That seems to be the big question that people are asking now that the dust has settled from the 2008 campaign – just how much does Mike Michaud like being in Congress, and does he have the interest to make a legitimate run for the Blaine House in 2010?
It seems that every once and a while we will hear that Michaud is in – only to later hear that he isn’t interested and very much enjoys being a congressman, so which is it?
No one, save Michaud himself can definitively say so – but he is clearly the most high profile candidate from either party to consider making a run, so if he were to throw his hat in the ring he would likely be the early frontrunner. He would certainly be a formidable candidate in the general election, with cross-party appeal and pragmatic, moderate views – so one would assume his greatest threat would actually be in the democratic primary.
Other folks who could give him a run for his money are plentiful, including Steve Rowe, Bill Diamond, possibly Tom Allen (though if I were a betting man, I wouldn’t bet on him running), John Richardson and Bobby Monks, among others.
But until he announces that he is, or is not running, Michaud will be the big question gnawing at the brain of the other candidates. If he’s in, he’d be extremely difficult to stop – if he’s out, the path for other, fresher faces may be much more clear (and, in my estimation the chances for the republican party to make a return to the governor’s mansion become much better).
So, for now the question remains unanswered – but don’t expect it to remain unanswered for long.
