Tuesday, May 22, 2012
By Susan M. Cover scover@mainetoday.com
State House Bureau
AUGUSTA -- Republican Les Otten said at a State House rally Thursday he wouldn't hesitate to shut down state government, use the bully pulpit or cut programs to avoid a tax increase.
INTO THE HOMESTRETCH: Republican gubernatorial candidate Les Otten, right, is applauded by supporters Thursday during a campaign rally in Augusta.
Staff photo by Andy Molloy
A confident Otten -- he described himself as the "front runner" in a news release announcing the rally -- addressed about 50 people in the Hall of Flags, just steps away from the office he hopes to occupy.
Otten's event was one of many held across the state as the 11 people running for governor make a final push toward Tuesday's election.
Otten, a businessman who's one of seven Republicans in the race, raised his right hand -- as he has in his campaign television commercials -- and promised not to raise taxes.
"I will veto a budget that contains tax increases," he said.
Otten is the former owner and founder of American Skiing Co. and a former minority owner of the Boston Red Sox. He has spent more than $2.2 million of his own money on the campaign to date, far outspending the nearest competitor, according to financial reports filed with the state last week.
Across the state, the candidates toured businesses, made get-out-the-vote stops at diners, gave speeches and attended last-minute fundraisers as they wrap up the final days on the campaign trail.
The four Democrats -- Patrick McGowan, Steve Rowe, Rosa Scarcelli and Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell -- met in Lewiston for one last debate hosted by the Maine Public Broadcasting Network.
The final days have taken on added importance with polls showing many voters undecided leading up to Election Day. One poll, released Tuesday, said as many as 60 percent of Democrats and half of Republicans remain unsold on any of their party's candidates.
That poll, released by Portland pollster PanAtlantic, indicated Otten leading among Republicans, followed by Waterville Mayor Paul LePage, Sen. Peter Mills of Cornville, and Steve Abbott.
On Thursday, the Mills campaign released a poll -- which it sponsored -- identifying Mills as the leader, followed by Otten, Abbott and LePage.
None of the polling is conclusive, however, prompting campaigns to bolster their efforts -- and marshal their troops -- as Election Day approaches.
As she began the news conference Thursday, Otten Campaign Manager Edie Smith issued this command to supporters: "Nobody leaves this Hall of Flags unless you are loaded up with T-shirts, lawn signs and brochures to distribute between now and next Tuesday."
Senate Minority Leader Kevin Raye, R-Perry, talked about why he feels Otten is the best of the seven men in the GOP field.
"My wife and I own and operate a small family business," said Raye, who runs Raye's Mustard in Eastport. "I know that with Les Otten as governor, Maine's small-business people ... will finally have a friend in the Blaine House."
Raye chose Otten over fellow state senator Mills and the five others in the Republican field: Abbott, Bill Beardsley, Matt Jacobson, LePage and Bruce Poliquin.
"It has become clear to me that we need to nominate a candidate who can win in November," Raye said.
Susan Cover -- 620-7015
scover@centralmaine.com
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