(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Public support for John Baldacci remains stable in the Pine Tree State, according to a poll by Critical Insights. 47 per cent of respondents in Maine approve of the governor’s performance, up one point since October.
(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Public support for John Baldacci remains stable in the Pine Tree State, according to a poll by Critical Insights. 47 per cent of respondents in Maine approve of the governor’s performance, up one point since October.
Baldacci—a Democrat—was elected in the November 2002 election, defeating Republican challenger Peter Ciachette with 47 per cent of the vote. Baldacci took over on January 2003 from independent Angus King, who was ineligible for a third consecutive term in office.
The gubernatorial primaries are scheduled for Jun. 13. Baldacci will face website developer Christopher Miller in the Democratic contest. Three candidates—former United States congressman David Emery, and state senators Peter Mills and Chandler Woodcock—will participate in the Republican primary.
On Jun. 2, Baldacci refused to sign the Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Enactment Procedures for Ordinances. The bill sought to give residents 75 days to force a referendum to overturn a project that receives a permit from municipal officials.
In his explanation, Baldacci wrote, “This bill, as presented to me, does not strike an acceptable balance between the legitimate goal of providing more certainty in the regulatory process and the long-standing traditions of home rule and citizens’ initiative in Maine. (…) The state does have the duty to ensure that citizen rights are protected and not in any way diminished.”
The gubernatorial election is scheduled for Nov. 7. Since 1955, Maine has had three Republican, five Democratic and two independent heads of government.
Polling Data
In general, do you approve or disapprove of the way John Baldacci is handling his job as governor of Maine?
May 2006 | Oct. 2005 | |
Approve | 47% | 46% |
Disapprove | 39% | 45% |
Not sure | 12% | 9% |
Source: Critical Insights
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 604 Maine adults, conducted from May 24 to May 30, 2006. Margin of error is 4 per cent.
