Steve Rowe

AUGUSTA -- A crowd of about 100 gathered on the State House steps this morning to urge voters to make children’s issues a priority in this election cycle.

The event was part of the national “Step Up for Kids” day. Gov. John Baldacci has issued a proclamation recognizing the day.

Issues at hand are access to pre-kindergarten education, preventing abuse and neglect, and addressing poverty.

Photos and video of the event are below.

In keeping with the spirit of the ever lengthening campaign cycle, it is time to raise the flag for the 2010 race for Governor. Today, we begin with the Democrats. Steve Rowe. No question about it, the former 4-term House member from Portland and current Attorney General will be on the primary ballot for the democrats. He has his website reserved, has marched in parades this summer from Fort Fairfield to Biddeford and has already lined up key support from political insiders within the democrat ranks.

I’m not sure, but I think the domain name scramble for Governor has begun, with the reservation of www.rowe2010.com and www.roweforgovernor.com.

Representative Sean Faircloth, the House Majority Whip has let it be known to insiders that he will not be seeking re-election, but will become a candidate for Attorney General in 2008.

In his email to supporters, Rep. Faircloth made his intentions clear when he wrote, ".... I want you to know from me: I won't seek re-election. I've made my choice. After two decades of service, the timing is right to serve as Attorney General."

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: