2014 Maine gubernatorial election

The 2014 Maine gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 2014 to elect the governor of Maine. Incumbent Republican governor Paul LePage won re-election to a second term, defeating Democratic nominee Mike Michaud, the U.S. representative from Maine's 2nd congressional district, and independent Eliot Cutler, an attorney and second-place finisher from the 2010 gubernatorial election.^[1] This is currently the most recent election that Maine elected a Republican governor. Primary elections were held on June 10, 2014.

2014 Maine gubernatorial election

← 2010 November 4, 2014 (2014-11-04) 2018 →

Nominee Paul LePage Mike Michaud Eliot Cutler Party Republican Democratic Independent Popular vote 294,533 265,125 51,518 Percentage 48.2% 43.4% 8.4%

County results Municipality results LePage:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Michaud:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Tie:

Governor before election Paul LePage Republican Elected Governor Paul LePage Republican

LePage was initially considered vulnerable in this race, due to persistent approval ratings below 50%. The consensus among The Cook Political Report,^[2] Governing^[3] and The Rothenberg Political Report^[4] was that the race was a "tossup" and Daily Kos Elections^[5] and Sabato's Crystal Ball^[6] rated the race as "lean Democratic".

Background

After a close three-way election in 2010, Republican Paul LePage, the mayor of Waterville, was elected governor with 38% of the vote. He beat independent candidate Eliot Cutler, who won 36%, and Democrat Libby Mitchell, the president of the Maine Senate, who won 19%. Republican gubernatorial nominees in Maine have failed to win a majority of the vote in 12 consecutive cycles over the last 50+ years – the longest such GOP streak in the nation.^[7] No governor has been popularly elected with less than 40 percent of the vote in two consecutive cycles in U.S. history.^[8]

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

• Paul LePage, incumbent governor^[9][10]

Polling

Hypothetical polling

Who should challenge LePage in a primary?

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Phil Harriman	Roger Katz	Peter Mills	Bruce Poliquin	Peter Vigue	Carol Weston	Other/ Undecided
Pan Atlantic SMS	November 25–30, 2013	261	± ?%	7.4%	5.1%	8.3%	6.6%	15.3%	6.9%	50.4%

Results

Republican primary results^[11]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Paul LePage (incumbent)	50,856	81.61
		Blank ballots	11,457	18.39
Total votes			62,313	100

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

• Mike Michaud, U.S. Representative^[10][12]

Withdrew

• David Slagger, former Maliseet representative to the Maine House of Representatives (switched parties to the Maine Green Independent Party, then unenrolled)^[13][14]
• Steve Woods, businessman, chairman of the Yarmouth Town Council and independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2012 (endorsed Michaud)^[15][16]

Declined

• Justin Alfond, President of the Maine Senate^[17]
• John Baldacci, former governor^[18]
• Emily Cain, state senator (running for ME-02)^[19]
• Matthew Dunlap, Secretary of State of Maine^[17]
• Mark Eves, Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives^[17]
• Jeremy Fischer, former state representative^[17]
• Janet T. Mills, Maine Attorney General^[17]
• Karen Mills, Administrator of the Small Business Administration^[20]
• Chellie Pingree, U.S. Representative^[21]
• Hannah Pingree, former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives^[17]

Polling

Hypothetical polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	John Baldacci	Emily Cain	Bill Diamond	Matt Dunlap	Jeremy Fischer	Mike Michaud	Janet Mills	Karen Mills	Chellie Pingree	Ethan Strimling	Steve Woods	Other/ Undecided
Pan Atlantic SMS	March 11–16, 2013	271		—	8.9%	15.9%	6.3%	—	—	8.5%	3%	—	6.3%	—	48.7%
Public Policy Polling	January 18–20, 2013	510	±4.4%	28%	6%	—	—	2%	19%	4%	—	21%	3%	0%	16%

Results

Democratic primary results^[11]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Mike Michaud	56,286	86.48
		Blank ballots	8,799	13.52
Total votes			65,085	100

Green Independent primary

Candidates

Withdrew

• David Slagger, former Maliseet representative to the Maine House of Representatives (originally declared as a Democrat, switched parties, then unenrolled)^[22][23]

Independents

Candidates

Declared

• Eliot Cutler, attorney, board member of Americans Elect and candidate for governor in 2010^[24]

Withdrew

• Adam Eldridge^[25][26]
• Lee Schultheis, co-founder of Hatteras Alternative Mutual Funds^[27][28]
• David Slagger, former Maliseet representative to the Maine House of Representatives (originally declared as a Democrat, switched parties, then unenrolled)^[23][26]

Declined

• Shawn Moody, businessman and candidate for governor in 2010^[29]

General election

Candidates

• Paul LePage (Republican), incumbent governor
• Mike Michaud (Democratic), U.S. Representative
• Eliot Cutler (Independent), attorney, board member of Americans Elect and candidate for governor in 2010

Campaign

On January 17, 2014, Eliot Cutler announced that he had challenged LePage and Michaud to a series of policy debates, with at least one to be held in each of Maine's 16 counties, over the course of the campaign. Cutler noted that neither man had a primary challenger and as such the field is largely set, with plenty of time to debate. Both LePage and Michaud's campaigns criticized Cutler as issuing such a challenge only to jump-start his campaign and generate attention.^[30]

Lee Schultheis said that his campaign was not about winning the election, but about encouraging honest conversation on the issues and working towards compromise, while criticizing the win-at-any-cost mentality in politics. He summarized his campaign as "I'm running for Governor, but not really". He had qualified for the ballot and as such had been invited to at least one debate.^[31] However, citing the fact that two of three debates he had been invited to had been cancelled, as well as the difficulty of an independent working in the two-party system, he withdrew from the race on September 5, 2014.^[28]

Cutler posted a video to his Facebook and Twitter accounts on May 5, 2014, where he responded to a voter's question about his candidacy potentially splitting the vote again. He stated that his supporters, if they felt on the night before the election that he could not win, should vote for someone else.^[32]

In July 2014, Cutler claimed that in May 2011 he had been approached by Maine Democratic Party Chairman Ben Grant to run as a Democrat in 2014, with assurances that the Party would "clear the field" in such a circumstance. Grant denied Cutler's claim, calling it "100 percent false", stating that while he had met with Cutler, that subject was not discussed. He added that the party had been focused solely on getting Mike Michaud or Chellie Pingree to run for governor. Cutler stated that he would be willing to sign an affidavit on the matter, as he remembered the conversation "very clearly". Attorney and Democratic activist Severin Beliveau disputed Cutler's claim that he had been offered a "cleared field", saying: "That's [Cutler's] ego. We all have egos, but his is in another world, in the ether somewhere." Cutler further claimed that in the spring of 2011 he was asked by then-Maine Republican Party Chairman Charlie Webster to join the Republican Party. Webster also repudiated Cutler's claim, saying that he only met Cutler as a courtesy, asking "why would Republicans want a candidate who doesn't share our views? That doesn't make sense."^[33]

LePage stated on a WVOM-FM radio show on August 7 that he believes he will either win by a landslide or lose by a landslide, stating that his views are too different from his opponents' to result in a close race.^[34]

On September 18, LePage told the editorial board of The Portsmouth Herald that he did not want their endorsement, saying his interest in it was "none, zero". He further stated "I'm not about politics. I'm about issues. I do not want be endorsed. I don't want to be mentioned in the same vein as Mike Michaud."^[35]

In mid-October, it was reported that the Maine Republican Party had begun spending money to target Democratic voters with negative attacks against Michaud that also praised Cutler, in believing Cutler would play a spoiler role.^[36] LePage had previously said in June that Cutler's candidacy was good for his re-election campaign.^[37] Meanwhile, Cutler himself has appeared to be winding down his campaign, decreasing his spending on television advertisements, leading to speculation that he was essentially conceding the race.^[36][38] By the end of October, this seemed to be confirmed, as columnist Ethan Strimling noted that Cutler's weekly TV spending had decreased across October from $55,000 to $50,000, then $29,000, down to $4,000. By contrast, campaign committees and outside groups supporting LePage and Michaud were outspending him 100-to-1 each.^[39]

In late October, the Republican Governors Association began airing a television advertisement that attacked Michaud before pivoting to praise Cutler, noting that he had been endorsed by Independent U.S. Senator and former Independent Governor Angus King. The spot did not mention LePage, hoping instead to persuade Michaud supporters to vote for Cutler. Michaud campaign manager Matt McTighe called it "a desperate attempt to split the vote that is uniting to defeat Gov. LePage"^[40] and King, despite having endorsed Cutler, accused the RGA of "trying to trick people" and called their tactics "[dis]honest... they're trying to promote one candidate when they're really trying to promote someone else."^[41]

After Cutler announced that he would hold a press conference on October 29, it was speculated that he was doing so to withdraw from the race.^[42] Cutler did not announce his withdrawal but did say that he was a "realist" and acknowledged that any victory by him would be a "long shot". He said that his supporters should "vote their consciences", whether that be for LePage or Michaud. Cutler went on to say that he would not withdraw to "kowtow to party politics and allow a bunch of political polls to drown out the voices of thousands of Mainers who believe that standing for principles, ideals and ideas makes you an American, not a spoiler." However, his announcement was seen by many as "an acknowledgement that [his] campaign is over."^[43][44][45] Cutler also encouraged Maine voters to support a proposed citizen initiative to implement ranked choice voting.^[43]

Immediately after his press conference, a group of former Cutler supporters reiterated their backing of Michaud, saying that "the right thing now is to unite behind Mike Michaud."^[46] Shortly after, Angus King announced that he was switching his endorsement from Cutler to Michaud, explaining: "it is clear that the voters of Maine are not prepared to elect Eliot... The good news is that we still have a chance to elect a governor who will represent the majority of Maine people: my friend and colleague, Mike Michaud."^[47][48] Cutler stated that he was "obviously disappointed" by King's change.^[49]

Debates

The Michaud campaign stated on July 30 that Michaud would only participate in debates where LePage is present and not attend ones where Cutler is the only other participant, because: "we are running against Paul LePage, he's who we are looking to unseat". The LePage campaign has said they will schedule debates around the Governor's work schedule and priorities and declined to participate in a debate in the Lewiston/Auburn area in September. Cutler criticized both men as "cowards" and said that they wanted voters to make their decision "on the basis of a cascade of negative television ads bought by outside special interests". Michaud's campaign responded that at least four debates have been scheduled so far.^[50]

Despite Michaud's position on debates, he did appear at a forum on September 12 to discuss energy policy topics with only Cutler, after LePage abruptly withdrew from participating, citing what he called a change in the format of the event. The LePage campaign stated that they had thought each candidate would appear on stage separately, but learned the day of the event that the candidates would share a stage. LePage said: "If you set up a format, you've got to stick to that format" and his campaign said event organizers "attempted to arrange a setting to put politics ahead of public policy". They denied the withdrawal was politically motivated to force Michaud to debate Cutler.^[51] Both the Michaud and Cutler campaigns stated they were aware of the format. Cutler offered to leave the stage while LePage spoke, but that did not change LePage's mind. Event organizers stated "there was no intent to place politics before policy" and that the issue distracted from their efforts to discuss energy policy.^[52]

LePage told WMTW Channel 8 on September 22 that he was considering not participating in any debates with Michaud,^[53] though he was still willing to debate Cutler alone.^[54] He said he did not want to share a stage with Michaud due to his not having criticized a TV advertisement by a liberal PAC publicizing a press release where LePage called Social Security "welfare, pure and simple", which LePage later stated was not what he meant. LePage said that he used to respect Michaud but called the lack of criticism "sad". Michaud responded by issuing a statement saying that LePage was looking for an excuse to avoid debates and that he should instead use them "to set the record straight and explain why he said in a press release that Social Security is 'welfare' and why Maine's economy hasn't recovered as quickly as the rest of the country." Michaud went on to state that "It's not a gubernatorial debate without the Governor."^[54] Cutler issued a statement that both the other men should "stop playing games".^[54] Michaud stated the following day at a press conference that he would attend the six debates that his campaign agreed to, regardless of what LePage does. He stated that he expected LePage would attend once his "temper tantrum" was over.^[55]

LePage announced on September 28 that he would participate in five debates, saying "This decision has come after much reflection over the past week on the value in debating Congressman Michael Michaud, who has continually been dishonest with the Maine people about Governor LePage's stance on Social Security", and saying he wanted to set the record straight.^[56]

Endorsements

Paul LePage

Politicians

• Rick Bennett, Maine Republican Party chairman, former president of the Maine Senate, 2012 US Senate candidate^[57]
• Barbara Bush, former First Lady of the United States^[58]
• George H. W. Bush, former president of the United States^[58]
• Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida^[59]
• Chris Christie, governor of New Jersey^[60]
• Susan Collins, U.S. senator (R-ME)^[61]
• Jonathan LaBonte, mayor of Auburn, director of the governor's Office of Policy and Management^[62]
• Robert MacDonald, mayor of Lewiston^[62]
• Robert Nutting, state representative, former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives^[63]
• Olympia Snowe, former U.S. senator (R-ME)^[59]
• John McKernan, former governor of Maine^[59]
• Kevin Raye, former president of the Maine Senate^[59]
• Les Otten, candidate for governor in 2010^[59]

Organizations

• Associated Builders and Contractors of Maine^[64]
• National Rifle Association of America via the NRA Political Victory Fund^[65][66][67]

Mike Michaud

Politicians

• Steve Buyer, former U.S. Representative (R-IN)^[68]
• Michael Brennan, Mayor of Portland^[62]
• Bill Clinton, former president of the United States^[69]
• Hillary Clinton, former United States Secretary of State, former U.S. Senator (D-NY)^[70]
• Beverly Daggett, Kennebec County Commissioner, former president of the Maine Senate^[71]
• Jeffrey Evangelos, state representative^[72]
• Kirk Francis, Chief of the Penobscot Nation ^[73]
• Geoffrey Gratwick, state senator^[74]
• Karen Heck, Mayor of Waterville^[71]
• Angus King, U.S. Senator (I-ME) and former governor (had endorsed Cutler until October 29)^[48][75]
• Colleen Lachowicz, state senator^[76]
• Dale McCormick, Augusta City Councilor, former State Treasurer of Maine^[71]
• Maeghan Maloney, Kennebec County District Attorney ^[71]
• George Mitchell, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader (D-ME)^[77]
• Frederick Moore III, Chief of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Pleasant Point^[73]
• William J. Nichols Sr., Chief of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Indian Township^[73]
• Barack Obama, President of the United States^[78]
• Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States^[79]
• Deval Patrick, Governor of Massachusetts^[80]
• Hannah Pingree, former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives^[71]
• Anthony Principi, former United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs for President George W. Bush^[68]
• Debbie Wasserman Schultz, U.S. Representative (D-FL), chair of the Democratic National Committee^[78]
• Peter Shumlin, Governor of Vermont^[80]
• Ted Strickland, former governor of Ohio^[81]
• Charlotte Warren, Mayor of Hallowell^[71]
• Steve Woods, businessman, chairman of the Yarmouth Town Council and independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2012^[16]

Individuals

• Brig. Gen. (retired) John Bubar, Maine National Guard^[82]
• James Carville, Democratic strategist, Fox News contributor^[78]
• Brig. Gen. (retired) Don McCormack, Maine National Guard, former LePage appointee to the Department of Administrative and Financial Services^[82]
• Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America^[79]
• Betsy Smith, former executive director of EqualityMaine (had endorsed Cutler until October 31)^[83][84]

Unions

• Maine Association of Police^[85]
• Professional Fire Fighters of Maine^[85]
• United Steelworkers^[86]
• AFL–CIO^[87]
• Maine State Employees Union Local 1989^[87]
• United Auto Workers Union^[87]
• Maine Credit Union League^[88]
• International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers Local S-6^[89]
• International Union for Painters and Allied Trades^[87]
• International Alliance for Theatrical Stage Employees^[87]
• Teamsters Local 340^[90]
• Maine Education Association^[91]
• American Maritime Officers^[92]
• Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association^[92]
• Masters, Mates & Pilots Union^[92]
• Northern New England Laborers^[93]
• Seafarers International Union^[92]
• United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry^[93]
• United Food and Commercial Workers^[93]
• Maine State Troopers Association^[94]

Organizations

• Democracy for America^[95]
• Sierra Club^[91]
• Environment Maine^[96]
• EqualityMaine^[97]
• Human Rights Campaign^[98]
• Maine People's Alliance^[99]
• Maine Conservation Voters^[100]
• Maine Renewable Energy Association^[101]
• NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC^[102]
• National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare^[103]
• Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund PAC^[104]
• Victory Fund^[93]

Eliot Cutler

Politicians

• Nelson Durgin, Republican Bangor City Councilor^[105]
• Patrick Flood, Republican state senator, ranking Appropriations Committee member^[106]
• Horace "Hoddy" Hildreth Jr., former Republican legislator, son of former governor, and environmentalist^[107]
• Sherry Huber, former Republican legislator, candidate for governor, and co-founder of the Family Planning Association of Maine^[108]
• John Nutting, former Democratic state senator^[109]
• Edward Suslovic, Democratic Portland City Councilor^[110]

Individuals

• Marpheen Chann Berry, former chair of the University of Southern Maine College Democrats and student body vice president^[111]
• Mark McKinnon, co-founder of No Labels^[112]
• Edmund Muskie Jr., son of the late senator and United States Secretary of State Edmund Muskie^[113]
• Lynne Williams, former chair of the Maine Green Independent Party^[114]

Organizations

• Maine Citizens Against Handgun Violence^[115]
• Bangor Daily News^[116]
• The Times Record, newspaper of Brunswick^[117]
• The Portsmouth Herald^[118]

Declined to endorse

• Lewiston Sun Journal^[62]
• MaineToday Media newspapers^[119]
• Sportsman's Alliance of Maine^[120]

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report^[121]	Tossup	November 3, 2014
Sabato's Crystal Ball^[122]	Lean D (flip)	November 3, 2014
Rothenberg Political Report^[123]	Tossup	November 3, 2014
Real Clear Politics^[124]	Tossup	November 3, 2014

Polling

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Paul LePage (R)	Mike Michaud (D)	Eliot Cutler (I)	Other	Undecided
Maine People's Resource Center	October 31–November 2, 2014	906	± 3.25%	44%	45%	9%	—	2%
Bangor Daily News/Ipsos	October 23–29, 2014	488	± 5.1%	42%	42%	13%	—	2%
				46%	48%	—	2%	3%
				40%	—	53%	4%	3%
Magellan Strategies	October 22–23, 2014	869	± 3.32%	42%	42%	13%	1%	2%
Public Policy Polling	October 22–23, 2014	660	± 3.6%	40%	40%	17%	—	3%
				44%	49%	—	—	7%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov	October 16–23, 2014	1,177	± 5%	35%	37%	7%	0%	21%
Pan Atlantic/SMS Group	October 15–21, 2014	400	± 4.9%	40%	40%	13%	—	7%
				44%	49%	—	—	8%
University of New Hampshire	October 15–21, 2014	639	± 3.8%	45%	35%	16%	—	4%
		641		50%	43%	—	—	6%
		625		48%	—	47%	—	5%
Bangor Daily News/Ipsos	October 6–12, 2014
		540 LV	± 4.8%	36%	42%	16%	1%	5%
				41%	50%	—	3%	6%
				38%	—	49%	6%	7%
		903 RV	± 3.7%	30%	43%	19%	1%	6%
				35%	52%	—	5%	7%
				32%	—	50%	8%	8%
Rasmussen Reports	October 7–9, 2014	930	± 3%	41%	40%	16%	1%	3%
	October 5–7, 2014	605	± 4%	39%	43%	15%	—	3%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov	September 20–October 1, 2014	1,531	± 3%	37%	39%	10%	0%	13%
Critical Insights	September 24–30, 2014	606	± 4%	39%	36%	21%	—	4%
Pan Atlantic/SMS Group	September 23–29, 2014	400	± 4.9%	39%	34%	20%	—	8%
				46%	47%	—	—	7%
University of New Hampshire	September 18–25, 2014	482	± 4.4%	38%	40%	12%	—	10%
				44%	50%	—	—	6%
				41%	—	52%	—	7%
	September 21–23, 2014	605	± 4%	38%	44%	15%	—	3%
	September 7–10, 2014	900	± 3.3%	40%	42%	15%	—	3%
Public Policy Polling	September 8–9, 2014	1,059	± 3%	42%	43%	11%	—	3%
				46%	50%	—	—	4%
Rasmussen Reports	September 3–4, 2014	750	± 4%	39%	43%	15%	—	4%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov	August 18–September 2, 2014	1,202	± 4%	38%	37%	10%	0%	14%
Maine People's Resource Center	July 26–28, 2014	796	± 3.47%	41%	43%	13%	—	4%
CBS News/NYT/YouGov	July 5–24, 2014	1,353	± 2.7%	38%	52%	—	5%	4%
	July 14–16, 2014	600	± 4%	37%	41%	13%	—	9%
University of New Hampshire	June 12–18, 2014	527	± 4.3%	36%	40%	15%	2%	7%
				44%	51%	—	—	4%
				38%	—	50%	3%	9%
Public Policy Polling	May 5–6, 2014	754	± ?	39%	43%	15%	—	3%
Rasmussen Reports	April 23–25, 2014	830	± 3%	40%	40%	14%	1%	5%
Critical Insights	April 16–23, 2014	601	± 4%	36%	37%	18%	—	8%
Pan Atlantic/SMS Group	March 31–April 5, 2014	400	± 4.9%	39%	37%	20%	—	4%
Public Policy Polling	April 1–2, 2014	583	± 3.5%	37%	44%	14%	—	5%
Normington Petts	March 3–6, 2014	800	± 3.5%	35%	39%	16%	<1%	9%
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner	January 13–23, 2014	400	± 4.9%	32%	45%	18%	—	5%
Pan Atlantic SMS	November 25–30, 2013	400	± 4.9%	36%	37%	18%	—	9%
Public Policy Polling	November 8–11, 2013	964	± 3.2%	36%	38%	15%	—	10%
				39%	53%	—	—	8%
				38%	—	49%	—	13%
	September 27–30, 2013	600	± 4%	30%	33%	24%	—	14%
Maine People's Resource Center	September 8–10, 2013	652	± 3.84%	34%	40%	17%	—	9%
				36%	56%	—	—	8%
Public Policy Polling	August 23–25, 2013	953	± 3.2%	35%	39%	18%	—	9%
				39%	54%	—	—	7%
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner	July 11–16, 2013	400	± 4.9%	31%	40%	26%	—	3%
				34%	61%	—	—	3%
Clarity Campaigns	June 22–24, 2013	628	± 3.72%	32%	32%	24%	—	12%
Pan Atlantic SMS	March 11–16, 2013	403	± 4.9%	34%	23%	26%	—	18%
				35%	—	42%^[125]	8%	15%
Public Policy Polling	January 18–20, 2013	1,268	± 2.8%	34%	30%	26%	—	10%
				36%	57%	—	—	9%
				41%	—	49%	—	10%

Hypothetical polling

Two-way races

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Paul LePage (R)	John Baldacci (D)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	January 18–20, 2013	1,268	± 2.8%	38%	53%	—	9%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Paul LePage (R)	Chellie Pingree (D)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	January 18–20, 2013	1,268	± 2.8%	40%	53%	—	7%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Paul LePage (R)	Democratic opponent (D)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	November 1–2, 2012	1,633	± 2.4%	41%	49%	—	10%
Public Policy Polling	September 17–18, 2012	804	± 3.5%	40%	48%	—	12%

Three-way races

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Paul LePage (R)	John Baldacci (D)	Eliot Cutler (I)	Other	Undecided
Pan Atlantic SMS	March 11–16, 2013	403	± 4.9%	37%	21%	27%	—	15%
Public Policy Polling	January 18–20, 2013	1,268	± 2.8%	36%	27%	29%	—	8%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Paul LePage (R)	Janet Mills (D)	Eliot Cutler (I)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	January 18–20, 2013	1,268	± 2.8%	37%	19%	32%	—	12%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Paul LePage (R)	Chellie Pingree (D)	Eliot Cutler (I)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	January 18–20, 2013	1,268	± 2.8%	37%	31%	23%	—	9%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Paul LePage (R)	Ethan Strimling (D)	Eliot Cutler (I)	Other	Undecided
Public Policy Polling	January 18–20, 2013	1,268	± 2.8%	37%	15%	32%	—	16%

Poll source	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Paul LePage (R)	Democratic opponent (D)	Eliot Cutler (I)	None of the above	Undecided
Critical Insights	May 1–7, 2013	600	± 4%	30%	16%	28%	4%	21%

Results

Maine gubernatorial election, 2014^[126]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Paul LePage (incumbent)	294,519	48.19%	+10.63%
	Democratic	Mike Michaud	265,114	43.37%	+24.53%
	Independent	Eliot Cutler	51,515	8.43%	-27.45%
	Write-in		79	0.01%	N/A
Total votes			611,227	100.00%	N/A
	Republican hold

Counties that flipped from Independent to Democratic

• Cumberland (largest municipality: Portland)
• Knox (largest municipality: Rockland)

Counties that flipped from Independent to Republican

• Hancock (largest municipality: Ellsworth)
• Sagadahoc (largest town:Bath)

See also

• 2014 United States gubernatorial elections
• 2014 United States Senate election in Maine

References

1. . The Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on December 5, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
2. . Archived from the original on March 5, 2013. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
3. Jacobson, Louis (July 18, 2013). . Governing.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
4. "Ratings". Retrieved September 6, 2013.
5. "Daily Kos Elections gubernatorial race ratings: Initial ratings for 2013-14". Retrieved November 22, 2013.
6. "Ratings". Retrieved September 6, 2013.
7. Ostermeier, Eric (March 6, 2014). "The Elusive Republican Majority". Smart Politics.
8. Ostermeier, Eric (October 13, 2014). "Could Paul LePage Become the First 30/30 Governor in History?". Smart Politics.
9. "LePage: I'm running for re-election". Kennebec Journal. July 2, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
10. "Expanding Medicaid would be 'sinful,' LePage says". Kennebec Journal. March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
11. . Maine Secretary of State. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
12. "Michaud to formally enter governor's race Thursday at Lewiston's Franco-American Center". Bangor Daily News. August 14, 2013. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
13. Stone, Matthew. . Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on April 30, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
14. Stone, Matthew (April 26, 2013). "Chellie Pingree announces she won't run for governor in 2014". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved April 27, 2013.
15. "Senate campaign over, Steve Woods is running for governor". Portland Press Herald. Associated Press. November 16, 2012. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
16. Koenig, Seth (August 21, 2013). "Steve Woods withdraws from Maine gubernatorial race, says Michaud 'will restore honor and integrity to the Blaine House' — Politics — Bangor Daily News — BDN Maine". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
17. "Leery of third-place pattern, Democrats already have eyes on Blaine House | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram". Pressherald.com. November 20, 2012. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
18. Demeritt, Dan (November 30, 2012). "Dan Demeritt: Baldacci best hope for Democrats in 2014 – and for LePage, too". The Portland Press Herald. Retrieved December 23, 2012.
19. "Sen. Emily Cain launches bid for Michaud's congressional seat". Maine Sun Journal. June 14, 2013. Retrieved June 15, 2013.
20. "Washington Notebook: Mills keeping options open after Cabinet post". Pressherald.com. February 17, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
21. Miller, Kevin. "Chellie Pingree says she won't run for Maine governor". Kennebec Journal. Retrieved April 26, 2013.
22. Stone, Matthew. . Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on April 30, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
23. "Maine Campaign Finance". Archived from the original on October 25, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
24. "Eliot Cutler tells Portland radio show hosts that he's running for governor in 2014". Bangor Daily News. June 6, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
25. "Michaud's official bid for governor this week?". Kennebec Journal. June 14, 2013. Retrieved June 14, 2013.
26. . Archived from the original on November 28, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
27. "Michaud closer to joining governor race". Kennebec Journal. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
28. "Lee Schultheis, 'not really' candidate for governor, drops out of race due to lack of debates". Bangor Daily News. September 5, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
29. Mistler, Steve (July 9, 2013). "Shawn Moody making another run for gov? Maybe". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
30. "LePage and Michaud call Cutler's debate challenge a stunt". Bangor Daily News. January 17, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
31. "LePage and Michaud call Cutler's debate challenge a stunt". Bangor Daily News. July 23, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
32. . Bangor Daily News. May 6, 2014. Archived from the original on May 9, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
33. "Cutler says Democrats asked him to run in 2014". Kennebec Journal. July 26, 2014. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
34. "LePage: I'll either win or lose by a 'landslide'". WCSH-6 TV. August 7, 2014. Archived from the original on August 11, 2014. Retrieved August 7, 2014.
35. "LePage bets GOP will take Maine House in 2014". Bangor Daily News/York Weekly. September 20, 2014. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
36. Mike Tipping (October 18, 2014). . Bangor Daily News/York Weekly. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
37. Paul Merrill (June 3, 2014). "Candidates for governor campaign in southern Maine". WMTW. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
38. Ethan Strimling (October 2, 2014). "Is Cutler pulling up stakes?". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
39. Ethan Strimling (October 20, 2014). . Portland Press Herald. Archived from the original on October 24, 2014. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
40. Steve Benen (October 28, 2014). "Republican Governors Association exploits its pawn in Maine". MSNBC. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
41. Steve Mistler (October 28, 2014). "Angus King: RGA ad boosting Cutler tries to 'trick people'". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
42. . Political Wire. October 29, 2014. Archived from the original on October 30, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
43. "Cutler says victory is 'long shot,' tells supporters to vote accordingly". Bangor Daily News. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
44. "Cutler, Trailing In Maine, Says He's 'Hopeful' But a 'Realist'". Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
45. "Cutler staying in race, insists Mainers should 'vote their conscience'". Portland Press Herald. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
46. "You don't have to vote for me, Maine gubernatorial candidate tells supporters". The Guardian. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
47. "Eliot Cutler Staying In Maine Governors Race But Tells Backers To 'Vote Their Conscience'". The Huffington Post. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
48. "Angus King switches endorsement from Cutler to Michaud". Portland Press Herald. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
49. "King switches gubernatorial nod from Cutler to Michaud; Snowe robocall to boost LePage". Bangor Daily News. October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
50. "LePage, Michaud aren't interested in many public debates". Bangor Daily News. July 30, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
51. "LePage objects to format of Portland energy forum, drops out". Bangor Daily News. September 12, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
52. "Gov. Paul LePage refuses to appear at energy forum". Kennebec Journal. September 12, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
53. "Gov. LePage says he may not attend political debates". WMTW. September 22, 2014. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
54. "LePage casts doubt on debates, says he won't appear on stage with Michaud". Bangor Daily News. September 22, 2014. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
55. "Michaud refuses to denounce ad criticizing LePage, calls governor's opposition a 'temper tantrum'". Bangor Daily News. September 23, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
56. "LePage reverses position, will participate in 5 debates". Bangor Daily News. September 23, 2014. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
57. "Re-Elect Governor Paul LePage". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
58. "George H.W. Bush, Barbara Bush endorse LePage for governor". Bangor Daily News. October 23, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
59. Thistle, Scott (August 1, 2014). "Snowe, McKernan to host fundraiser for LePage". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
60. Byrne, Matt (April 22, 2014). "N.J. Gov. Chris Christie to stump for LePage". Kennebec Journal. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
61. Moretto, Mario (November 1, 2014). "Collins donates Maine-made food, boosts LePage's campaign at Blaine House charity drive". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved November 1, 2014.
62. Thistle, Scott (October 23, 2014). "Lewiston and Auburn mayors endorse Gov. LePage". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
63. "Want public confidence in your public policy? Don't look to LePage for guidance". The Bangor Daily News. May 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
64. Cousins, Christopher (June 3, 2014). "LePage endorsed by building contract group during campaign stop at gravel pit". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
65. . nrapvf.org. NRA-PVF. Archived from the original on November 4, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
66. "NRA Endorses Paul LePage for Governor of Maine". nrapvf.org. Fairfax, Va.: NRA-PVF. September 23, 2014. from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved July 21, 2023. ...the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is proud to endorse Paul LePage for reelection as Governor of Maine.
67. Moretto, Mario (October 2, 2014). "LePage to receive endorsement from NRA, other guns-rights groups on Thursday". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
68. . October 6, 2014. Archived from the original on October 13, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
69. Koeing, Seth (August 26, 2014). "Bill Clinton to campaign for Michaud in Portland next week". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
70. Harrison, Judy (October 19, 2014). "Hillary Clinton to campaign for Michaud in Maine on Friday". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved October 19, 2014.
71. . Archived from the original on October 30, 2014. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
72. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
73. . November 2, 2014. Archived from the original on November 4, 2014. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
74. "Maine GOP releases recording of Gratwick saying Michaud is 'not a brain guy'". The Bangor Daily News. September 9, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
75. "Angus King endorses Eliot Cutler at Portland press conference". August 18, 2014. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
76. "Wisconsin and Maine are what happens... – Colleen Lachowicz for State Senate – Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
77. "Hon. George Mitchell Endorses Michaud for Governor". Mike Michaud for Governor. September 22, 2014. Archived from the original on September 24, 2014. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
78. Moretto, Mario (September 22, 2014). "Michelle Obama to stump for Michaud in Orono". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
79. Cousins, Christopher (October 15, 2014). "Obama coming to Maine as part of national swing to help Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
80. Moretto, Mario (July 21, 2014). "Democratic Govs. Deval Patrick, Peter Shumlin stump for Michaud in southern Maine". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
81. Koeing, Seth (October 7, 2014). "Michaud, Bellows join former Ohio governor to tout minimum wage hike, steps to help middle class". Retrieved October 7, 2014.
82. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
83. "As a former leader of EqualityMaine, here's why I support Eliot Cutler for governor". The Bangor Daily News. November 18, 2013. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
84. Tipping, Mike (October 31, 2014). . Archived from the original on November 1, 2014. Retrieved November 1, 2014.
85. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
86. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
87. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
88. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
89. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
90. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
91. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
92. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
93. . Archived from the original on November 6, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
94. "Michaud receives endorsement from labor union that doesn't always support Democrats". Bangor Daily News. May 13, 2014. Retrieved May 13, 2014.
95. "Democracy For America – BREAKING: Michaud leads LePage by four in new ME Gov Poll". Retrieved November 15, 2014.
96. "Collins, Bellows in TV ad war; Cutler passes on enviro endorsement; 'Fear the beard'". State & Capitol. August 6, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
97. "Leading Maine gay-rights group endorses Michaud in governor's race". Central Maine. January 2, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
98. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
99. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
100. "Maine Conservation Voters endorse Michaud's 2014 gubernatorial bid". The Bangor Daily News. February 7, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
101. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
102. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
103. . Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
104. "Planned Parenthood's PAC endorses Michaud in Maine governor's race". The Bangor Daily News. June 16, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
105. "Nelson Durgin: Why I, as a Republican, will vote for independent Eliot Cutler". The Bangor Daily News. March 24, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
106. Moretto, Mario (August 6, 2014). "Pat Flood, Maine Senate GOP's budget guru, endorses Eliot Cutler". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
107. . Cutler 2014. Archived from the original on October 22, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
108. "Maine Voices: Mike Michaud's record does not prove he's 'evolved' on reproductive choice". The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram. October 14, 2013. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
109. . Cutler 2014. Archived from the original on October 22, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
110. . Archived from the original on October 22, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
111. . Cutler 2014. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
112. . Cutler 2014. Archived from the original on October 20, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
113. . Cutler 2014. Archived from the original on October 18, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
114. Williams, Lynne (October 6, 2014). "Eliot Cutler is the right candidate for this Green Party member — Opinion". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
115. Moretto, Mario (July 24, 2014). "Maine Citizens Against Handgun Violence endorses Eliot Cutler". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
116. "Cutler would return dignity, reason and vision to the Blaine House". Bangor Daily News. October 22, 2014. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
117. . The Times Record. October 29, 2014. Archived from the original on October 30, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
118. "ENDORSEMENT Cutler for Maine governor". The Portsmouth Herald/Seacoastonline.com. October 19, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
119. "OUR OPINION: Who do we endorse? Nobody — and here's why". MaineToday Media/Kennebec Journal. August 31, 2014. Retrieved August 31, 2014.
120. . Bangor Daily News. August 21, 2014. Archived from the original on October 5, 2014. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
121. "2014 Governor Race Ratings for November 3, 2014". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved September 3, 2018.
122. "The Crystal Ball's Final 2014 Picks". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved September 3, 2018.
123. "2014 Gubernatorial Ratings". Senate Ratings. The Rothenberg Political Report. Retrieved September 3, 2018.
124. "2014 Elections Map - 2014 Governors Races". Real Clear Politics. Retrieved September 3, 2018.
125. Cutler was specifically listed as the Democratic nominee, not an Independent candidate
126. "Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions, Elections and Voting, Results, 2014 Tabulations".

External links

• Maine gubernatorial election, 2014 at Ballotpedia
• Campaign contributions at FollowTheMoney.org

Official campaign websites (Archived)