While much of the focus of the political classes and the Maine media has been on three candidates for governor, Kevin Scott keeps up his campaign. Scott got himself on the ballot, not without considerable effort on his and his supporters’s behalf. Baring a few mentions its all about LePage, Mitchell and Cutler (an independent but clearly left of center) in the media.
Kevin Scott firmly believes that Maine needs another independent governor, one that is actually independent instead of running under a flag of convenience. Unlike the normal “independent” candidate he insists he is a fiscal conservative. This is what he wrote in his congratulatory press release after 8 June. bit.ly/afQR35
“The Republicans picked a fiscal conservative with a conservative social message. The Democrats picked a true socially liberal from the established political class. In my view, it seems like Maine’s best choice for Governor will be a truly Independent, fiscally conservative candidate with moderate stands on social issues. Let the campaign begin”
Clearly Scott is basing his appeal on the fact he is not a politician in any way shape or form. He is trying to tap into the “anti-incumbent”, anti-“business as usual” vibe that has been fanned by the tea party movement nationwide. As opposed to many politicians who are claiming the flag of “outsider” Kevin Scott is truly an outsider with no political past.
In a recent Portland Press Article on Scott where they declare he wants to be a “citizen Governor” he had this to say. bit.ly/afQR35
““I believe that, for too long, the governor’s office has been occupied by either an extremely wealthy individual or a career politician with extensive Washington contacts,” he said. “The legislators that we have – part-time, friends and neighbors – they need a peer.”Historians and experts on the thoughts of Founding Fathers would no doubt agree that Scott’s vision is more in keeping with their vision of American governance. The concept of “professional” politicians would be an anathema to most, if not all of the Founding Fathers.
His ideas on policy fit right in with a fiscal conservative view of how to govern. He states the following as part of his plan to move the state from welfare to “workfare”.
“As Governor of Maine, I will seek to require drug screening as an eligibility requirement for receiving General Assistance. As your Governor, I will work with all involved - especially Welfare recipients - to create and enact a Workfare system designed to reduce the need for General Assistance.”
Of course, many would say that its easy to be “radical” if there is little chance of winning. That would be churlish. Its refreshing to see someone actually thinking about policies to change the problems that plague Maine. Agree or disagree with his approach, but you can’t fault his gumption.
Fiscal conservatives have a choice when it comes to voting for governor in November. Kevin Scott should be welcomed if merely for offering people someone else to consider.
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