Maine: Dirty Politics in a Clean Politics State

[Swede]

Maine has long had what political scientist Daniel Elazar called a moralistic political culture. These states have have high standards for politicians and are very troubled by even the hint of corruption. And they have very strong citizen participation, with the top rates of turnout, something that’s helped by voting rules that make it easier to vote.

Another aspect of moralistic cultures is that their people do not like any funny business in politics. They expect honest communications and will punish campaigns that do not follow those norms, no matter the political party.

http://www.pollways.com/journal/2011/11/3/dirty-politics-in-a-clean-politics-state.html

[ProSense]

1. Speaking of Maine

it doesn't appear that anyone is going to unseat Snowe.

For all the posturing, why couldn't anyone find a strong candidate to challenge her?

[RBInMaine]

2. Snowe is like Maine's Teddy Kennedy or Strom Thurmond, etc. A SERIOUSLY ENTRENCHED incumbent.

Do you actually think it would be easy to unseat someone so entrenched with such tenture and still perceived as a "moderate" with cross party appeal? Although, former Sec. of State of Maine Matt Dunlap is making a run, and if he's nominated to take her on, he'll be an underdog bigtime but he'll also FIGHT bigtime with a strong populist message. So if he gets the D nod, it will at least be interesting.

[high density]

3. This really isn't new in Maine

The anti-gay agenda people here have used "funny business" to get their way, and out of state money isn't new either. I just would like to know who these people are who vote based on TV ads or road signs.

[bluedigger]

4. People from Away.

You know, 2nd generation or less...:)