AUGUSTA – Democratic Gov. John Baldacci on Friday won the endorsements of three Maine newspapers in Augusta, Waterville and Brunswick.

The Blethen Maine Newspapers’ two daily publications in central Maine said Baldacci’s administration has made reasonable progress in its first term despite enormous challenges.

In matching editorials, the Kennebec Journal of Augusta and Morning Sentinel of Waterville listed as Baldacci’s achievements balancing a state budget while a huge revenue shortfall loomed, establishing a community college system, starting a health insurance plan for the uninsured and targeting economic development zones.

The editorials said Baldacci’s challengers have some good ideas but have not made strong cases for themselves and lack the political base and range of experience to lead the state. Other candidates include Republican Chandler Woodcock, Green Independent Pat LaMarche, and independents Barbara Merrill and Phillip Morris NaPier.

The two newspapers said they endorse Baldacci “for his measurable accomplishments during a difficult time” and express hope “that he will act more decisively, provide stronger leadership” and be able to make hard if unpopular decisions in the future.

Baldacci also won the endorsement Friday of the Times Record in Brunswick, which said Mainers do not need the upheaval of major policy changes that would come with a new administration.

The Bangor Daily News and Maine Sunday Telegram also have endorsed Baldacci, while the Sun Journal of Lewiston chose not to endorse a gubernatorial candidate. The Journal Tribune of York County plans to endorse a gubernatorial candidate Saturday.

The Journal Tribune and Times Record newspapers in editorials Friday urged voters to reject the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

The Journal Tribune said the referendum proposal, which seeks to restrict spending increases to inflation and population growth unless voters and elected officials allow otherwise, takes away local control.