO loves you more than Jesus, too.
July 20, 2010 at 10:06 PM Report abuse
COMMON_CENTS said...
I agree with Biddy when he says that "I'm merely a guy that wants the government to run well" ...hey, me to. So we all know LePage has run a large complex organization like MARDENS well; but what exactly has Kutler run well...any elected or appointed offices, ever had to balance a set of books, any public agencies where he's improved performance? The only thing I can see, is that he hired a pack of weasels to proclaim all the wonderful things he's going to do IF he get's elected. Mainers are used to these D.C. Carpet baggers and home remodeling hucksters...hey, prove me wrong, post a verifiable set of accomplishments and we can compare the two!!... and please document his CHINA CONNECTION...I still think he set up Hussey seating for outsourcing, and perhaps a few other successful Maine firms. Who ARE HIS CLIENTS?
July 20, 2010 at 10:26 PM Report abuse
Green Giant said...
AXel said... "I have to admit that it's obvious BHO is going to wind up on the nickel or the two-dollar bill for shattering the glass ceiling as he did. " It would be most fitting to put BHO's picture on the 1 trillion dollar bill. Ho ho ho
July 20, 2010 at 10:33 PM Report abuse
flagstaff said...
mommy needs daddy
July 20, 2010 at 10:58 PM Report abuse
countySherif said...
jello pudding
July 20, 2010 at 11:14 PM Report abuse
headHunter said...
the wheels have come off the wagon
July 20, 2010 at 11:19 PM Report abuse
said...
Just remind everyone that Cutler is a Jimmy carter offshoot!
July 21, 2010 at 7:30 AM Report abuse
RickD said...
AXel said... "I have to admit that it's obvious BHO is going to wind up on the nickel or the two-dollar bill for shattering the glass ceiling as he did." I think the nickel would be the mosting fitting, since that is likely all anyone will have left in their pockets when BHO gets done spending this country into oblivion.
July 21, 2010 at 8:22 AM Report abuse
Ron said...
Over the remaining course of the campaign it will become abundantly clear that LePage is a lot of talk and little substance. Serving as mayor of a small town of 15,000 is far different from governing at the state level, and LePage would be in way over his head if he were to be elected (which he likely will not). If you think Baldacci brought chaos and dysfunction to state government, it's nothing compared to what Mr. LePage would bring. The truth is, we screwed ourselves (again) by nominating LePage and Mitchell, and now we're faced with choosing from three poor candidates. We voters are our own worst enemy.
July 21, 2010 at 9:11 AM Report abuse
Gary Taft said...
Shawn Moody for Governor! Self-made man, good guy, honest, successful in business, cares about people, how can you complain?
July 21, 2010 at 9:24 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
Some of you don't get it. LePage and his kind believe that he has to kiss up to the rich and put everything on the backs of the middleclass. Just look at who pays the bulk of the taxes in this country and look at the trend. Now look at who benefits from the mess that the right created. This looks so much like when the indians were swindled out of their assets. I'm not worried about the debt because I know that one day Americans will wake up and use the power of the vote to take the money back from the rich
July 21, 2010 at 9:45 AM Report abuse
said...
For those suggesting LePage lacks the experience to be our next governor, whom did you vote for in the last election? A community organizer that served in a state senate and less then a full term as a senator in Washington? He had absolutely no governing experience and yet BHO was elected to be president. So anyone that voted for BHO has no business claiming LePage lacks the experience to be governor.
July 21, 2010 at 9:45 AM Report abuse
trisailer said...
I voted for Obama because I believed that he was smart enough and balanced enough get things done that I personally believe in. I am very dissapointed that he hasn't stopped the wars yet but I would vote for him again today. He is a bright guy surrounded by bright guys who are willing to stand up for the working class and not just the rich. LePage and his kind want to convince people that we can return to a simpler time, but that never existed.
July 21, 2010 at 10:05 AM Report abuse
Goodjuju said...
Gary Taft - Moody? Not. There is something about him. Can't put my finger on it, but there is something that just isn't right. I'm sure the skeletons in his closet will come to light soon enough.
July 21, 2010 at 10:31 AM Report abuse
Todd said...
Doesn't Libby look like Yoda, only not green?
July 21, 2010 at 2:26 PM Report abuse
UofA said...
Is LePig squeezing out gas in his picture? Ah methan, that will power the state.
July 23, 2010 at 8:53 AM Report abuse