The gubernatorial field has just widened, as former Attorney General Steven Rowe gets his first competition, while a ski mogul is considering jumping into the race as well.
Dawn Hill
Second-term Representative Dawn Hill (D-York) has announced plans to jump into the Democratic race for Governor, becoming Rowe’s first competitor. Rep. Hill is known for her issues with the Maine Turnpike Authority – four of her seven bills this session dealt with the Turnpike. None of those bills passed.
She serves on the Judiciary Committee, and the OPEGA oversight committee. Outside the Statehouse, Hill runs her own business, “It’s a Dog’s World”, a canine training and activity facility. Hill is the second woman to enter the race, and would be the first female Governor of Maine if elected.
Les Otten
Les Otten, the former owner of American Skiing Company and a one-time minority investor in the Boston Red Sox, is the other potential candidate who surfaced this week. Otten has always dabbled in Maine politics, but never run for office. It’s worth re-reading the recent Boston Globe profile. Otten is a colorful figure who will make the race more entertaining – especially if it’s downhill (we’re preparing our skiing puns).
Although he’s no Angus King, Otten does bring a certain degree of celebrity to the race. He’s more well-known than any of the candidates so far. He’s an iconic figure who also a blank political slate. Interestingly, although we assume Otten will be running for the Republican nomination, Susan Cover’s brief piece does not explicitly say so.
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