Michael Willette

In the month before the election, PolitickerME.com will take a brief look at all the state House and Senate races and let you know where they stand.

These ratings are based off 2006 results, the candidates’ histories, and conversations with those close to the process.

PolitickerME.com has the following lists available.

• Aroostook County
• Piscataquis County
• Somerset County

The rest, including a full analysis of state Senate races, are in the works.

AROOSTOOK COUNTY:

State Sen. John Martin has stayed in one of two legislative seats for more than 40 years.

The thing that has kept him from seeking higher office is the same thing that drives many opponents and neighbors to seek a legislative seat to begin with.

They have no intention of leaving Aroostook County – known by most Mainers simply as “The County.”

PolitickerME made the drive to The County last weekend for the Potato Blossoming Festival, where I was able to meet up with a myriad of politicians and candidates who talked about life and campaigns in the potato country.

Four hours away from Augusta and one hour away from the tip of I-95 in Houlton, over the rolling hills and through the potato fields, Democrats and Republicans gathered in Fort Fairfield for the festival, which – in an election year – is one of the summer’s biggest political events.

Legislative leaders and local politicians and candidates gathered in a cramped community center to dine on boiled potatoes and steak. Democrats opened a regional office in Presque Isle. They all gathered again to march in a parade that Saturday.

The County is hometown to U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, who faces a tough race this year. Don’t miss our story about her hometown of Caribou, and her family business.

It is also the location of two state Senate races with the potential to be very competitive.