Why is Maine considered a swing state by so many?

[fujiyama]

I've seen various lists of swing states and I always see Maine as a swing state. Is this really the case? It went to Gore by some 6 points.

Now I guess if we consider Arizona a swing state (which Gore lost by 8), then Maine fits in the category.

However, isn't Maine a mostly liberal leaning state? It's not exactly as liberal as VT I know, but I still don't see Kerry losing it.

Am I wrong?

[Political_Junkie]

1. I live in Maine

and even our republicans are liberal, as can be seen by Olympia Snowe's voting record. Susan Collins tends to vote a little more conservative, and she's not well liked up here. From what I'm hearing from my fellow Mainers Bush doesn't stand a chance here.

[Adelante]

2. I have a map showing Maine is Blue

National Committee for an Effective Congress. Title: "Voters in Sixteen States May Decide the Presidency."

If that means anything...

[Skinner]

6. After I read your post, I Googled it to find that map.

I was very curious to see how the NCEC split up the states. Indeed, Maine is blue. I think Arizona is grey because of demographic changes in the last four years.

It's on a pdf, here: http://www.ncec.org/publications/newsletter/january_february_2004_newsletter.pdf

And here's the map:

[Adelante]

10. Thanks, Skinner

I didn't think of Google :)

[quispquake]

3. It's really a true independent state...

Remember, Perot won the state in '92! What I love about Maine, is that you truly get the whole spectrum of ideology.

[Thrill]

4. Because

of Collins and Snowe. Thats why.

[zorkpolitics]

11. Perot came in second in 1992 in ME

Clinton 39%
Perot 31%
Bush 30%

[asteroid2003QQ47]

5. Downeast lunatics

Don’t think for a minute that Maine doesn’t have a significant far right lunatic fringe element. They can be found spewing their hatred and idiocy at—
http://www.asmainegoes.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=forum&f=1

[Political_Junkie]

7. Not what I call significant.

People like that are written off here in Maine before they even open their mouths.

[asteroid2003QQ47]

8. People like that...

Two of the regulars at AMG are Professors in Maine’s University System!

Not significant?

[Political_Junkie]

9. Believe me, I live here...

these people are not the norm.

[asteroid2003QQ47]

17. Internet Hate Sites Growing

“Not what I call significant.”-Political_Junkie

Then, Political_Junkie, you would also find “not…significant” the work of The Simon Wiesenthal Center?

“(New York City) The number of homophobic and other hate sites on the internet is increasing at an alarming rate a report released Monday by an international human rights organization says.”
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1442360

[NewJerseyDem]

12. Well, the 2nd congressional district is competitve

Gore won that district very narrowly and Maine does its electoral votes by giving 2 for winning the state and 1 for winning each congressional district. So, it is possible that Bush could win one electoral vote but it is pretty unlikely he could win all 4.

[MaineDem]

13. Bingo!

The fact that Maine can split its electors and that Gore won by less than (I think) 5% is why it's considered a swing state.

The Second District is being especially targeted. I don't think the Bushies have a prayer of taking the First District. The 2ndCD Congressman, Mike Michaud, is one of the targeted Dems this year. There's a lot of GOP money being sent this way. I don't agree with many of his votes but it's important that we send him back to Washington.

Bush/Cheney campaign has 5 paid staff in Maine already.

[JohnKleeb]

14. Michaud Ive read his bio in political almanac

interesting fella, mill worker for a long time, hes pro life and pro gun, seems to be anti NAFTA and pro union strong tho. so its interesting. Wasnt this Balducci's district before? hes more liberal on the social issues I assume.

[MaineDem]

15. Yep, paper mill worker

Very anti-NAFTA, very pro-labor.

He and I disagree on many women's issues. I once called him an asshole. :D He laughed and said "Feels good to say it, doesn't it?"

It's amazing how much he's improved during his term in DC. I used to cringe listening to him speak but he's gotten a much better handle on that now. He's doing a good job at constituent outreach. But the GOP has put a big target on his back and we have to work hard to protect the Dem seat.

And, yes, it was Baldacci's seat.

[JohnKleeb]

16. I dont mind those kind of dems that much tho I do wish

they would be more socially liberal, glad hes gotten better. I am very pro labor myself and probably one of the few union members in my school lol. lol called him an asshole, thats hiliarious. Seriously though this political almanac is useful, really it can show you who the true bushlites are ;), hint NOT Kerry lol.