VOTE TODAY

Democrats and Republicans in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District certainly need no prodding to get themselves to the polls today. With six and four candidates, respectively, these races could well be decided by narrow margins; citizens who just can’t fit voting into their Tuesday schedule may find themselves on Wednesday wondering just what difference they might have made.

The candidates – Democrats David Costello, Sean Faircloth, Lori Handrahan, Susan Longley, Michael Michaud and John Nutting; Republicans Richard Campbell, Stavros Mendros, Kevin Raye and Timothy Woodcock – have campaigned well and hard throughout the sprawling district that, as their tired odometers can attest, is the largest east of the Mississippi. They have articulated their views, with a commendable degree of civility, in debates, in countless interviews and by going door-to-door. As a group, they have earned the modest effort a stop at the polls requires.

There is no incumbent running for this office for the first time in eight years. It has been held by Republicans and Democrats alike. Both parties should consider this winnable and, with only a six-seat difference in the House, an important win. A strong primary turnout is a great energizer for the fall campaign.

Statewide, Republicans choose their nominee for governor. Peter Cianchette and James Libby both are worthy candidates; their positions on several important issues are distinct enough to make this an important decision. Again, a robust turnout today can provide the winner with momentum for a general election that – with the possibility of five or more candidates on the ballot – could be close.

All eligible voters, whether party members or unenrolled, should be interested in the two bond questions being decided today. Question 1, for $28.5 million, will, among other things, capitalize the state’s School Revolving Renovation Fund for repairs and improvements and address health, safety and compliance deficiencies in public schools. Question 2, for $34.97 million, is the economic-development bond – among the long list of projects are infrastructure improvements, business-financing programs, capitalizing the Maine Rural Development Authority rural development, medical research and development and homeland security.

For the Legislature, there are eight contested primaries for the Maine Senate, 21 for the House. At the county level, there are six contests for sheriff nominees, including both parties here in Penobscot County (a three-way race for Democrats) and for Republicans in Knox.

A very hot Republican contest for district attorney has popped up in Hancock/Washington. Penobscot Democrats pick a candidate for treasurer, Knox and Piscataquis Republicans nominate commissioners.

Then, of course, there are municipal offices to fill – city councilors, town councilors, selectmen, school board members. Budgets and ordinances to pass or reject. Who needs prodding?