Raye: Michaud's Weakness is His Reliable Party Line Vote

Maine's 2nd District race features rematch after decade between Mike Michaud, Kevin Raye

GLENN ADAMS Associated Press
September 23, 2012 - 3:10 pm EDT

Professor Jim Melcher of the University of Maine at Farmington.

Melcher said Raye is indeed a stronger candidate than he was a decade ago.

"I don't think Kevin Raye's done a thing to hurt himself," said Melcher.

But Michaud is stronger too, largely with the benefit of incumbency, which helps 90 percent of congressional candidates seeking re-election to win their seats, Melcher said.

"Incumbency trumps everything else in a congressional race" except scandal, said Melcher.

Raye sees Michaud's incumbency as a weakness, calling him "a reliable party line vote right."

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/272ab06fd4544b1387dba4b506feeedb/M...