The Race for Governor: Is it 2010 yet? (Republicans)

By the time 2010 rolls around, it will have been 16 years since a republican has lived in the Blaine House. There is a long list of folks who would like to bring an end to that dry spell.

Peter MillsPeter Mills. Bet on it. He has the drive, the discipline -- and it is now or never for the State Senator from Cornville. The moderate republican has indicated that he is ready to jump back in to the fray of a republican primary and no doubt, ready to roll out a new and improved version of his 12 point plan any day. Major Strengths: A tireless worker and smart as they come, has strong appeal with the moderates and has a solid base from which to rebuild his 2010 effort. Biggest weaknesses: Too smart for his own good, perhaps too moderate for a republican primary and not the best delegator.

Matt JacobsonMatt Jacobson. The head of Maine & Company, a private business attraction organization, Jacobson has been putting out feelers throughout the State, and has reserved a number of websites for a potential bid for Governor. If "change" remains all the rage in 2010, then Jacobson will be a very strong candidate in a republican primary. He has the advantage of being an outsider, while his work keeps him in the loop on the inner workings of the State House machinery. His main focus is to bring jobs to Maine, a message that will resonate with Maine voters. Major Strengths: His credentials as a job creator will be tough to match, good money connections, and owns the outsider label. Biggest weaknesses: Never held public office or been involved in a campaign, has few if any roots in the republican grassroots network and may be too squishy for conservatives on the usual hot button issues.

Rick BennettRick Bennett. Rick has 20+ years in the Republican Party structure serving as executive director of the party and was a member of both the House and the Senate -where he was elected Senate president. Most recently, Bennett was elected to serve as the National Committeeman for the party, which many saw as a sign of his eventual run for Governor. He flirted with a run in 2006, choosing to stay in the private sector, where he currently serves as CEO of the Corporate Library. In 1994, Bennett was the republican nominee for Congress in the Second District, after winning the four way primary. He lost the general election to John Baldacci. Major Strengths: Has deep connections to the grass roots network in the party, a quick study and strong debater, has strong crossover appeal with the beautiful people and the normal folks in the second district. Biggest weaknesses: Very moderate on environmental issues, which may spook primary voters, has been out of the politics for several years and is closely affiliated with Bob Monks, who has been poking a stick in the eye of republicans for the last decade.

Josh Tardy. The House Republican leader is on the short list for many republican activists. He had a great year in the Legislature in 2004, but the shine wore off in 2006 when they lost a dozen seats and spent much of the last years in the back seat to the action over in the Senate. In spite of that set back, Tardy seems to be a driven as ever, joining up with a few other partners to revitalize the ailing Moosehead Furniture Company, while still maintaining his law practice and the House leadership position. All signs point to a run for the Blaine House for Mr. Tardy. Major Strengths: Excellent fundraiser, instant credibility with the conservative base and has a solid group of loyal supporters and potential campaign workers just waiting for their orders. Biggest weaknesses: Rarely cares about the details even when they matter, too much on his plate making it tough from him to focus his attention on the race and a relative unknown in the First Congressional District.

Paul LepagePaul Lepage. The straight talking mayor from Waterville has been making noises lately that he may be considering a run for Governor. Lepage has made a name for himself as the defender of the taxpayer, garnering lots of attention in his battles with the democrat dominated city council. Lepage brings strong blue collar credentials along with fearlessness which many politicians lack. He is viewed by the conservative base as one of them, especially on tax issues. Major strengths: Strong record on tax issues, in sync with the conservative primary voters, has a good story to tell as mayor. Biggest weaknesses: Will have a hard time in the first district with soccer moms and the folks opposed to TABOR, untested in a major campaign effort, a little rough around the edges.

THE OTHERS

Kevin Hancock. Businessman and owner of Hancock Lumber, Hancock has been looking at the job since the last election. No major activity as of late to indicate that he is considering a 2010 run. I would be surprised if he did not begin to put feelers out in the coming months.

Dana Dow. The Senator from Waldoboro made some noise earlier, but has since decided not to run for his Senate seat as he was needed back at the family business. That's a pretty good sign that the Governor's race is also out.

Carol Weston. The Senate Republican Leader from Waldo County may have an opportunity to increase her visibility if she is able to break the perennial second place finish in the numbers for the Senate. A "Senate President Weston" would be a good place to be if she were to consider a run.

Peter Vigue. I think he's a republican. The CEO of Cianbro and all around good guy would make a terrific candidate in the General Election. Not sure he could survive the rough and tumble world of a republican primary. So far Mr. Vigue is a persistent rumor when it comes to his gubernatorial aspirations.

Peter Cianchette. The Republican nominee in 2002, Cianchette is currently the Ambassador to Costa Rica. I'm not sure how you get back in to the swing of things, let alone face another brutal campaign of bean suppers -- once you have been handed one of the best jobs the President has to offer. I think Cianchette will bid a quick adios to the 2010 race.