In a campaign ad, Eliot Cutler implies that his opponents for governor lack courage. It seems to me that if Mr. Cutler had more courage, he would have entered the Democratic primary. After all, he was a Democrat for most of his life, and it appears that most of his social and political positions are to the left of Rep. Michaud. Would Mr. Michaud have even entered the race if Mr. Cutler had announced early on that he was running as a Democrat? After all, Mr. Cutler nearly beat Gov. LePage last time, and would have been a shoe-in in 2014 as a Democrat.

To be sure, re-joining the Democratic Party might have limited Mr. Cutler’s freedom to do as he liked in the campaign. Some who know this candidate speak of his arrogance, and it is conceivable that he just did not want anyone else putting a label on him, or guiding his campaign. It is clear from his public statements that he believes he has the best answers for Maine.

From what I have observed, Eliot Cutler is a bright man with lots of good ideas. Though inexperienced in government, he could possibly turn out to be a fine governor. However, he will not have that chance. Instead, his lack of courage, modesty, or judgment will insure that Gov. LePage is reelected, a likelihood that the Governor’s campaign is anticipating. If that happens, perhaps Mr. Cutler will have the grace to get off the stage.

Paul Kalkstein
Arrowsic