Republican Primary Poll #2 – Who Do You Support?
By Matthew Gagnon
January 14, 2010
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Welcome to Pine Tree Politics’ second GOP poll of the gubernatorial season. We will be conducting these polls semi-regularly in the coming months, so we can track movement and changes in support as time goes by.
This poll will be open from now, until midnight on January 20th.
In the first poll we conducted back in late September, Mayor Paul LePage came in first with 33% of the vote, followed by Matt Jacobson with 24% and Peter Mills with 19%. Now that the field is essentially settled, how will these results compare? We will see.
It should be noted this is not a scientific poll and should not be treated as such.
Important Note: While this isn’t scientific, as with last time I do view phony poll packing in an extremely negative light. I will be watching this poll very closely, and if I detect even a hint of vote fraud here, the poll will be shut down and I will make sure to note who’s supporters were doing what. I’ll be logging the IP addresses of voters, so if you find some way to crack the poll and vote multiple times, I’ll notice. In short – just don’t do it.
In any event – I invite each candidate to send the poll around to your supporters and call on them for support – just don’t try to cheat. I’ll catch you. Without further adieu, here is the poll:
As of today - who do you support for the Republican nomination for governor in 2010? [Listing is Alphabetical]
- Steve Abbott, Former Chief of Staff to Senator Susan Collins (31%, 743 Votes)
- Paul LePage, Mayor of Waterville and General Manager of Marden's (30%, 715 Votes)
- Matt Jacobson, President and CEO of Maine & Company (14%, 325 Votes)
- Bruce Poliquin, business owner/manager and economist (13%, 320 Votes)
- Les Otten, founder of American Skiing Company and former Boston Red Sox co-owner (5%, 124 Votes)
- Bill Beardsley, Former President of Husson College (3%, 82 Votes)
- Peter Mills, State Senator (4%, 68 Votes)
Total Voters: 2,377
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144 Responses to “Republican Primary Poll #2 – Who Do You Support?”
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24. May, 2010
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- Republican Primary Poll #2 – Who Do You Support?
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Barry
17. Jan, 2010
Anyone who honestly thinks that Steve Martin should be taken seriously needs only spend 20 minutes trolling through his paranoid, psychotic screeds over at Liberty Forest.
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/search.php?searchid=4483413
Well, let’s start off with his loony as hell belief that Maine was going to be supressed by Canadian troops… why you ask? Because of REAL ID…
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=130146
How about a tone def racial comment? Direct quote (http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=131628):
“Sincere question…Why do Mulattos like Obama always talk about being “black”…”
Here, the genius participating in a movement libertarian forum talking up a libertarian candidate (Ron Paul) who ran on the libertarian party’s ticket in 1988, expresses wonder and amazement that he is surrounded by *gasp* libertarians:
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=131637
Yeah, we are dealing with a first rate mind here. Doesn’t even know what Ron Paul’s political sensibilities are, and we are supposed to believe that he knows the “truth” about this conspiracy theory crap.
Here he expresses his love for the idea of a Jesse Ventura / Ron Paul national ticket. Yeah, you heard that right:
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=131316
And then, JUST IN CASE you thought he was some kind of talented political analyst or commentator, we have the following gem (http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=127446):
“Barack Hussein Obama: Simply unelectable. It’s going to be Hitlery or McWar”
I could go on and on and on and on – this was just a few of his more dunderheaded comments and threads. Take a scan through everything he’s said (http://www.ronpaulforums.com/search.php?searchid=4483409) and you will find that Steve Martin is:
1. Paranoid
2. Stupid
3. Completely and mind numbingly tone def politically
4. Totally in the tank for fringe lunatics
5. Paranoid
6. Into fringe conspiracy theories, and honestly believes them
But hey, if that is the kind of guy you want to listen to, by all means.
Derek Viger
17. Jan, 2010
Jose,
I think you would find a BIG difference between a liberal Republican and a liberal Democrat. I mean seriously, anyone with a rudimentary understanding of politics could see that. If you want to tell me that Peter Mills is more liberal than most Republicans I would agree, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing in my mind. If you are trying to argue that he is as liberal as Frank, Reid, or Pelosi I can’t agree with you. Those are liberal Democrats.
Garrett
17. Jan, 2010
“Johanna Galt”,
First off, great surname! Love it!
)
Bruce Poliquin has been a donor and member of the Heritage Foundation for two decades. He’s also a member of the Maine Heritage Policy Center. Sorry this stuff doesn’t show up in FEC reports. Bruce is on our side, trust me. And he has been for years–this is nothing new. Better to help outstanding and influential outside groups like these than ingratiate yourself with the party machinery that has been unable to win in a state we should be able to win in, if you ask me. But that’s my opinion, I welcome yours.
Garrett
17. Jan, 2010
Barry,
Right on. Based on what Martin was saying, I’m not surprised by this. Still, I’m glad you did the leg work and shared. The irrationally paranoid wing of our party hurts our chances of winning, as I’m sure you know. Thanks for the heads up.
Steve Martin
17. Jan, 2010
TLC?
Mike?
Del_Cue?
Barry?
Garrett?
Doesn’t anyone on this hit team use their real names? You will notice the vast majority of HONEST folks who support LePage use BOTH OF THEIR REAL NAMES.
Let the public decide which side is worth supporting here…The anonymous/hiding insiders who apparently support the very statistically anomalous activity in this poll, or the people who are being totally honest about who they are and what they stand for.
And, “Barry,” don’t pull the race nonsense on me. It won’t work given my familial connections and business partnerships. Maybe you should dig a little deeper before making a total fool of yourself, “Barry” boy.
I’m outta here, this is no place for a Christian patriot to hang out. The Republicans I grew up with would never have used the Lord’s name that way, Gagnon.
Barry
17. Jan, 2010
Your comment wasn’t “racist” Steve, it was simply jaw droppingly ignorant, and pretty much proves how utterly disconnected you are from any kind of community of people outside your bubble.
And please do go. Whackos who use religion as justification for political positions really shouldn’t have a home in this party.
Matthew Gagnon
17. Jan, 2010
Take the Lord’s name in vain?
::slaps forehead::
Well, go with God, good “Christian Patriot”. My ardent Catholicism and hyper-libertarianism salute you.
Jose Douglas
17. Jan, 2010
Thank you all!
I am going to the town hall and un-enroll from the socialist Republican Party. You are all a bunch of liberals!
Over and out!
NickRobbins
18. Jan, 2010
It figures that we’d have a PaulBot on this thread. A conspiracy under every rock, and the bane of Classical-liberalism. But they have energy, I’ll give them that.
Jarody
18. Jan, 2010
Paul LePage has taken the lead. The question remains however who will be the nominee. Its a long time until June.
Garrett
18. Jan, 2010
Steve, Garrett is my real name. Garrett Murch, from Windsor, ME, and I support Poliquin for Governor. Happy?
tinasirois
18. Jan, 2010
I believe that the welfare and future of Maine should belong to the people of Maine with the aid from a strong, successful business man. and I believe that man to be Mayor Paul LePage.
Derek Viger
18. Jan, 2010
This kind of infighting is ridiculous. If you want to win elections maybe the name calling, conspiracy theories, and litmus testing should stop. Debate is fine, and necessary, but this is just foolish.
Reid
18. Jan, 2010
The overwhelming majority of Mainers are undecided, let alone know the names of the current candidates. A voluntary response poll is no way indicative of Maine Republicans’ support.
I am going to base my vote off fiscal conservatism. Those who feel social conservatism is important in a gubernatorial race do not understand that gay marriage will not be determined by our state government and that abortion is a federal courts issue, and not a state issue.
Fiscal Conservatism and Frugality will determine this race. The past administrations could not allocate, or cut funds to the appropriate areas. The next governor must audit all government bureaus. That is the issue with government spending in economics. Aggregate demand will never increase because the government can not spend as efficiently as private citizens (in addition to a crowding out effect). If the government could learn to allocate funds efficiently and distribute the savings to the people through a tax break.
At the moment I want to know , where our money is going. We are receiving a subpar product, yet every year the government feels it necessary to throw money at these programs in the hope that they will create a better product. Do we receive a better product? No. Then where is our money going?
There are agencies in New York City who give poor New Yorkers bus tickets to Maine with instructions on how to receive welfare payments. We need frugality. Career politicians do not have the skill sets to tackle our budget deficit. We need a governor who will audit all government bureaus, will crack down on frivolous education spending that serve as impediments to our education system rather than aid, will reduce income and capital gains taxes to create wealth and jobs, and will demonstrate a work ethic unprecedented in our state government.
Jim K.
18. Jan, 2010
Matt Jacobson is the candidate for the job. Speaking of jobs; that’s what he’s all about…He asks some great questions. What can we do to improve the business environment for companies to come to our great state and bring great paying jobs and opportunity with them? It’s the lens he looks through as he approaches most situations. What makes sense? Ask him about the hospitality business, The Moosehead Furniture Factory, the cruise ship opportunites, the community college opportunity, the modular home industry…the list goes on. Matt has a unique experience from his time at the US Naval Academy to heading up the railroad to being the CEO and President of Maine and Company. He knows the movers and the shakers, but his work is for the common man like me, who ekes out a lving each year and depends on a favorable business climate…Go Matt! Go Maine!
Don
18. Jan, 2010
Paul Lepage is the right man for the job. He has proven it in Waterville and can do it in Augusta. He is a no nonsense person who may be a little too straight talking for some people. Personally, I believe he can help turn Augusta around. We need leardership and we haven’t had it for years. There is so much waste in government that it is time for a new vision. Paul Lepage for governor!!
NickRobbins
18. Jan, 2010
wow. Beardsley just took a leap to overtake Mills!
CalebPearson
18. Jan, 2010
Nick, Beardsley’s jump is due to a facebook: he referred his fans to the poll.
Johanna Galt
19. Jan, 2010
Garrett, thank you for providing some more information.
Bruce’s gun rights stance still makes me very very uncomfortable.
I am one of those who stand firmly on how our State Constitution states it, “…shall never be questioned.”
This issue is a deal breaker for me.
Garrett
19. Jan, 2010
Johanna,
I’m aware of Bruce’s support of the 2nd Amendment, so I don’t know where this is coming from.
As a kid I hunted with my father, my grandfather and my great grandfather (who was in his 90s!) in the woods behind our house in Windsor. American Hunter was a staple magazine on our coffee table. You will not find a family more committed to the 2nd Amendment than mine. Bruce supports the 2nd Amendment, just like us. I’m sorry but I just don’t even know where you’re coming from with your statement. I hope your comment was not politically motivated. If all it is is Bruce’s focus on reforming Maine’s fiscal and economic state, I hope you’ll keep in mind that this is the biggest problem facing the state right now.
-Garrett
ps Johanna, you should come out sea duck hunting out of Round Pond with us some time. Our Lab, Eidah, lives to dive off the rocky coast into the surf! You’d love it
Johanna Galt
19. Jan, 2010
Garrett,
I spoke in the first post I left about a link to an interview with Bruce that demonstrates for me a pliable stance as opposed to a firm stance on our gun rights. When Bruce is specifically questioned about ammo restrictions and registrations he responds that they were getting into the weeds.
You may e-mail me at johannagalt@hushmail.com and I will send you the audio file.
Reid
19. Jan, 2010
After a day of compiling the information and backgrounds of all the candidates, I have decided to support Bruce Poliquin for the nomination. I believe he has the experience, erudition, and proven success needed in order to be governor. Also, his work ethic astounds me. He has traveled 27,564 miles across the state? That is amazing. Someone who is willing to work that hard to secure a nomination and still has the skill set needed to be a successful governor is alright by me.
Tom
19. Jan, 2010
I voted for Lepage, he is the only one still working and running for Governor. Seems to me more like a real person from Maine and not independently wealthy, unlike many others who gave up0 their jobs to run. I want a worker not a schmooser
TL
19. Jan, 2010
Can anyone tell me what mayor Lepage has done for the city of Waterville in the past few years other than maybe getting me $100 for a tax return and keeping the police from busting his sons underage drinking parties? Because I cant think of any public works that he has accomplished for the city.
ZDT
20. Jan, 2010
TL you make a great point…Aside from lowering taxes I cannot think of a single thing that LePage has done. The city is no more business friendly than before he was Mayor, we’ve only attracted a few box stores to town and thats about it. And what have they done, further killed our Main St. There has been a significant amount of business shifting in town. He moved Mardens across town, after WalMart moved across town. Do not be fooled by the Hathaway revitalization either, that has simply taken businesses from other parts of town. So rather than having one large vacant building now we have several smaller ones. Aside from T-Mobile the Waterville area has not seen a major new employer come to the area in years. Therefore, I do not see how LePage will get new business development in Maine if he has not been able to do so in Waterville.
He can have the tax issue, but in reality how hard is it to lower taxes in a city that was way overtaxed to begin with?
Ben
20. Jan, 2010
Going after the family TL. That’s real classy.
Don Folkers
20. Jan, 2010
Dean Scontras has lost much of his conservative support when he endorsed for Governor the Chief of Staff for Susan Collins, Steve Abbott. Sen. Collins was similarly anointed by CFR’s William Cohen. We don’t need another Insider in Washington, we need a real Constitutionalist to get in there and cut the looming dictatorship off at the financial knees. Dean obviously doesn’t get it. In Topsham recently he said that “China was out from under the Communist yoke”. Yeah, sure.
Tom
20. Jan, 2010
TL and ZDT
While your whining don’t forget he improved the bond rating unlike many other governments and this was done in a poor economy too. Waterville also paved streets that were State owned becasue they were in shambles and the State said they would not touch them. But they got done thanks to Waterville and the local people were actually pleased they could drive down them again. You two obvioulsy will whine about this post too.
TLC
20. Jan, 2010
Tom, drive down College Ave and try to avoid the potholes… He has really done a wonderful job at that. I think anyone who lives in Waterville would laugh at that post and think you are joking. The only road I can think of that is ever in good condition is KMD, I live in Benton and a lot of our roads are better than those in Waterville.
Paula Jane
20. Jan, 2010
Kimberly Clarke, The only jobs a politician can make would be government jobs. We want smaller government, NOT bigger government. We need LESS regulation, and MORE opportunity to create jobs ourselves. It’s the regulations, or over regulations that keeps business out of Maine. Paul LePage WILL do that.
Tom
20. Jan, 2010
Get your facts TLC College Ave is another State Road so I guess we can only blame the MDOT again. Sorry
TLC
20. Jan, 2010
Tom, I thought Paul was paving the state roads too and doing such a fabulous job about it. Why wouldnt he do one that is always in constantly in ruin? Can you give me a list of all these places where Lepage decided to do state roads too because he was just such an amazing leader? I would really like to know, that way I know if I need to tell you to “get your facts straight”.
Rusty Shackelford
20. Jan, 2010
If Paul Lepage is the Republican nominee for governor it will be a disaster for any republican who is running in maine. He’s someone who will drag everyone down with his 33 percent in the general election. But lets stand on principle as if the rest of the Republicans principles aren’t as pure as Lepage’s. I heard one peoson say “He’s the only Real Republican in the race. It’s that kind of stupidity that keeps the Republicans in Maine happy to be on the outside throwing rocks in a gunfight.
The other side of the coin is if by some amazing miracle he would win he’d be lost in Augusta taking bad advice from the good old boys.
bert
20. Jan, 2010
TLC look at Gilman st, to name one that is a state road. I am sure Tom may know more but got tired of the ignorance. SInce you live in Benton I assume the Benton Neck Road makes you proud too huh? I threw my back out on that road
Raymond
20. Jan, 2010
I recently met Le Page for the first time and I was definitely less than impressed. As a young person in attendance with other young people I felt ignored. I know older people historically vote more consistently, but that isn’t an excuse. I’ve learned how to tell when someone is discounting me due to my inexperience verse dismissing me because of my age. Maybe he was tired from driving, but my first impression and that of my friends wasn’t a good one.
After seeing the finance reports I’m even less impressed, and I’d like to give him the benefit of the doubt, but I find I can’t. I really didn’t resonate with him.
Scontras really has disappointed me, Abbot is not an option, not in this current political climate. I’m looking for a campaign with youthful vigor and one that makes room for young people to grow. Not make back room deals or cut $500k checks to buy it out from under us.
Sarah Pearce
20. Jan, 2010
Rusty, Explain yourself. Your post made no sense. Paul has the most experience in the race.
BTW there is no way Abbot the newbie is not getting all his football buddies to come over and vote. No one had heard of him a week ago. Yea lets elect him. Ceating is in the politicians creed, isn’t it?
Rusty Shackelford
20. Jan, 2010
Mills clearly couldn’t be bothered to have his campaign pay attention to this poll. Beardsley must have gotten all his supporters to vote here. Les Otten tried to get people to vote here but I doubt he has much real support out there, once a lot of people out there heard about his $2000 donation to Pingree they saw him for what he is. P.S.–his tvads are just too staged in a phony way and weird.
Jacobson is a nice guy but just can’t seem to get any traction, his financials show the same thing.
Poliquin may have some money but the only thing i hear anyone say about him is he works hard but has an untrustworthy feel about his whole campaign.
So it comes down to Lepage and Abbott, Loepage has the Woodcock conservatives pushing him, and Abbott has just been out there for about a week so i cant say much yet.
I just hope that all Republicans get behind whoever the nominee is because we simply can’t take 4 more years of a democrat governor. We just can’t.
Brian
02. Feb, 2010
Lepage is the only credible figure in the whole race, all the others are talkers Paul is a DO’ER. I am tired of the Harvard Forked tongues that do not live in reality. We need Reality University graduates like ourselves, now is our time to send one of us to the Blaine house. We have the Momentum on ourside.
Brian
02. Feb, 2010
As far as roadpaving goes, it cost $1,300,000 a mile to pave. So all of you big mouths pony up and whip out your check books!!!!
JimCyr
02. Feb, 2010
Just had to repost this from Johanna, since it’s so good.
Johanna Galt said:
I went to a gathering in Stillwater yesterday and heard the same song from different people. The discontent bubbling under the surface is over there, too. And down south. And in the middle.
- enough with the machine
- enough with the corruption
- enough with the establishment and the elite
When Cynthia Izon spoke about getting involved and supporting candidates actively, she was right.
And when Cynthia Rosen spoke about asking the tough questions and insisting upon answers, she was right. She mentioned Bruce Poliquin’s 2nd Amendment stance. I spoke with her after in the hallway and she sent me the link to the interview last night. Bruce says he is a strong 2nd Amendment supporter yet said they were getting into the weeds when asked about ammo limits and registrations. He needs to be asked about this. And the TABOR thing: Where was Bruce the last time TABOR was up? He dives in by chunking down $100,000 in October. And then he was gone. That does not show me he holds any deep conviction about the right to property of the individual or the recognition of the burden. It shows that it was politically expedient for him. And that’s it.
She also mentioned Jacobson suddenly speaking out for the Constitution and individual liberty. Why wasn’t this part of his campaign from the beginning. Suddenly when Texas’ Perry is on it, so is Matt? And we are supposed to believe this is a deeply held conviction of his?
Or this Abbott. How am I supposed to ignore his associations? Where in Steve Abbott’s resume of life does it show any actions that communicate any values that I hold in common? Smaller government and fiscal responsibility is one area that all the Republicans are supposed to agree on. This man has been employed by the very people who voted my grandchildren’s future away.
Being an Independent because I deplore hypocrisy and my convictions do not allow me to get behind a candidate that is not squared up right, my vote will be saved for a candidate of my liking. And if the candidate is a Republican I just might change my enrollment. I used to be a Republican. Until I realized that the goal of control is the same for both parties, based upon objective results. The individual candidate? Now, that is where I’ll place my vote.
Thanks, Johanna, Your three-pronged “Statement of Principles, 2010″ has just become my mantra. (“Enough with the Machine. Enough with the corruption. Enough with the establishment and the elite”.)
This sums up the mood of huge portions of the populace today, from all walks of life. It helped get Scott Brown elected, in a stunner.
It’s the flag that I will carry high this year.
If a politician gets within a mile of the crap you’re talking about above, then they’re useless, and need to be kicked to the curb.
Institutionalized
05. Feb, 2010
Wow. Jim. You seem quite bitter. LOL
Larry Grard
25. Apr, 2010
Paul LePage is going to be one of those rare candidates who stands on principal, refuses taxpayer-supported funding, makes direct contact with voters and wins this thing. He is the true conservative in this race, and Maine needs him badly.
matt clark
20. May, 2010
I like bill beardsley for governor of Maine. I went to Husson, as a first generation college graduate, I received an Associate degree. In my opinion Bills’ experience at Husson as President is a stepping stone to governor, especially as husson was bankrupt in 1983 an today is a great employer, and with its 3,000 or so students brings a good buzz to the economic community. And you look at his results, passion, and vision. I dont think he can be bought or blackmailed, and thats worth allot. He’s not a baseball coach, or a fancy lawyer, or some upperclass secretary; he’s been a leader of people in a major college-turned university for 23 or so years, and his example is impeccable.I think he’s wanted this his whole life. and from the looks of it, he’s worked harder an performed better results then anyone else.
I think Maine will lead America, an I believe Bill will lead Maine.
In closing, bill as president of Husson has been on the front lines with Maines’ young people back 23 years, and I know first hand that many of hussons tens of thousands of graduates come from dirt poor families; and Bills seen, and heard with his own two eyes an ears what Maines young people aspire, an what our hopes and dreams are. I encourage all Maine young people to get out an vote, cause every vote counts.
sincerely,
matt