The trouble with the assumptions the GOP operatives are making is that Dill is egotistical, abrasive, and more than a little loopy. In general, voters don't find those to be attractive qualities in their would-be senators. And even if they did, Maine's ballot already has plenty of other options in independents Steve Woods (egotistical, arrogant), Andrew Ian Dodge (egotistical, loopy), and Danny Dalton (loopy).
In short, Dill is no Libby (19 percent) Mitchell. Mitchell, for those who've tried to block the memory of her inept campaign from their consciousness, was the Democrats' 2010 gubernatorial nominee. Her anemic performance was barely sufficient to split the liberal-moderate vote with independent Eliot Cutler, thereby allowing Republican LePage to win the Blaine House, even though more than 60 percent of voters opposed him.
That won't happen this time around, because not only is Dill a far weaker candidate than even Mitchell, but King is also a lot more likable than Cutler (as are rabid pit bulls, identity thieves, and the government of Iran). And Summers lacks LePage's passion, drive, and slight hint of insanity. No amount of feigned Republican love for a Democrat is going to alter that.
The only sensible course for the GOP is to get back to what it does best: hating each other.
Or hate on me by emailing aldiamon@herniahill.net.
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