Our View: Abbott and McGowan our picks for primaries
His roots in Maine and his connections in Washington, D.C., make Steve Abbott the best choice for the GOP. Pat McGowan has the right combination of policy and personality to win the Democratic nomination.
Each of the seven candidates seeking the Republican nomination for governor in the June 8 primary brings to the race a wealth of excellent ideas, an admirable record of accomplishment and a demonstrated capacity for leadership.
Steve Abbott
Pat McGowan
Today’s endorsements of candidates in the June 8 gubernatorial primaries were determined by a board of eight members representing several departments of MaineToday Media Inc.
The endorsement board conducted interviews with each of the seven Republicans and four Democrats seeking their party’s nomination and reviewed the candidates’ backgrounds and qualifications using several sources of information, including news articles and research provided by MaineToday newsroom personnel. MaineToday Media owns The Portland Press Herald, the Maine Sunday Telegram, the Kennebec Journal in Augusta, the Morning Sentinel in Waterville and related websites.
After completing all 11 candidate interviews, board members decided the endorsements by majority vote. The members are:
Richard L. Connor, president/editor/publisher, MaineToday Media;
Karen Dobbyn, vice president of human resources, MaineToday Media;
Scott Wasser, executive editor, Portland Press Herald;
Bill Thompson, editor, Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel;
Tony Ronzio, managing editor, Kennebec Journal;
Greg Kesich, editorial writer, Portland Press Herald;
M.D. Harmon, editorial writer, Portland Press Herald;
Karen Beaudoin, deputy features editor, Portland Press Herald.
Each, in his own way and to a degree commensurate with his experience, can stake a viable claim to be the Grand Old Party's standard-bearer in the November election.
But only one candidate can win the nomination and, for us, one stands above the others in encompassing the combination of experience, skill and leadership that the people of Maine are looking for in their next governor. That candidate is Steve Abbott.
Abbott, 47, is a new face to many Maine voters, but he is not a newcomer to the state, its people and the issues Mainers care about. A Portland resident who grew up in Orono, Abbott served for 12 years as chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Susan Collins. He has traveled to every part of Maine and has worked with cities, towns, businesses and individual citizens, listening to their concerns and helping to solve their problems. Abbott's experience at the Capitol and the understanding of Washington bureaucracy he gained there could prove invaluable in the State House at a time when the federal government is expanding its involvement in health care, education and other areas traditionally left to state and local discretion. Americans' recently intensifying distaste for Washington notwithstanding, a governor who knows his way around the Beltway could be worth his weight in shredded red tape.
Abbott's work with Collins also prepared him well for one of the most crucial duties of the governor: working with lawmakers. The governor can articulate his vision, summon the support of the public for his agenda, issue pronouncements on policy -- but nothing gets done until the Legislature acts. Based on our endorsement board's face-to-face interview as well as his performance in the Republican Great Debate sponsored by MaineToday Media and in other public forums, we are convinced that Abbott has the communication skills and personality to bring people together, build consensus, and even twist an arm or two when the occasion demands it.
When it comes to issues, Abbott offers an impressive array of ideas and a solid set of specific proposals. His plans to improve education include reforms and incentives designed to redirect resources away from administration and into classrooms. And he would be aggressive in making changes that would enable the state to participate in the federal government's Race to the Top program -- a program that gives grants to states that allow schools to be more flexible and innovative and evaluates teachers, rewarding the best ones. Abbott believes the state must restructure its education system to get better results, not spend more.
On health care, Abbott has clear ideas about how Maine can work with the new national health care law. He says the national plan is flawed because it doesn't do enough to cut costs, but also sees opportunities for the state to give patients and providers more flexibility, and to reduce costs by changing the ways that medical services are purchased. He also proposes changes to the state employee health benefit that would help rein in state spending.
In the current economy, there is no higher priority for our state than economic development. Abbott is determined to make the state more "business-friendly" by creating a "tax and regulatory environment where businesses can flourish."
Before deciding on a candidate, our endorsement board considered and discussed all the candidates in the race: Abbott, Bill Beardsley, Matt Jacobson, Paul LePage, Peter Mills, Les Otten and Bruce Poliquin. In addition to Abbott, the board was particularly impressed with LePage and Jacobson. As mayor of Waterville, LePage has established a well-earned reputation as a tough leader and an advocate for fiscal responsibility. Jacobson is a newcomer to politics, but clearly has a bright future in the public sector if he chooses that path.
In the end, though, on the issues and in other ways that matter, we determined that Steve Abbott is the best choice for the Republican nomination for governor.
Maine’s Democratic primary for governor is not wanting for candidates with distinguished records of public service. The Democratic slate is a virtual who’s-who of experienced political hands, save one feisty newcomer.
In political veterans Patrick McGowan, Steve Rowe, Libby Mitchell and first-time candidate Rosa Scarcelli, the Democrats have produced a strong field of potential nominees.
But among these excellent candidates, one most impressed our endorsement board.
A Hallowell resident and former legislator who has served in high-ranking posts in both state and federal government, this individual is no stranger to Maine politics. In our view, of the Democrats seeking Maine’s highest office, this candidate possesses the best blend of policy positions, political skill and leadership ability to lead the entire state.
In the Democratic primary for Maine governor, we urge voters to support Pat McGowan.
As a former state conservation commissioner and regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, McGowan, 53, embodies the right combination of knowledge and experience to balance – and forge compromises between – the potent business and environmental lobbies in Augusta.
With personal and political roots deep within central Maine, McGowan also has the credibility to heal divides inside the state, to help retire the toxic, yet much subscribed to, theory of the “Two Maines.” If Maine is going anywhere as a state, it must go there as a unified force.
On the policy front, McGowan’s ideas are solid. We especially agree with his proposals for shaking up the bureaucratic structure and the Legislature. His recently announced plan to reorganize state government and reform the political system is bold and will encounter considerable opposition, but it shows the sort of creative thinking that we believe Mainers are looking for in their next governor.
On health care, McGowan believes that Maine “is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the recent federal health care reforms.” He would convert the state’s Dirigo Health program to serve as the basis for a private health insurance exchange. He would push for innovative programs to improve the quality of health care in the state while also controlling costs.
He has offered specific proposals as well in the areas of education, energy and economic development. As a longtime operator of small businesses in Maine and a former federal official dealing with the problems of small business, McGowan is uniquely suited to the task of improving the state’s business climate.
One criticism that we’ve heard of our choice for the Democratic nomination is that a McGowan administration would be tantamount to “Baldacci’s third term.”
We reject that suggestion. McGowan clearly is his own person, has his own ideas, and we detect no inclination on his part to simply continue the policies of his predecessor.
That said, we believe that John Baldacci has been an excellent governor; whoever follows him in the job could do far worse than emulating some of his ideas and policies.
If we have a criticism of the current governor, it would be that he could have been more assertive in dealing with the Legislature on occasion. McGowan, we believe, will have no qualms about pushing lawmakers to get things done.
Selecting one person from this group was not easy. Both Mitchell and Rowe have the credentials of a governor, as each possesses sparkling resumes. They should be saluted for their years of meritorious service to the state and their constituents.
And Scarcelli’s growth as a candidate and public figure during the course of this campaign was impressive. If she chooses to continue in politics, she will demand some reckoning down the line.
For this primary, though, our clear choice for the Democrats is McGowan.
Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form
Most...
Copyright ©2010 MaineToday Media, Inc.
43 COMMENTS
Felix said...
NICE WORK, PPH, BOTH OF THESE GUYS ARE CAREER POL BUREAUCRATS WHO NEVER HELD REAL JOBS!!!!!!!!!...............................................THE SAME SOURCE OF MAINE MEDIOCRITY THAT GAVE US DISASTERS LIKE BOZO!
May 30, 2010 at 5:49 AM Report abuse
MainelyJack said...
OK...now go back to bed and the adults will decide.
May 30, 2010 at 5:53 AM Report abuse
Scrib said...
No surprise here on Abbott. Wow, are these people out of touch. Sounds like his main qualifications are his Washington connections and ability to work with the bureauocrats in the system. This year of all years!! Do we want someone who is accepting of Obamacare and saavy enough to manipulate it to Maine's advantage? Not Hardly. And on any social issues- forget it. LePage is the only one who really stands for what most Maine folks want- and he can win in the fall.
May 30, 2010 at 6:19 AM Report abuse
RotundaBoy said...
Oh please!!! ...Steve Abbott has remained a non-entity for good reasons. He's got NO personality and NO original ideas! OK, he DID play football and his Dad was coach at UMaine... but is THAT how we choose a Governor? . . . . . . This ia a pathetic, yet predictable choice from PPH/MST. You seem to have MISSED the political story from the last year!!! OUTSIDERS and NON-POLITICIANS are the winners. Abbott cannot complete a sentence without mentioning some other politician he knows or worked for (or owes favors to). - . - . - . - . - . For example, the US Chamber ran those stupid ads on his behalf when there are SIX other Republicans with more business experience than Abbott!!! THAT should have been your warning that the FIX was in with Abbott!!! . . . . So in the year of the NON-POLITICIAN, you recommend the ultimate behind-the-scenes, deal-making, manipulative political insider! . . . . . NO THANKS!! . . . .I'm sticking with Matt Jacobson - a smart outsider with new ideas!
May 30, 2010 at 7:06 AM Report abuse
Rick+Blaine said...
This is a joke, right? This left-leaning paper "recommends" the long-term political insider for the Republican Nomination in a time when the insiders are LOSING? From coast-to-coast, voters want NEW people, and being some political lacky with years of so-called "experience" is a huge liability. The only logical reason behind backing Abbott is that you asked each Democrat who THEY would like to run against to have the best chances of winning in November!!! Because the business-as-usual politician Abbott will place a distant THIRD in November!!!
May 30, 2010 at 7:17 AM Report abuse
gotabor said...
Thanks PPH,BUT NO THANKS!! Typical of the paper to endorse two established insiders that have been part of the problem that has got this country and state into the fiscal mess we are in. LEPAGE is the ONLY canidate that has a track record that has reduced taxes and improved individual libeties. Constitutional canidates are winning primaries across the nation and the typical media is always one step behind this story only to caught with their pants down when the liberty canidate wins by a landslide! GO LEPAGE!! We citizens are sick and tired of the establishment canidates completely screwing everything up. Join the revolution or get out of the way!! LEPAGE!!
May 30, 2010 at 7:18 AM Report abuse
Mark said...
Congratulations, Steve Abbott! You deserve this endorsement and the Republican nomination.
May 30, 2010 at 8:31 AM Report abuse
Kellog said...
Predictable. Note to the Editors: New ideas will not come from the same group of liberal career politicians. I am not surprised the editorial board was impressed with both Jacobson and LePage. They are the most impressive, fiscally conservative and independent minded candidates in the race. While I like LePage, I like Jacobson more... Apparently I am not alone. I have read almost a dozen newspaper endorsements and he is always in the top 1 or 2. The reason is that even liberal minded media types are impressed with a talented conservative leader when they see one. So they feel compelled to mention him when they pick a liberal Republican to endorse like Abott, Mills or Otten. No thanks guys. I will take the impressive conservative Mr. Jacobson every time. He is a smart, energetic leader who can unseat the cast of liberal insiders fighting for the Democratic nomination. If you want new ideas and solutions to the problems facing our state then vote for Matt Jacobson!
May 30, 2010 at 8:43 AM Report abuse
CAP5 said...
Rosa Scarcelli will make you eat this endorsement of Pat McGowan. Why would we want more of the same old crap. I urge us all to vote for new people
May 30, 2010 at 8:58 AM Report abuse
juanepstein said...
For once, the PPH gets it right. Steve Abbott is the only candidate that can beat democrats this november. He'll carpet-bomb the dems like he did when he ran Collins' campaign, and we'll finally get a republican governor. For those of you supporting lepage, you should seriously think about why you want to throw your vote away on someone who can't win.
May 30, 2010 at 9:39 AM Report abuse
HoHum said...
THis is the funniest thing I have heard in a while form this paper. Business as usual with selecting the establishment GOP and lifer in public policy McGowan. My guess is Mitchell was a tough choice for them. I bet Sen Susie pulled and twisted arms on the editorial staff for her guy...politics as usual..what will the say when neither one wins???
May 30, 2010 at 10:12 AM Report abuse
HoHum said...
junna sorry to burst your bubble but Abbott is just like Mills but closer to Sen SUsie and they all should be registered Democrats, they sure are not Republicans if anything they are an embarrassment to R's
May 30, 2010 at 10:14 AM Report abuse
V2FuZGFwZWFjaA%3D%3D said...
Steve is committed to bringing fiscal responsibility to Augusta and making Maine safe for small business. His Washington experience is a strength because, now more than ever, Washington threatens to dominate our lives. In a field of good candidates, Steve Abbott stands out, if he wins on June 8, he will win on November 9. The MST got it right.
May 30, 2010 at 10:21 AM Report abuse
DorothyToto said...
Good choice with Abbott. He is the GOP's only chance in November. Hopefully the Republicans in Maine realize this when they vote on June 8. McGowan? Nope. If the D's are smart they will vote Rosa. Unfortunately, they will send Libby Mitchell as their candidate.
May 30, 2010 at 10:53 AM Report abuse
Sylvia said...
This endorsement truly adds to the momentum we have been feeling out on the campaign trail. Congratulations to Steve who will be a great Governor for All of Maine!
May 30, 2010 at 11:29 AM Report abuse
henryelm said...
Abbott who can't manage to get the welfare numbers "right" and is "off" by 10 fold?? And MCGOWN who served and who's political experience was 20+ years ago?? Precious, just precious!!! Well I'd say THIS endorsement guarantees someone else wins!!! Come on!!! the PPH endorses the WEAKEST candidates???
May 30, 2010 at 11:31 AM Report abuse
henryelm said...
"Steve is committed to bringing fiscal responsibility to Augusta" And yet he seems to have a problem with math and quoting numbers correctly. There are 30,000 "on welfare", so how did we ADD 130,000? Inquiring minds want to know. He's not including and castigating grandma in the nursing home is he?? The fact that he considers erroneous welfare numbers to be his "headliner" in his ads, I find quite troubling and dishonest.
May 30, 2010 at 11:43 AM Report abuse
henryelm said...
LOOK out grandma!!! Abbott is targeting YOUR nursing room bed for elimination and considers YOU to be a "burden to society!!!!" He counts YOU as one of the 130,000 ADDED to the "welfare" rolls and "burdening" taxpayers.
May 30, 2010 at 11:50 AM Report abuse
SoPoDad said...
they're reasoning for Abbott doesn't make sense. John Elias Baldacci was in DC and obviously that hasn't helped when the Feds were passing around stimulus money. And Baldacci was a little more important than a chief of staff.
May 30, 2010 at 12:00 PM Report abuse
UGF0cmlvdGlubWU%3D said...
Do you really believe John Bald Archie has been an excellent governor? How can we take this endorsement seriously?
May 30, 2010 at 12:04 PM Report abuse
SoPoDad said...
PPH supports Abbott. His plans for the state (from his website) are about 300 words. Now there is some transparency in government!
May 30, 2010 at 1:14 PM Report abuse
Acton said...
Two empty suits. No private sector experience. More of the same gang that got us into this fiscal mess. My vote is for Matt Jacobson. He is a bright, energetic leader who can unite the Rebublican Party and Indepdent voters in the fall.
May 30, 2010 at 2:31 PM Report abuse
null said...
Once again the PPH proves it has no regard for the everyday voter and well being of this state...an endorsement of Abbott is an endorsement of Collins and the continuation of business as usual government...McCowan hasn't had an original thought since 92...Jacobson sounds like a bad reality tv actor...times they are a changing and Maine is no exception...Paul LePage will win in June and carry on into Nov... http://www.mainecampaignfinance.com/Public/entity_list.asp?TYPE=CAN#L
May 30, 2010 at 3:06 PM Report abuse
UofA said...
My pick is Matt Jacobson. Never been a politician or a lawyer. Senior Executive in numerous companies that increased workers and revenue, Veteran, pays his own way, doesn't have 3 members of his family in high Maine Govt. positions. How long has it been since McGowan won an election and not appointed to a position?
May 30, 2010 at 3:41 PM Report abuse
francis58 said...
Now Please Mr Connors explain what a Majority Vote at your paper means? it it a 5/3 vote or a 6/2 vote. We Gotta Know. otherwise you have Zero Credability wih the maune Reader
May 30, 2010 at 7:14 PM Report abuse
BettyR said...
McGowan is the most smarmy, unethical, and just plain dumb politician in Maine. Ya, let's put him in charge!
May 30, 2010 at 7:15 PM Report abuse
HoHum said...
Abbott will just be another badacci appointing cronies. Look at Abbotts payroll to run this campaign...I would take S's pay and G's, E's...cha ching...if he wins what do you think their appointments will be or will some go back to Sen Sue staff. Just another beuaractrat and establishment needs to lose!!
May 30, 2010 at 8:07 PM Report abuse
gotabor said...
If you elect either of these two Augusta insiders they will appoint the same old crew that sits in Augusta now.No wonder the political machine is supporting these two.We need fresh faces in Augusta.Abbott will appoint the same people that sits and over sees the IFW DMR DHHS etc. LEPAGE will audit and put NEW people up in Augusta that will follow suit with his fiscally sound/less regulatory/pro business model. Screw the establishment! FOR THE PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE!!
May 31, 2010 at 6:27 AM Report abuse
MainelyJack said...
Abbott and McGgowan? Is it April 1st?
May 31, 2010 at 6:30 AM Report abuse
Rhisa said...
Abbott as a primary winner is proof positive that the GOP is bankrupt in terms of imagination and vision for the state, and that the political status quo is the only game in time. Good luck to Matt Jacobson, perhaps enough registered Republicans can think for themselves.
May 31, 2010 at 6:35 AM Report abuse
Chew said...
I have received three computerized robo calls from Mr. Abbot. These calls are hidden behind the veil of "private name private number" on my caller ID. I am not a fan of this sort of tactic.
May 31, 2010 at 11:25 AM Report abuse
spore said...
This propoganda machine portrays some garbage doesn't it? A cog and a gear. You want your dignity back, you want good stewardship of your labors, you don't want the system to keep stepping on your neck and our liberty, vote for Paul LePage.
May 31, 2010 at 12:03 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
Spore, You merely prove that Republicans and children have the same dreams. Please, go head wingnut and nominate fringe Captain LePage. We'll be happy in Augusta come November when McGowan is sworn in. Wingnut.
May 31, 2010 at 7:26 PM Report abuse
gotabor said...
One who is fiscally responsible and follows the constitution is a "frindge" canidate??? I would say tax and spend liberals who have no regard for future generations debts with a billion dollar shortfall is on the fringe. Educate yourselves and promote fiscal responsiblitity and individual liberties. Lepage.
June 1, 2010 at 3:44 AM Report abuse
Govt2Big said...
It's no surprise they want Abbott, because he's a pure RINO and would fit nicely with the current establishment in both Augusta and DC... but that won't solve any of our major financial problems. We need a strong fiscal conservative to pull out of the current mess we're in, and there's only one person capable for that job - Paul LePage. If you're sick and tired of the status quo, please vote for Paul LePage on June 8th and again in November.
June 1, 2010 at 7:03 AM Report abuse
R29yaGFtVA%3D%3D said...
Not Abbott, please. Do we really want another career politician? Do we want the State's CEO to have never been a CEO of anything, or even run any business however small? Do we think a lawyer has the right skill set to tackle what are fundamentally financial and global competitiveness issues? Does a forty-something year old really have enough life experience to be governor?
June 1, 2010 at 3:14 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
Top Ten Paul LePage Cost Cutting Measures 1. Tuesday is FERLOUGH day for Maine State Employees! Every Tuesday, all day! Services? You don't need no stinking services on Tuesday, you freeloader! 2. Duct tape the doors shut of state departments that I don't like! 3. Cut welfare and if there are kids involved, we're going to call the churches! They can take care of the kids these freeloaders have! 4. Welcome businesses to Maine by abolishing environmental regulations -- a little algae bloom along the Maine coast never hurt anyone! 5. Force the State Police to buy used Army surplus and work seven days a week! No freeloading! 6. Rent the State House for "business Friday" events with the proceeds going to "the taxpayers," meaning the Maine State Republican Party!
June 1, 2010 at 6:35 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
Top Ten Paul LePage Cost Cutting Measures continued... 7. No more taxes on businesses in Maine! Who needs police, fire and roads! 8. No more paving of Maine roads! We aren't Disney World! 9. Open up Casco Bay to oil exploration -- except don't allow that Hugo Chavez company in, they're communists! 10. Reimbursments to hospitals? Ha! Health care isn't a right! Go find a shallow grave if you want "free health care" you freeloader!
June 1, 2010 at 6:36 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker said...
Polls say the majority of Mainers are undecided about who should be governor. Some discussions say that this is unprecedented, being a week until the primary. However, there is simply no real World explaination for that; there is nobody running who’s worth voting for. False information, lies, bought-out and pandering PUC and supreme court appointed staffers, and all the big money available through tax subsidies and nefarious trading of energy credits are on the minds of most Mainers. For me, a candidate without a well-developed plan, with concrete actions already taking place to rescind LD 2283 and immunize Maine from such “mob” legislation in the future, means there is no candidate running. The closest I can come to possible candidates are Scarcelli and Lepage. They have both expressed concerns about the wholesale plundering of Maine resources to make a few rich people richer. If they were to advance plans for quashing LD 2283, we’d have one Hell of a campaign going on.
June 1, 2010 at 6:58 PM Report abuse
SetterLady said...
In the event McGowan actually wins the election: the real question is who is going to be president of the state senate because if this guy crashes his own plane one more time, I suspect he's out of lives and sen pres becomes governor. Seriously, PPH, pick someone who can succeed when it counts. Matt Jacobson, I like that you can take off and land safely!
June 1, 2010 at 10:54 PM Report abuse
gotabor said...
Tea party and Lepage will win.
June 2, 2010 at 6:22 AM Report abuse
Routone said...
It's going to be fun to hear the lamentation and gnashing of teeth when the LePage loons realize their Captain Fantastic of junk stores isn't going to be governor. Oh well, they can put on their tin hats and go in the backyard to receive a special message from the Palin mothership. Have fun "tea baggers."
June 2, 2010 at 6:13 PM Report abuse
Routone said...
LePage is an angry, petulant, "my-way-only" far right wingnut who supports the loony Maine Republican Party platform. Gee ... I wonder if LePage wants to drop football as a team sport in Maine high schools while he's "abolishing the Department of Education"?? Isn't it nice to see who these goons like LePage REALLY ARE!
June 4, 2010 at 1:39 PM Report abuse