AUGUSTA – In researching data for its economic report released Monday, the Institute for a Strong Maine Economy relied on polling data supplied by the Potholm Group of Brunswick. The survey canvassed 400 adults and carried a margin of error of 4.9 percent. The poll concluded that 94 percent of the respondents believed it was important that the next governor and Legislature be active in attracting new businesses to Maine.

Several gubernatorial candidates offered the following reactions to the survey’s findings:

. David Flanagan of Manchester, a privately funded independent and former chief executive officer for the Central Maine Power Co.:

“I think the people of Maine get it. Even though the administration of Governor Angus King has made substantial progress, they know that we have a lot of work to do. I think this report suggests the parameters of the issues we should be looking at. Unfortunately, most reasonable people can agree on the macrosteps here. When it comes to really implementing them, it’s going to be a tough challenge.”

. John Jenkins, an African-American former state senator from Lewiston who is currently attempting to qualify as a publicly funded independent candidate:

“It is a fact that Maine is the whitest state in the nation. That’s not saying that it is prejudicial, but it is saying that Maine’s opportunities to work in a global marketplace where three-quarters of the world or more is not white are limited because people tend to do business with those who are similar to them. Our campaign is in line with this report in terms of the issues it raises.”

. Jonathan Carter, the publicly funded Green Independent Party candidate from Lexington Township:

“We’ve been talking about the need to reduce the state’s tax burden for months now. The way we’re going to do that is to lower the growth of state spending. The report’s five points are entirely consistent with the campaign message that I have and the direction I think we need to move in. Those are the things we need to address in order to keep Maine young people here.”

. Peter Cianchette, a privately funded Republican candidate and former state representative from South Portland:

“It is a significant report and I intend to use it in my campaign. These things are real. They can’t be ignored. We’ve tried an incremental approach to fixing our economy and it simply isn’t working. It’s time for bold leadership.”

U.S. Rep. John Baldacci, the privately funded Democratic candidate from Bangor, and Jim Libby, a teacher, former state senator and publicly funded GOP candidate for governor from Buxton, were unable to attend the press conference.