“Crystal Ball” analyzes Maine governor’s race

Larry J. Sabato, who runs the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, is beginning to take a look at all 36 races for governor that will be on the 2010 November ballot. His Crystal Ball Web site offers all sorts of good stuff for political junkies. Here's what he had to say about the race in Maine:MAINE--Gov. John Baldacci (D-ME): OPEN SEAT. Here is another formerly Republican state that often elects Democrats--though both U.S. senators are currently Republican. Gov. Baldacci, never overwhelmingly popular during his eight years in office, is term limited, and the apparent frontrunner for the Democratic nomination is former state Attorney General Steve Rowe. It is possible that a Democratic congressman or one or more state legislators could run, however. The Republicans have no instantly logical candidate, though they will certainly find a current or former state legislator or someone from the private sector to carry their banner. Many names are being bandied about, including state Sen. Peter Mills (who lost the governorship in 2006), state House Minority Leader Joshua Tardy, and attorney Steve Abbott, the chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R). The contest is so formless that all we can do at the moment is call it a TOSS-UP. In addition to the possible candidates Sabato mentions, we know Maine & Co.'s Matt Jacobson, a Republican, has announced the formation of an exploratory committee. Lynne Williams, an attorney and member of the Green Independent Party, has said she'll run. And Alex Hammer, who ran as an independent in 2006, has also said he plans to run. Hammer lives in Bangor and is owner of Media 2.0. He recently published a book called "This Great State: A Rigorous Examination of Leadership in Maine -- Present, Past and Future."