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Joe Kennedy took a break from Citizens Energy yesterday to support another cause.  Kennedy has endorsed Pat McGowan for governor.  Kennedy cited McGowan’s ,” long career in public service, his devotion to family, and his commitment to helping out those in need” as reasons for his support.  Kennedy also pointed out what he believed were McGowan’s qualifications in economic development and conservation.  McGowan, “approaches every challenge with common sense grounded in experience and a practical nature,” said Kennedy.  The McGowan camp was of course quite pleased with Kennedy’s support. 

I am proud to have former Congressman Joe Kennedy’s endorsement of my campaign today. It is a great day for the Irish and a great way to look at the impact they have had on American society. In the final count of elections, it will be the endorsement of the people of Maine that I will need to be Maine’s next Governor, but this endorsement, especially today, is most welcome.

The is the second high profile endorsement in a little over a week.  Last Tuesday, Bill Clinton threw his support behind Libby Mitchell.  Clinton asked Maine Democrats to help Mitchell reach the clean election qualifications.  Kennedy has done the same for McGowan.

The deadline for meeting the clean election qualifications is April 1st.  Not much time left.  That is why these endorsements are important.  As Matt Gagnon said on Drive Time Bangor about Clinton’s endorsement, big names like Clinton and Kennedy help grab those $5 checks, but do not necessarily translate to primary votes.  In a recent post at Pine Tree Politics, Gagnon also said, “[Mitchell] releasing the endorsement now, rather than later on in the primary when it may prove to be more decisive and helpful is about something entirely different – money…”

Mitchell and McGowan have got to get those donations or the rest wont matter.  While the support of Clinton and Kennedy are key now, will voters remember come June?  In a crowded field every little thing can count.  A Democrat could win the primary with slightly over 20% of the vote.  Will these endorsements be the deciding factor?  Not likely.  The candidate with the most organized campaign who is able to deliver a clear, consistent message, that also resonates with voters, will win in June and ultimately November.  Of course convincing voters that your plan will be more successful than your opponents helps too, but that is a topic for another time.