Unlike last time, the current race for the Blaine House is a nobrainer. Almost. Once again, there are only three viable candidates. In a truly robust democracy there should be way more alternatives in serious competition, yet, for those still vexed by the “spoiler” concerns of a strong third choice, the dilemma of that feared possibility is simplified this time around. Now, unlike before, we all know, without any doubt, how one of those choices will govern.

If one is satisfied with how things are going, then Paul LePage is your man. Simple. If not, then you have two remaining choices. Dejá vü all over again. Maybe. The difference, now, is that the M word is Michaud rather than Mitchell, and this M has never lost a race. On stated positions, both of those remaining choices read much the same. On past record, only one has elected political experience to reference. Mike Michaud knows well the workings of Augusta and Washington. Eliot Cutler has never held office.

Michaud is a self described “card carrying union member” who still keeps his lunch bucket of 29 years on his office desk as a reminder of his solidarity with working people. When he left Maine, it was to represent his constituents at the federal level. Cutler has likely never owned a lunch bucket, never punched a time clock. When he left Maine it was also for Washington — serving Senator Ed Muskie and later President Carter — and, otherwise, spending 27 years in the private sector, lawyering “away” from his native state. When he relocated his career to China, it wasn’t the Maine one, but the one that has siphoned away so many American jobs.

Michaud comes from a blue collar upbringing. Cutler started out middle class. Both speak of the lessons of hard work. Neither background, however, has anything on the bootstrapped rise of the opponent currently occupying their present professional ambition, and LePage’s governance is proof positive that a populist resume, weak or strong, means very little in realizing actual solidarity with those of common background.

The outcome of the last election cycle has, hopefully, brought us farther down the road to choosing wisely rather than wantonly. This time around, four years going forward mustn’t be compromised by minority rule.

This is where Cutler’s recommendation on voting serves well. As November draws near, if supporters think he cannot win, he gives his blessing to vote for another candidate that can then prevail with a majority mandate. That he doesn’t seem to care which one gets the nod is instructive.

Of course, that ensures a threeway battle going the distance with a possible repeat of LePage winning, by default, for a second time. With his approval rating locked on low, it is really astounding that the sitting governor was unchallenged from within his party. That speaks volumes as to the state of the Republican concern for what is best for Maine, that partisan pride trumps all, even if it might mean shooting one’s own elephantine foot.

Additionally, we can go to Cutler’s other observation, that Mainers don’t vote ideologically, but for the person. Tellingly, he seems confident that, in such appraisal, he would prevail as the more likable or admired candidate. If anything, it is exactly this seeming hubris that works hardest against his otherwise competent hat toss as a very successful businessman setting his eye on another “turnaround” accomplishment. Encountering him in person, I found him somewhat overly “take charge”. Whereas, in sharing a small room with Mike Michaud I didn’t find all the air being appropriated, but rather a truly compassionate former working stiff — perhaps a bit too stiff in his delivery of message, but not, at all, to the detriment of its content, expressed simply and honestly and heartfelt. Cutler’s aggressive presence I took to reflect a lifetime of competitiveness, rather than one of measured compromise — something we sorely need in governance, and which Michaud, especially as President of the Maine Senate, has displayed great accomplishment.

I have never had the pleasure of meeting Governor LePage, but, like most Mainers, and those observing from far far away, I have a pretty good take away on his myway or-the-highway way. That hasn’t gotten Maine very far along towards all the growth and prosperity his cup of tea promised.

As risky as Cutler’s dogged pursuit of office, according to some, makes the race, his suggestions, this time around, on how to make up one’s mind, do provide some simplistic instruction as to deciding one’s own political sense and sensibilities, and are comfortably more rigorous than Rock-Paper- Scissors.

Mainers have three choices. One candidate’s numbers remain fixed. Two remain known commodities to those familiar with the last race. The third is a newcomer in this particular running, but has a proven track record in having previously won in every outing.

Our last collective “choice” turned out to be appallingly “simple”. This time, let’s hope we can at least do better than the old whowould you-want-to-have-a-beerwith tie breaker in our deliberations.

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Gary Anderson is a resident of Bath.