DEAR ELIOT

November 4th is fast approaching, and, with all due respect, I find myself
hoping you’ll withdraw from the race. Frankly, I had hoped that Libby Mitchell
would withdraw from the race in 2010, and officially endorse you. Yes, I was one
36.5% of Maine voters who supported your candidacy for Governor the last time
around. In fact, I have a long history of supporting 3rd parties/independents—specifically, the Green Independent Party. However, there comes a time when
imminent danger forces practical decisions. Governor LePage is that imminent
danger, and the state of Maine simply can’t afford to be saddled with four more years
of his failed and divisive policies. The damage he’s inflicted goes hand in hand
with the embarrassment he’s caused.
You’re clearly a very intelligent man, so it must be apparent that Mike Michaud
is a much more formidable candidate that Libby Mitchell proved to be. His support
will not be evaporating as hers so dramatically did. I derive no satisfaction in pointing this out, but it’s actually your poll numbers that appear to be steadily declining; from 20% in a March 31-April 5th Pan Atlantic SMS Group poll to 15% in a June 12th-18th Portland Press Herald poll. The most recent (Portland Press Herald) numbers show your support at 12%.
It’s impossible not to respect your very early support for Maine’s Marriage Equality,
not to mention your consistent pro-choice position. In fact, I find myself in agreement
with you on a variety of issues/goals:
Investing in Maine’s infrastructure
Modernizing/upgrading our communications networks
Restarting the Job Training Initiative (that LePage gutted)
Regulation reform
Growing Maine’s farms & fisheries
Offering assistance to distressed communities
Offering tax credit for repayment of student loans
Branding & promoting Maine

Heck, it’s all good stuff, but I can’t imagine Gov. LePage opting to support a single one of the proposals or programs that you hold dear. What it all boils down to is that Paul LePage must go. We can’t risk another four years of his temper tantrums or his stagnant economy. We deserve batter than crumbling infrastructure and broken dreams.
All the numbers suggest that Mike Michaud is the candidate most likely to topple this failed governor. I hope you’ll seriously consider the possibility of withdrawing from the race, thereby guaranteeing a Michaud victory on November 4th. I believe you and Mr. Michaud actually share a good deal of common ground—and I don’t think the same can be said about you and Mr. LePage. Please don’t gamble with Maine’s future, Mr. Cutler, the stakes are much too high.