The Morning Sentinel

May 30

OUR OPINION: Democrat McGowan possesses best blend of needed strengths

Kennebec Journal Staff

Maine's Democratic primary for governor is not wanting for candidates with distinguished records of public service. The Democratic slate is a virtual who's-who of experienced political hands, save one feisty newcomer.

In political veterans Patrick McGowan, Steve Rowe and Libby Mitchell and first-time candidate Rosa Scarcelli, the Democrats have produced a strong field of potential nominees.

But among these excellent candidates, one most impressed our endorsement board.

A Hallowell resident and former legislator who has served in high-ranking posts in both state and federal government, this individual is no stranger to Maine politics.

In our view, of the Democrats seeking Maine's highest office, this candidate possesses the best blend of policy positions, political skill and leadership ability to lead the entire state.

In the Democratic primary for Maine governor, we urge voters to support Pat McGowan.

As a former state conservation commissioner and regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, McGowan, 53, embodies the right combination of knowledge and experience to balance -- and forge compromises among -- the potent business and environmental lobbies in Augusta.

With personal and political roots deep within Central Maine, McGowan also has the credibility to heal divides inside the state, to help retire the toxic, yet much subscribed to, theory of "Two Maines."

If Maine is going anywhere as a state, it must go there as a unified force.

On the policy front, McGowan's ideas are solid. We especially agree with his ideas for shaking up the bureaucratic structure and the Legislature.

His recently announced plan to reorganize state government and reform the political system is bold and will encounter considerable opposition, but it shows the sort of creative thinking that we believe Mainers are looking for in their next governor.

On health care, McGowan believes that Maine "is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the recent federal health care reforms."

He would convert the state's Dirigo Health program to serve as the basis for a private health insurance exchange.

He would push for innovative programs to improve the quality of health care in the state while also controlling costs.

He has offered specific proposals, as well, in the areas of education, energy and economic development.

As a longtime operator of small businesses in Maine and a former federal official dealing with the problems of small business, McGowan is uniquely suited to the task of improving the state's business climate.

One criticism that we've heard of our choice for the Democratic nomination is that a McGowan administration would be tantamount to "Baldacci's third term."

We reject that suggestion.

McGowan clearly is his own person and has his own ideas, and we detect no inclination on his part to simply continue the policies of his predecessor. That said, we believe that John Baldacci has been an excellent governor; whoever follows him in the job could do far worse than emulating some of his ideas and policies.

If we have a criticism of the current governor, it would be that he could have been more assertive in dealing with the Legislature on occasion. McGowan, we believe, will have no qualms about pushing lawmakers to get things done.

Selecting one person from this group was not easy.

Both Mitchell and Rowe have the credentials of a governor, as each possesses sparkling resumes. They should be saluted for their years of meritorious service to the state and their constituents.

And Scarcelli's growth as a candidate and public figure during the course of this campaign has been impressive. If she chooses to continue in politics, she will demand some reckoning down the line.

For this primary, though, our clear choice for the Democrats is Pat McGowan.