2010: The Governor Marathon

Quick someone call Matt Dunlap, our Secretary of State. We are going to need the DMV "take a number system" installed in front of the Blaine House.

With the race for the Governor just around the corner, (that would be about two years away for you non-political types), the line for Governor is getting longer by the day. This week, let's start with the top-tier Democrats:

John RichardsonJohn Richardson. The former Speaker of the House and current Commissioner of Economic and Community Development has made no secret of his intentions to secure the nomination, and has been seen with a tape measure mulling about the Blaine House. He is ambitious, articulate, clever and has a list of friends much shorter than his detractors, which of course, means nothing in the democratic primary.

Steve RoweSteve Rowe. Our current Attorney General and another former Speaker of the House hails from Portland via Oklahoma. Think Forrest Gump meets Mr. Smith. Honest, sincere, dedicated with a resume that includes West Point, Law School and lots of private sector experience. On paper the guy is a star. On paper. In reality, he is awkward on the campaign stump and the chance of Steve being able to give a yes or no answer is less likely than the discovery of weapons of mass destruction.

Mike MichaudMike Michaud. Mill worker, former Senate President and US Congressman from the Second District of Maine. What's not to like? Of course, this is a primary for the democrats. It will be interesting to see how the beautiful people along the gold coast view a pro gun, moderately pro-life mill worker from Millinocket...think screw top wine bottles at an art gallery opening in the Old Port. Of course, Congressman Michaud has the staff and the backers of the political machine to make something happen.

Tom AllenTom Allen. I know it's too early to predict a loss for the Democratic Congressman from Maine's first congressional district against Senator Collins. After all, this is supposed to be one of the most closely watched races in the country. Work with me on this one. He loses, but does a respectable 47% against the incumbent Senator, and wins in the first Congressional district. That makes him a contender for Governor. He has name ID, a decent political operation and is viewed as a smart guy. Unfortunately for Maine people, the debates will have to be extended a few hours while he explains the intricacies of Tax Increment Financing or Medicaid reimbursement for disabled children living in Section 8 housing.

Who will it be?Whoever loses the 2008 Democratic nomination in the First District. Speaking of taking a number, with 6 candidates currently declared for the First Congressional seat being vacated by Tom Allen, one thing is clear. There will be a lot of losers looking for something to do.

Who did I miss? Are there any stealth candidates out there? Drop me a line at PolitickerME@aol.com and I'll be sure to add their names to the list.

On Deck: The Republican field, which is looking less like a field and more like a patch of grass.