There are many voters in Maine with a Franco surname and most of them consider themselves Roman Catholic. They have never had a Franco governor, nor have they managed to get a Franco installed as the bishop for Maine. Those two slights rankle when they turn their minds to such matters.
While most of them consider the bishop to be more prestigious than the governor (he also lives in a tax free – but much bigger – mansion), they still would like to see one of their number ensconced in the Blaine House. About a quarter of the Roman Catholics are Irish and, as such, are deeply suspicious of anyone who does not split their infinitives. By nature, they tend to be chary of government unless a candidate is named Kennedy or has a surname preceded with an O’. It is believed that fewer than 10 percent of this subgroup has ever voted for either of Maine’s two distaff senators. However, the Irish have an innate sense of proportion, of “style,” which, together with the secret ballot and gubernatorial candidate Paul LePage’s bizarre behavior, should overcome most allegiance to the diocese.
To Tea Partiers, and other bearers of resentment and fear, LePage’s fidoodling with residency in both Florida and Maine to save a couple of grand in taxes will pale into Palin pastel. Whatthehell – he’ll straight ’em out in Augusta. Maybe he’ll find a way for us to cheat on taxes, too! Even his schemes (worthy of a successful purveyor of surplus and damaged goods) to have his wife take the fall – and his fudging in order to get his kids into Florida schools – are not significant – especially when the Partiers face the options of: a. A Democrat; b. A rich carpetbagger; or, c. A young businessman with no political background or experience.
Candidate Eliot Cutler lives in a house in Cape Elizabeth almost as big as the bishop’s. He pays far more in property taxes than most Maineiacs earn. If that fact ever catches the attention of moose hunters, mill workers, lobstermen and lap dancers, no more need be said. His chief qualification, that he has made a lot of money, is of slender matter to many Maineiacs – Donald Trump would not poll well Down East. He will, however, receive the overwhelming majority of the votes of Harvard alumni, corporate lawyers and people who mistakenly believe he was Muskie’s chief of staff. There will also be number of disputant, renegade Democrats who, for one reason or another, have a long face about Ms. Mitchell – as well as a few rich Republicans who feel at home with his corporate background.
Libby Mitchell will get most of the votes from state employees, greens, teachers, gay rights activists, party loyalists and fans of Emily’s List, which is dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women to office. Those are the people to whom she has aimed her campaign. While the AARP is strong in Maine and favors her, some members in her age group who are personally familiar with such senior afflictions as occasional incontinence or confusion when startled by loud noises may mark the sheet for some other candidate.
However, as the makeup of the Maine Legislature for the past 30 years would indicate, Maine as a whole has shown a broad, consistent appreciation of the wonders of the Democratic Party. Whether this is an indicator of Yankee good sense is a matter of opinion, but unless the creeks rise, will spell good fortune for Ms. Mitchell in the final couple of weeks.
Shawn Moody will receive votes from people who know him personally or have done business with him and found him to be an outstanding businessman and fine citizen.
What’shisname (the guy with all the traffic tickets) is a joke, was a joke, and after the election will be thought of as a joke. But he did get his name in the paper, and could frequently see his own visage on TV. And it didn’t cost him much more than the price of a decent used car. How many people can say that?
The ex-mayor of Auburn will receive two write-in votes – his own and his wife’s, who has visions of getting him out of the house.
In comparison with previous off-year gubernatorial elections, the turnout this time will be large – unless its small or about the same.
Devil’s Dictionary Quote of the week. Voting: The opportunity to inflict pain and suffering on others by exercising one’s confusion, misinformation, or prejudice.
Rodney Quinn, a former Maine secretary of state, lives in Gorham. He can be reached at rquinn@maine.rr.com.
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