With the official deadline for all candidates to file their petitions – 5:00PM Monday, March 15 – fast approaching, it’s worthwhile to take a look at Maine ballot access laws and rules.

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Les Otten’s campaign has announced they have officially qualified for the ballot.  Yesterday, Otten filed 2,980 signatures to the Secretary of State’s office.  The signatures have been verified by the

Les Otten

Secretary of State, putting Otten on the ballot.  Otten is the fifth candidate to make the ballot.  He follows Paul LePage, Rosa Scarcelli, Peter Mills, and Steve Abbott in qualifying for the ballot.  We are still waiting to hear from most of the Democratic field and Republicans Bill Beardsley, Matt Jacobson, and Bruce Poliquin.  Since state offices are closed today, expect to see the remaining candidates file on Monday or not at all.  Turn to the Augusta Insider for more updates on the gubernatorial race.

Otten joined the race last June.  You can go back and read our interview with Otten here.

Deadlines for ballot signatures and clean election donations are nearing.  Questions are being raised as to who may not make the cut.  We know of three candidates who will be on the primary ballots for their parties.  Rosa Scarcelli is the first Democrat to qualify for the primary, while Paul LePage and Peter Mills have made it on the Republican primary ballot.  Mills has cleared another hurdle by qualifying for clean election funding.

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Libby Mitchell has received a high profile endorsement today, perhaps the most well-known endorsement for any candidate yet.  Ex-President Bill Clinton has thrown his support behind Mitchell for governor. (more…)

The state of the Maine gubernatorial race on Twitter as of Sunday, March 7, 2010 10:00AM EST. (more…)

There’s nothing like a candidate who can beat the odds.  I’m not talking about an underdog who defies the odds like Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts (R) or Mark Begich of Alaska (D).  I’m not talking about someone like Texas Governor (and professional pretty-boy) Rick Perry, who on Tuesday, pushed back against a primary challenge from popular sitting senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. (more…)

This week, Maine’s Democratic leaders released their proposal for a $99.2 millions “jobs bond package.”  The package would seek to put new construction projects into motion this summer.  “Without more work for our construction industry from engineers to the people moving the dirt, we are looking at a dire situation this summer,” said House Speaker Hannah Pingree (D-North Haven).  Democrats will have to gather support from House and Senate Republicans to forward the measure to a June vote.  Candidates for governor have provided us with their opinions on the bond proposal.  You may read their responses after the cut.  We will be adding more responses as we receive them. (more…)

Steve Rowe has launched a few targeted grassroots campaigns since he announced his candidacy.  Last year, Rowe’s campaign sought support from women voters with his “Women Rowe-ing” section and an endorsement from former Senate President Beth Edmonds.  Rowe has unveiled the newest arm of his grassroots effort.  The new group, “Generation Rowe”, will seek to grab the attention of Maine’s young voters.  With that in mind, it’s time to consider how big of an impact will the youth vote have on the upcoming elections?   (more…)

Our interview series continues with former President of Husson University Bill Beardsley who is vying for the Republican nomination for governor in 2010. (more…)

The state of the Maine gubernatorial race on Twitter as of Friday, February 26, 2010 7:00PM EST. (more…)