Maine Primary Puts 4 Dynasty Candidates on Ballot as Polls Show Little Name-Recognition Edge
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 9
Maine Primary Puts 4 Dynasty Candidates on Ballot as Polls Show Little Name-Recognition Edge
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 9
Summary
Four candidates tied to prominent political families are on Maine’s primary ballot, including gubernatorial hopefuls Angus King III, Hannah Pingree and Jonathan Bush, plus Joe Baldacci in the 2nd Congressional District.
Polls suggest those family names have brought limited lift in the governor’s race: King has struggled, Pingree has stayed mid-pack, and Bush trails Republican front-runner Bobby Charles.
Joe Baldacci appears to be the main exception, with a late-May University of New Hampshire poll showing him competitive with Democrats Jordan Wood and state auditor Matthew Dunlap in the race to replace Jared Golden.
Candidates have tried to balance pedigree with independence, praising relatives’ example while arguing they are running on their own records as Maine voters appear to favor change over inheritance.