Matt Gagnon, who seems to be plugged in pretty well with Maine Republicans, has some interesting comments on the Pine Tree Politics Facebook page about the damage Paul LePage has done within his own party:
I have been getting unsolicited emails from Maine House candidates talking about distancing themselves from LePage, because when they do door to doors at Independent (...and even some Republican) households, his name is becoming a liability and people are asking all the wrong questions (is he really hostile to seniors? is he as paranoid as he sounds?).
I have been talking to two separate former GOP rivals of his who are so disillusioned to his constant mistakes and gaffes that they are considering un-endorsing him because they don't want to be associated with this crap.
The buzz is all bad buzz, and it is hurting him significantly. His commitment to ignore the media has just pissed them off and GUARANTEED bad coverage for himself - something that didn't have to happen.
GOP had some other choices...
The Maine GOP had some very good choices during the primary with a more moderate voice on social issues and conservative tilt on economic issues. Instead the far right of the base along with some ultra conservative tea party activist pushed through the most far right candidate in Maine history. Now they are stuck with a man who on regular basis seems to shoot himself in the foot. The Maine GOP has had issues in the past and the nomination of Paul LePage won't help those issues.
Some context
Of course, three sitting Democrat legislators have already jumped ship on their party's nominee and endorsed Cutler.
When Cutler released his list of Republican supporters, it was unimpressive -- it featured folks who have little involvement with the party or whose involvement was decades ago.
Cutler is the Only Choice
Now that you've got Republicans and Democrats moving to Cutler, you can see how this is going to end up. Cutler is owning the middle and going to win this race.
Cutler's the only moderate out there and he's got the best collection of experience, skills, and ideas.
Cutler in '10.
Cutler is no moderate
Cutler is a liberal Democrat. Always has been. He gave thousands to Obama just 2 years ago.
He is also an example of one of the worst things in our political system -- people who turn a few years of public service into riches.
For the record, Cutler also
For the record, Cutler also sleeps in bed with the Chinese government.
Cutler + Charter Schools + Free Markets + Budget Hawk = Moderate
Dan, who cares that he gave a lot of money to Obama? That's just a shortcut for having to do any real analysis of what Cutler can and will do for Maine. It's lazy and suggests that you either haven't looked at the issues or are unwilling to acknowledge that Cutler does offer a more nuanced plan for Maine.
Cutler is a moderate -- he's a social progressive and a fiscal conservative. Take a look at his positions on unions, charter schools, and budget deficits. I would think that those positions would appeal to any Republican willing to focus on the actual issues. Which makes me wonder if you are so tied to your ideology that you are unwilling consider anything other than who he's donated to? Does it not fit your narrative?
Bottom Line: Cutler will stay out of your private life (unlike Republicans, who claim to want small government, but hypocritically want to make the rules for you in your home), balance the budget, and bring new business to Maine.
Unlike the other two candidates, Cutler is the complete package.
The real bottom line
Cutler has been a Democrat all his life. He was giving big money to a far left candidate for President just two years ago. He brags about working for liberals Muskie and Carter. Look at his record, not what he claims to believe to gain votes.
We've been down this path before. Angus King talked a good game when he ran for office and then governed as a Democrat. Cutler will be no different. He is only an Independent because he couldn't win the Democrat primary.
Nouns vs. Adjectives
The word is "Democratic". "Democrat" is a noun. "Democratic" is an adjective. Democrats run in Democratic primaries.
I know you Republicans like to throw that idiotic "Democrat Party" business around, but Dan, you're supposed to be a little more intelligent than the average LePage supporter. Try using proper grammar. This is beneath you.