Maine: 21 delegates, no respect

Resembling more a political afterthought than an important election year state, Maine has caucuses fast approaching. Although, I will concede that practically Maine holds very little significance in the nomination process and it is weird for a Milwaukee resident, with no ties to Maine, to care about the little state. But awash in talks of Super Tuesday I wanted to take a look.

Maine holds its Republican caucus on February 1 and its Democratic caucus on February 10. Politically the state assumes a shade of blue, in 2004 Kerry won by a sizeable margin. Environmental issues are of particular importance because its vast natural resources prop up the state's economy. Voters are an independent group who vote their minds. Despite the Blue reputation of the state, both of its Senators hail from the GOP, and until recently the state had an independent governor.

First the Republicans. Two factors make Maine particularly insignificant on the Republican side. First, is its proximity to Super Tuesday. It appears as if Maine will experience a sort of Wyoming-affect. Wedged between Iowa and New Hampshire, Wyoming was the campaign season’s first forgettable caucus. A similar fate is most likely in store for Maine's Republicans. Second, Maine's Republican caucus is non-binding, meaning that the Feb. 1 vote is simply to take the state's temperature; Republicans do not choose who gets their state's 21 delegates until their May convention.

There is not a lot of polling data, whatever that means, but so far Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani have set up teams in Maine. John McCain appears to have the inside track, 23 state law makers endorse him along with the Maine Sunday Telegram (editorial boards love Mac).

The state is struggling to evolve its economy from its manufacturing roots and is struggling with ways to adapt. Candidates touting green technologies could make inroads with voters, because they are seen as both a way to help re-vitalize the state's economy and play to the strong sentiment of environmentalism in the state.

Although, there is no recent polling data, the last one conducted by Critical Insights (10/24) showed Mitt Romney with a four-point lead over Rudy Giuliani. These numbers are most likely different now, but Romney would seem a good fit. His experience, familiarity in the Northeast and his perception as the Republican front-runner best equipped to handle the economy bodes well for him in Maine.

Now the Democrats, who despite having their caucus only days after Super Tuesday, may carry some significance. If New Hampshire is any indication, the Democratic race is going to be hotly contested for the foreseeable future, meaning things may not be decided on Feb. 5. If that is the case, Maine's 24 delegates become a hot commodity amoungst Democratic front-runners.

Hillary Clinton has the endorsement of Gov. John E. Baldacci, former Gov. Governor Kenneth M. Curtis and Emmett Beliveau, son of veteran Maine Democrat Severin Beliveau. While Barack Obama gained the endorsement of the Sunday Evening Telegram, as well as House Speaker Glen Cummings. John Edwards has gained a myriad of endorsements, but it appears that after New Hampshire he wont play much of a factor.

With little polling data, it is tough to predict which Democratic front-runner will win in Maine. Because their is little practical difference between Obama and Clinton, the one who carries momentum coming out of Super Tuesday will most likely have an advantage in Maine.

So there it is, with all the talk of Super Tuesday, California and Florida, a look at the small habitually overlooked state of Maine. Tough to pick the winners (Romney and Obama, perhaps?), but I felt bad for little ole Maine and their afterthought status.