Online NewsHour: Vote 2002 -- Maine Governor's Race

Race: Governor

U.S. Rep. John Baldacci
(Democrat)

State Rep. Peter Cianchette
(Republican)

	Democratic Congressman Forges Solid Victory Building on his three terms serving Maine's Second Congressional District, John Baldacci cruised to an electoral victory in the state's gubernatorial race. Baldacci, who replaces independent Angus King, fought off a challenge from Republican state Rep. Peter Cianchette and a publicly financed Green Party candidate. (11/05, 10:55pm EST) Election 2002 Maine PBS and Maine Public Radio team up to provide full coverage of the state's gubernatorial and congressional election as well as referenda and bond initiatives on this fall's ballot. Upheaval Of Health Care System Expected With Next Governor Audio Report: The three major party candidates for governor met at a forum in Portland today, where they outlined for a group of health care providers their plans for the state's health care system. All three have proposed significant changes, and they share some goals, like increasing access to affordable health care. But as Fred Bever reports, there are great differences over how to get there. -- From Maine Public Radio (10/21) Angry Groups Call on Green Candidate to Pull Ad Audio Report: An ad critical of Democrat John Baldacci's alleged reversal on supporting gambling in Maine has sparked outcry from Italian-Americans. The commercial, discussing Baldacci's early support and now opposition to gambling and paid for by Green Party candidate Jonathan Carter, features an announcer using a "Sopranos"-like voice to discuss the issue. -- From Maine Public Radio (10/15)



	New Republican Ad Criticizes Baldacci over Tax Votes, Spending Update: According to The Portland Press-Herald, Republican gubernatorial candidate Peter Cianchette has previewed a new campaign ad criticizing John Baldacci for voting for increased taxes. The ad "features on-screen written messages. Those messages say that Democratic candidate John Baldacci, a congressman and former state lawmaker, 'voted repeatedly to raise taxes and increase spending,' and that Cianchette wants to 'cap state spending' and push through a '20 percent tax cut over five years.'" (9/19)



	Taxes, Economy Top Concerns of Maine Voters Audio Report: A survey of Maine voters indicates that economic concerns top the issues they want addressed in this election year. Also, Maine Public Radio reports on the tight Congressional race to replace Baldacci. -- From Maine Public Radio (9/13)



	Baldacci Leads in Race For Governor Audio Report: A new poll shows that Democratic Congressman John Baldacci is maintaining a strong lead in the race for governor even though Republican opponent Peter Cianchette has increased his support and name recognition. The survey has Baldacci receiving 57 percent compared to Cianchette's 26 percent. Green party candidate Jonathan Carter drew five percent and Independent John Michael drew less than one percent. -- From Maine Public Radio (9/12)

Candidate Profile:
John Baldacci was born and raised in Bangor. Through his experience in the family restaurant, Baldacci has learned much about the opportunities and challenges facing Maine's small businesses. He was first elected to public office in 1978, when he won a seat on the Bangor City Council at the age of 23. In 1982, he was elected to the Maine State Senate, where he served until his election to the United States House of Representatives in 1994. Baldacci is currently serving in his 4th term in the House.
-- Maine PBS

An Audio Profile of Mr. Baldacci
-- from Maine Public Radio

Candidate Profile:
Peter Cianchette was born in Waterville and raised in nearby Pittsfield. He graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Business Administration and Finance. In 1995, following several years in private business, he ran for a seat in the Maine Legislature and was elected to the House of Representatives, serving the citizens of South Portland and Cape Elizabeth on the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation and the Economic Development Incentive Committee. Cianchette has also served as a Director of the Greater Portland Big Brothers/Big Sisters and as President of the Maine Better Transportation Association.
-- Maine PBS

An Audio Profile of Mr. Cianchette
-- from Maine Public Radio

State Rep. John Michael
(Independent)

Jonathan Carter
(Green)

Candidate Profile:
Auburn State Representative John Michael (I) was born in Lewiston and is currently serving his 7th term in the Legislature. He has served on several Legislative Committees and is presently on the Banking and Insurance Committee. He has helped coordinate 3 successful citizen initiative campaigns in Maine: two regarding term limits, plus the 2000 repeal of the Snack Tax, and helped manage the successful repeal of the Auto Emission Testing Program.
-- Maine PBS

An Audio Profile of Mr. Michael
-- from Maine Public Radio

Candidate Profile:
Jonathan Carter moved to Maine in 1978 and currently lives on a farm in Lexington township with his wife, Dorothy (a kindergarten teacher), and two children. Carter grows organic food and manages a woodlot. He received a B.A. from Williams College, his M.S. in Botany and Forest Pathology from the University of New Hampshire, and has done doctoral work at the University of Maine and at Antioch. In 1992 Carter ran for the 2nd District seat and then for the Blaine House in '94. He's directed several state wide referendum campaigns on conservation issues and is currently Director of the Forest Ecology Network.
-- Maine PBS

An Audio Profile of Mr. Carter
-- from Maine Public Radio

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