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Maine's 2nd Congressional District elections, 2014

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Maine's 2nd Congressional District
General Election Date
November 4, 2014
Primary Date
June 10, 2014
November 4 Election Winner:
Bruce Poliquin Republican Party
Incumbent prior to election:
Mike Michaud Democratic Party
Michael Michaud.jpg
Race Ratings
Cook Political Report: Lean D[1]

Sabato's Crystal Ball: Likely D[2]

Fairvote's Monopoly Politics: Likely D[3]
Maine U.S. House Elections
District 1 • District 2
2014 U.S. Senate Elections
2014 U.S. House Elections
Flag of Maine.png

The 2nd Congressional District of Maine held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014.

Bruce Poliquin (R) defeated Emily Cain (D) to win the district seat. The district switched in favor of the Republican Party after having a Democratic incumbent.

Heading into the election, the incumbent was Mike Michaud who was first elected in 2002. In June 2013, Michaud announced that he would run for Governor of Maine instead of seeking re-election to the 2nd District seat.[4]

On the Democratic ticket, state Senators Emily Cain and Troy Jackson battled for the nomination. On the Republican side, former state treasurer Bruce Poliquin took on former state Senator Kevin Raye.

Independent candidate Blaine Richardson was the first non-major party nominee to be on the Maine general election ballot for U.S. House since 2006.[5]

Candidate Filing Deadline Primary Election General Election
March 17, 2014
June 10, 2014
November 4, 2014

Primary: A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Maine utilizes a semi-closed primary process, in which both registered party members and unaffiliated voters may participate. Unaffiliated voters may vote in one partisan primary of their choosing in each election.[6][7]

For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

Voter registration: Voters needed register to vote in the primary by either May 20, 2014 (by mail or through voter registration drive) or on election day (in person). For the general election, the voter registration deadline was October 14, 2014. However, there was no cut-off date for registering in person at the town office or city hall.[8]

See also: Maine elections, 2014

Incumbent: Heading into the election the incumbent was Mike Michaud (D), who was first elected in 2002. In June 2013, Michaud announced that he would run for Governor of Maine instead of seeking re-election to the 2nd District seat.

Maine's 2nd Congressional District encompasses the entire portion of the state north of Portland and Augusta. All of Androscoggin, Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington counties and a part of Kennebec County are included in the district.[9]

Candidates

General election candidates


June 10, 2014, primary results

Republican Party Republican Primary

Democratic Party Democratic Primary

Grey.png Third Party Candidates

Declined to run

Withdrew prior to the primary

Elections

General election results

The 2nd Congressional District of Maine held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014. Bruce Poliquin (R) defeated Emily Cain (D) and Blaine Richardson (I) in the general election.

U.S. House, Maine District 2 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Emily Cain 40.2% 118,568
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngBruce Poliquin 45.2% 133,320
     Independent Blaine Richardson 10.6% 31,337
     Other Other 0.1% 248
     Blank None 3.9% 11,536
Total Votes 295,009
Source: Maine Secretary of State Official Results

Primary results

U.S. House, Maine District 2 Democratic Primary, 2014
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngEmily Cain 71% 19,906
Troy Jackson 29% 8,116
Total Votes 28,022
Source: Maine.gov


U.S. House, Maine District 2 Republican Primary, 2014
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngBruce Poliquin 56.8% 19,736
Kevin Raye 43.2% 14,987
Total Votes 34,723
Source: Maine.gov

Race background

In June 2013, Mike Michaud announced the launch of his exploratory committee in advance of his run for governor. Michaud announced his run for governor on June 13, 2014. On June 14, 2013, Emily Cain, a member of the Maine State Senate announced that she would be running in the 2014 Democratic primary.[29]

Key votes

Below are important votes the incumbent cast during the 113th Congress.

Government shutdown

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

Nay3.png On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[30] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[31] Michaud voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[32]

Yea3.png The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[33] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Michaud voted for HR 2775.[34]

Endorsements

Republican candidates

Kevin Raye

  • The National Republican Congressional Committee added Kevin Raye (R) to their "On the Radar" list in November 2013. According to the NRCC, candidates that made this list were set to receive "...the tools they need to run successful, winning campaigns against their Democratic opponents."[36][37]

Bruce Poliquin

  • The National Republican Congressional Committee added Bruce Poliquin (R) to their "On the Radar" list in November 2013. According to the NRCC, candidates that made this list were set to receive "...the tools they need to run successful, winning campaigns against their Democratic opponents."[38][39]
  • At the end of September 2013, FreedomWorks announced its endorsement for Bruce Poliquin.[40][41]
    • Matt Kibbe, President of FreedomWorks, stated in the endorsement, “Bruce Poliquin, a successful businessman and proven conservative leader, is just the kind of man we need in Congress. With an education in economics and more than 30 years in the financial industry, his insights into how to fix a failing economy will be an asset from day one. Poliquin has a track record of putting his common sense fiscal principles to work. As State Treasurer for Maine, he took on the debt-ridden pension system that wasting money and hurting its pensioners and turned it around. He saved the state 1.7 billion dollars and put the system on solid footing. Results matter and Bruce Poliquin is a leader that can deliver, and has delivered. The voters have an easy choice. Bruce Poliquin is the only candidate in this race who will lead the charge and help fix our fiscal house in Washington, D.C.”[41]

Democratic candidates

Troy Jackson

Jackson received endorsements from a number of unions, including:[42]

Labor groups donated $30,000, or approximately a tenth of the total raised, to his campaign prior to the primary.[42]

Emily Cain

  • On October 9, 2013, EMILY'S List announced its support for state Senator Emily Cain.[45]
    • “Emily has defended women’s access to healthcare, fought to increase opportunities in education, and spearheaded ethics reforms in Augusta, and the EMILY’s List community — now more than two million members strong — is thrilled to help her become the first Democratic woman elected to Maine’s 2nd Congressional District,” EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock said in a news release.[45]

Polls

Republican primary

Republican primary
Poll Kevin Raye Bruce PoliquinRichard RosenBlaine RichardsonMargin of ErrorSample Size
Public Opinion Strategies
November 4-5, 2013
 42%18%5%3%+/-5.57310
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org


Democratic primary
Poll Emily Cain Troy JacksonUndecidedMargin of ErrorSample Size
Public Policy Polling
June 2-3, 2014
 60%25%15%+/-3.4800
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org


General election

Potential general election match-up
Poll Kevin Raye Emily CainMargin of ErrorSample Size
Public Opinion Strategies
November 4-5, 2013
 45%31%+/-4.9400
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org


Potential general election match-up
Poll Kevin Raye Troy JacksonMargin of ErrorSample Size
Public Opinion Strategies
November 4-5, 2013
 45%30%+/-4.9400
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org


Potential general election match-up
Poll Bruce Poliquin Troy JacksonMargin of ErrorSample Size
Public Opinion Strategies
November 4-5, 2013
 33%38%+/-4.9400
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org



Potential general election match-up
Poll Bruce Poliquin Emily CainMargin of ErrorSample Size
Public Opinion Strategies
November 4-5, 2013
 34%37%+/-4.9400
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Campaign contributions

Five Maine congressional candidates raised more than $400,000 combined from July 2013 through September 2013.[46]

In quarterly finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission in October 2013, Democratic state Sen. Emily Cain reported raising more than $75,000 for the quarter, while fellow Democratic state Sen. Troy Jackson raised nearly $72,000. Alden Smith had not filed by October 22, 2013.[46] On January 22, 2014, Cain's campaign released that she had nearly $300,000 in her campaign war chest.[47]

On the Republican side, former state Sen. Kevin Raye raised $90,000, and former Navy officer Blaine Richardson raised a little over $1,000. Former state treasurer Bruce Poliquin said he would file a report on October 22, 2013, showing he raised $221,000.[46]

Kevin Raye

Raye reported on January 31, 2014, that he raised $100,000 from October through December 2013.[53]

Emily Cain

Bruce Poliquin

As of January 2013, Poliquin raised $370,000 and had $300,000 on hand, with $100,000 of that from Poliquin's personal money.[53]

Blaine Richardson

Troy Jackson

Alden Smith

District history

Candidate ballot access
Ballot Access Requirements Final.jpg
Find detailed information on ballot access requirements in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

2012

On November 6, 2012, Mike Michaud (D) won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Kevin Raye in the general election.

U.S. House, Maine District 2 General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngMike Michaud Incumbent 55.7% 191,456
     Republican Kevin Raye 40% 137,542
     N/A Blank Votes 4.3% 14,910
Total Votes 343,908
Source: Maine Secretary of State "Tabulations for Elections held in 2012"

2010

On November 2, 2010, Mike Michaud won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jason Levesque (R) in the general election.[74]

U.S. House, Maine District 2 General Election, 2010
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngMike Michaud incumbent 55.1% 147,042
     Republican Jason J. Levesque 44.9% 119,669
Total Votes 266,711

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Cook Political Report, "2014 HOUSE RACE RATINGS FOR June 26, 2014," accessed August 7, 2014
  2. ↑ Sabato's Crystal Ball, "2014 House Races," accessed August 7, 2014
  3. ↑ Fairvote, "FairVote Releases Projections for the 2014 Congressional Elections," accessed August 7, 2014
  4. ↑ The Washington Post blogs, "Rep. Mike Michaud steps into Maine governors race," accessed June 13, 2013
  5. ↑ Ballot Access, "Independent for U.S. House Qualifies in Maine, for First Time Since 2006," accessed June 3, 2014
  6. ↑ NCSL, "State Primary Election Types," accessed June 12, 2024
  7. ↑ Main Legislature Revised Statutes, "§341. Unenrolled voter participation in primary elections allowed," accessed June 12, 2024
  8. ↑ Maine Secretary of State Website, "State of Maine Voter Guide," accessed January 3, 2014
  9. ↑ United States Census Bureau, "Counties by Congressional Districts," accessed June 8, 2016
  10. ↑ Bangor Daily News, "Sangerville veteran files paperwork to run for Congress as Democrat in Maine’s 2nd District," accessed August 19, 2013
  11. ↑ Online Sentinel, "Poliquin will seek to follow Michaud," accessed August 27, 2013
  12. ↑ Bangor Daily News, "With Michaud out of running, Raye announces possible bid for Congress," accessed August 19, 2013
  13. ↑ KJ Online, "Raye joining Republican fray for Michaud's seat," accessed September 2, 2013
  14. ↑ Morning Sentinel, "Raye joining Republican fray for Michaud's seat, His legislative experience and fundraising ability make him a top contender, despite two prior losses in that district," accessed September 2, 2013
  15. ↑ Bangor Daily News, "Cain’s in, Fredette’s out of 2014 2nd District congressional race," accessed June 24, 2013
  16. ↑ Bangor Daily News, "Aroostook County’s Sen. Troy Jackson announces run for congressional seat," accessed August 19, 2013
  17. ↑ Press Herald, "Blaine Richardson to run in Maine's 2nd District as independent," accessed January 21, 2014
  18. ↑ Bangor Daily News, "Republican Blaine Richardson makes second run for Congress official; raised no money in most recent reporting period," accessed August 19, 2013
  19. ↑ WABI, "Independent Candidate On 2nd District Ballot," accessed June 3, 2014
  20. ↑ Press Herald, "Joseph Baldacci says he won’t run for Congress," accessed January 2, 2013
  21. ↑ Kennebec Journal, "Election 2014: 2nd District campaign takes shape," accessed December 2, 2013
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Bangor Daily News, "Richard Rosen to join growing field of Republicans seeking Maine congressional seat," accessed September 4, 2013
  23. ↑ Roll Call, "Maine Republican Won’t Seek Competitive House Contest," accessed December 2, 2013
  24. ↑ Bangor Daily News, "Tardy making serious moves toward running for Congress," accessed August 19, 2013
  25. ↑ Online Sentinel, "Smith drops out of 2nd CD race," accessed March 17, 2014
  26. ↑ Seacoast Online, "2 in Maine announce plans to run for U.S. Congress," accessed August 19, 2013
  27. ↑ Bangor Daily News, "GOP leader Alexander Willette, 24, says he is a candidate for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District," accessed August 19, 2013
  28. ↑ Daily Caller, "UPDATE: Maine Congressional withdraws from race," accessed August 29, 2013
  29. ↑ Bangor Daily News, "Cain's in, Fredette's out of 2014 2nd District congressional race," accessed June 24, 2014
  30. ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
  31. ↑ Buzzfeed, "Government Shutdown: How We Got Here," accessed October 1, 2013
  32. ↑ Clerk of the U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 504," accessed October 31, 2013
  33. ↑ The Washington Post, "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013
  34. ↑ U.S. House, "Final vote results for Roll Call 550," accessed October 31, 2013
  35. ↑ Maine Public Broadcasting Network, "Kevin Raye Earns NRA Endorsement," accessed June 2, 2014
  36. ↑ Roll Call, "House Republicans Put 36 Recruits ‘On the Radar’" accessed November 21, 2013
  37. ↑ NRCC Young Guns, "List," accessed March 20, 2014
  38. ↑ Roll Call, "House Republicans Put 36 Recruits ‘On the Radar’" accessed November 21, 2013
  39. ↑ NRCC Young Guns, "List," accessed March 20, 2014
  40. ↑ Bruce Poloquin for Congress Facebook Page, "Photos," accessed October 1, 2013
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 As Maine Goes, "FreedomWorks Endorses Poliquin," accessed October 1, 2013
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 Open Secrets, "In Maine Race, A Tale of Two Democratic Parties," accessed June 10, 2014
  43. ↑ LCV.org, "LCV Action Fund Endorses Emily Cain," accessed March 19, 2014
  44. ↑ Roll Call, "League of Conservation Voters Endorses in Maine Primary," accessed March 19, 2014
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 Roll Call, "EMILY’s List Backs Two More House Candidates," accessed October 10, 2013
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 WCSH News 6, "Five candidates in Maine's 2nd CD raise $400,000+," accessed October 28, 2013
  47. ↑ KJ Online, "Emily Cain touts $300K in Democratic bid for Congress," accessed January 24, 2014
  48. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed November 11, 2013
  49. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "July Quarterly," accessed November 11, 2013
  50. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "October Quarterly," accessed November 11, 2013
  51. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Year End Report," accessed March 4, 2014
  52. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed May 15, 2014
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 KJ Online, "Raye reports nearly $200K in 2nd District Republican race," accessed January 31, 2014
  54. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "July Quarterly," accessed November 11, 2013
  55. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "October Quarterly," accessed November 11, 2013
  56. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Year End," accessed March 4, 2014
  57. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed May 12, 2014
  58. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "July Quarterly," accessed October 15, 2014
  59. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed November 11, 2013
  60. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "July Quarterly," accessed November 11, 2013
  61. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "October Quarterly," accessed November 11, 2013
  62. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Year End Report," accessed March 4, 2014
  63. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed May 12, 2014
  64. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed November 11, 2013
  65. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "July Quarterly," accessed November 11, 2013
  66. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "October Quarterly," accessed November 11, 2013
  67. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Year End Report," accessed March 4, 2014
  68. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "October Quarterly," accessed November 11, 2013
  69. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Year End Report," accessed March 4, 2014
  70. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "April Quarterly," accessed May 15, 2014
  71. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "July Quarterly," accessed November 11, 2013
  72. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "October Quarterly," accessed November 11, 2013
  73. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Year End Report," accessed March 4, 2014
  74. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
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Maine's current delegation to the United States Congress
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