Voters’ Guide: Governor of Maine
Where do the five gubernatorial candidates stand on social issues like gay marriage, abortion rights and casino gambling? Everyone wants clean, low-cost energy (even if that is an oxymoron), but what about nuclear power? Did the contenders support or oppose the tax reform plan the Legislature crafted (and voters rejected) earlier this year? Would the candidates allow charter schools to operate in Maine? Would they scrap the state’s dubious vehicle inspection system (see The Bollard’s investigation, “Let’s rip this instead!” Dec. 2008)? Portland Police Chief James Craig wants state lawmakers to toughen Maine’s drug laws. Will Maine’s next governor endorse Craig’s call to throw more addicts in the slammer?
The Bollard complied the candidates’ positions on these matters from interviews, campaign Web sites, and news articles. The LePage and Mitchell campaigns did not respond to requests for comment.
— Chris Busby
Casinos
Cutler: No.
LePage: Yes, if approved by voters.
Mitchell: No.
Moody: Yes, if approved by voters.
Scott: Yes, if state revenue goes directly to fund education.
Gay marriage
Cutler: Supports.
LePage: Opposes.
Mitchell: Supports.
Moody: Undecided; would let voters decide.
Scott: Undecided; would let voters and courts decide.
Abortion
Cutler: Pro-choice.
LePage: Pro-life.
Mitchell: Pro-choice.
Moody: Pro-choice; favors some new restrictions.
Scott: Would not change current law.
Nuclear power
Cutler: No.
LePage: Yes.
Mitchell: No.
Moody: Not “at this time.”
Scott: No.
Vehicle inspection system
Cutler: Eliminate.
LePage: Did not respond.
Mitchell: Did not respond.
Moody: Maintain current system.
Scott: Maintain current system.
Charter schools
Cutler: Yes.
LePage: Yes.
Mitchell: No.
Moody: No.
Scott: Yes.
2010 tax reform plan
Cutler: Supported.
LePage: Opposed.
Mitchell: Supported.
Moody: Opposed.
Scott: Declined to answer.
Tougher drug laws
Cutler: Undecided.
LePage: Did not respond.
Mitchell: Did not respond.
Moody: Yes.
Scott: No.
