Maine's 2nd Congressional District election, 2016

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search
2018 →
← 2014

BattlegroundRace.jpg

Maine's 2nd Congressional District
General Election Date
November 8, 2016
Primary Date
June 14, 2016
November 8 Election Winner:
Bruce Poliquin Republican Party
Incumbent prior to election:
Bruce Poliquin Republican Party
Bruce Poliquin.jpg
Race Ratings
Cook Political Report: Toss-up[1]
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Toss-up[2]
Rothenberg & Gonzales: Pure Toss-up[3]
Maine U.S. House Elections
District 1 • District 2
2016 U.S. Senate Elections
Flag of Maine.png

The 2nd Congressional District of Maine held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 8, 2016.

Maine's 2nd Congressional District was a battleground district in 2016. Incumbent Bruce Poliquin (R) defeated former state Sen. Emily Cain (D) and Jay Parker Dresser (Write-in) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Poliquin defeated Cain in 2014 to win election to the seat. Neither candidate faced a primary challenger in June.[4][5][6]

This election was one of Ballotpedia's top 10 congressional races in 2016. Click here to read the full list.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Incumbent Bruce Poliquin (R) faced a rematch with Emily Cain (D), whom he narrowly defeated in 2014.
  • Maine's 2nd Congressional District supported Barack Obama by a sizable margin in both 2012 and 2008.
  • Heading into the election, polling showed a tight race between Poliquin and Cain.
    • Candidate Filing Deadline Primary Election General Election
    March 15, 2016
    June 14, 2016
    November 8, 2016

    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.[7][8]

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


    Incumbent: Heading into the election the incumbent was Bruce Poliquin (R), who was first elected in 2014.

    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]

    Election results

    General election

    U.S. House, Maine District 2 General Election, 2016
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Republican Green check mark transparent.pngBruce Poliquin Incumbent 54.8% 192,878
         Democratic Emily Ann Cain 45.2% 159,081
         N/A Write-in 0.1% 224
    Total Votes 352,183
    Source: Maine Secretary of State

    Candidates

    General election candidates:

    Republican Party Bruce Poliquin Approveda
    Democratic Party Emily Cain
    Grey.png Jay Parker Dresser (Write-in)

    Primary candidates:[10]

    Democratic

    Emily Cain - 2014 candidate [11] Approveda

    Republican

    Bruce Poliquin - Incumbent Approveda

    		 Withdrew:
    Joe Baldacci - Bangor city councilor[12][13]


    Race background

    Incumbent Bruce Poliquin was a member of the NRCC's Patriot Program. The program is designed to help raise money and assist vulnerable incumbents seeking re-election.[14]

    Emily Cain was one of the initial members of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Red to Blue Program. The program "highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support."[15]

    Presidential preference

    Bruce Poliquin

    See also: Republicans and their declared positions on Donald Trump

    Poliquin has avoided discussing whether he will endorse or vote for Donald Trump. On May 13, 2016, after asking Poliquin three times "whether he is supporting Trump as the nominee," Poliquin "refused to answer or acknowledge the questions. He stared straight ahead and occasionally looked at his phone, walking briskly from the House floor to another press conference. The Poliquin campaign put out a statement after Trump became the presumptive nominee last week that didn't mention the billionaire mogul's name. ... Asked to confirm Friday whether that candidate is Trump or whether an endorsement would follow, Poliquin's political consultant, Brent Littlefield, only said, 'We've issued our statement,'" according to Roll Call.[16]

    On May 4, 2016, Poliquin said, "It is critical the next President of the United States is helpful in creating jobs and growing the economy. Only one candidate now has been a major job creator." Poliquin then noted his opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal, and he explained, "Maine people are concerned about trade deals which appear to favor foreign countries over our own workers. That is a concern being expressed by one candidate in the Presidential race and I believe that will resonate with many people in Maine."[17]

    Polls

    Maine’s 2nd Congressional District - Bruce Poliquin vs. Emily Cain
    Poll Republican Party Bruce Poliquin Democratic Party Emily CainMargin of ErrorSample Size
    Clarity Campaign Labs
    October 10-11, 2016    		 43%47%+/-3.2902
    Normington Petts
    October 2-3, 2016    		 45%46%+/-4.9400
    Normington Petts
    September 21-22, 2016    		 45%45%+/-4.9400
    SurveyUSA
    September 4-10, 2016    		 50%45%+/-5.0397
    Normington Petts
    June 6-9, 2016    		 45%45%+/-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 [email protected]

    Media

    Emily Cain

    Support

    "Maine First" - House Majority PAC ad supporting Cain, released August 2016
    "Loggers" - Cain campaign ad, released September 2016
    "Jobs" - Cain campaign ad, released September 2016
    "Treatment" - Cain campaign ad, released October 2016
    "Better" - Cain campaign ad, released October 2016

    Opposition

    "Moms" - NRCC ad opposing Cain, released September 2016
    "National Energy Tax" - NRCC ad opposing Cain, released October 2016

    Bruce Poliquin

    Support

    "Congressman Bruce Poliquin Cares" - Poliquin ad, released September 2016

    Opposition

    "Wall Street Playbook" - End Citizens United ad opposing Poliquin, released August 2016
    "Campers" - Cain ad opposing Poliquin, released September 2016
    "Logger" - House Majority PAC ad opposing Poliquin, released October 2016

    Campaign themes

    Bruce Poliquin

    “
    • Economy and Jobs: As your next 2nd District Congressman, I’ll use my 35 years of experience owning and managing businesses and creating jobs to help build a more competitive Maine and America. I’ll use my record as Maine State Treasurer to push for fiscal discipline by ending wasteful government overspending and surging debt that are smothering our economy and killing jobs.
    • Spending and Debt: Washington and Augusta politicians always promise they’ll watch the bottom line, but few really do. As Maine State Treasurer, I’ve proven that I practice what I preach.
    • Maine Industries: Maine is home to tens of thousands of small businesses. Our fishing, farming, wood products, tourism, defense, technology, and many other companies are the backbone of our economy and communities throughout the 2nd Congressional District.
    • Improving Health Care: It’s a bad idea for the federal government to take over our free market health care industry.
    • Family Values: I believe in strong family values and in life. I am the only candidate in this Congressional race who is pro-life, and I’m proud of it.

    [18]

    		”
    —Bruce Poliquin's campaign website, http://www.poliquinforcongress.com/issues/

    Emily Cain

    “
    • Balancing Budgets and Cutting Wasteful Spending: Emily believes balancing budgets, paying our bills, and lowering taxes all go hand-in-hand with investing in our future. As Chair of the Appropriations Committee in the Maine Legislature, Emily’s most important job was balancing our state’s budget during the Great Recession.
    • Creating Jobs and Strengthening the Economy: When Emily was a kid, her dad would set out every week as a traveling shoe salesman to support his family. When times got tough Emily’s family went “on full lean,” spending only what they had to until things turned around. Emily understands the ups and downs that so many Maine families have gone through – because she has gone through them, too.
    • Energy Independence and Protecting The Environment: The strength of Maine’s economy and our ability to create jobs is connected to the health of our environment. To preserve our way of life, our fishing and farming economy, and the health of our children, Maine must be a leader in the fight to stop global climate change.
    • Healthcare: You shouldn’t have to be rich or live in a city to see your family doctor when you’re sick. And when you need medical care, treatment should be given by trained doctors and nurses, not insurance company executives.
    • Honoring the Sacrifice of Maine’s Veterans: Emily will invest in job creation, workforce training and expanding access to higher education by strengthening the GI Bill. She will fight for tax cuts for companies that hire veterans and that help veteran small business owners. And she will be an advocate for Maine’s military families, who must have our support before, during, and after their loved ones are actively serving.

    [18]

    		”
    —Emily Cain's campaign website, http://emilycain.com/issues/

    Campaign contributions

    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.
    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

    Bruce Poliquin

    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

    Emily Cain

    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.


    BP-Initials-UPDATED.png The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may not represent all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer, and campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

    District history

    2014

    See also: Maine's 2nd Congressional District elections, 2014

    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

    2012

    See also: Maine's 2nd Congressional District elections, 2012

    The 2nd Congressional District of Maine held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 6, 2012. Mike Michaud (D) won the election in the district.[19]

    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"

    Important dates and deadlines

    See also: Maine elections, 2016

    The calendar below lists important dates for political candidates in Maine in 2016.

    Dates and requirements for candidates in 2016
    Deadline Event type Event description
    March 15, 2016 Ballot access Filing deadline for primary candidates (signatures must be verified by local registrars prior to final filing)
    May 25, 2016 Ballot access Non-party candidates must file petition signatures with local registrars for verification prior to final filing
    June 1, 2016 Ballot access Filing deadline for non-party candidates
    June 3, 2016 Campaign finance 11-day pre-primary report due
    June 14, 2016 Election date Primary election
    July 26, 2016 Campaign finance 42-day post-primary report due
    September 27, 2016 Campaign finance 42-day pre-general report due
    October 28, 2016 Campaign finance 11-day pre-general report due
    November 8, 2016 Election date General election
    December 20, 2016 Campaign finance 42-day post-general report due
    Sources: Maine Secretary of State, "2016 Candidate's Guide to Ballot Access," accessed January 11, 2016
    Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices, "All Upcoming Deadlines," accessed January 11, 2016


    See also

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Cook Political Report, "2016 House Race Ratings for July 11, 2016," accessed July 19, 2016
    2. ↑ Sabato's Crystal Ball, "2016 House," accessed July 18, 2016
    3. ↑ Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report, "House Ratings," accessed July 19, 2016
    4. ↑ Centralmaine.com, "Cain seeks 2016 rematch for Maine’s 2nd District seat," March 3, 2015
    5. ↑ Bangor Daily News, "Bangor City Councilor Joe Baldacci to run for US House seat," July 29, 2015
    6. ↑ CNN, "Election Results," accessed November 8, 2016
    7. ↑ NCSL, "State Primary Election Types," accessed June 12, 2024
    8. ↑ Main Legislature Revised Statutes, "§341. Unenrolled voter participation in primary elections allowed," accessed June 12, 2024
    9. ↑ United States Census Bureau, "Counties by Congressional Districts," accessed June 8, 2016
    10. ↑ Candidates are listed by party and alphabetically within each party.
    11. ↑ Centralmaine.com, "Cain seeks 2016 rematch for Maine’s 2nd District seat," March 3, 2015
    12. ↑ Bangor Daily News, "Bangor City Councilor Joe Baldacci to run for US House seat," July 29, 2015
    13. ↑ WCSH6, "Joe Baldacci bows out of Second District Race," February 5, 2016
    14. ↑ Roll Call, "Exclusive: NRCC Announces 12 Members in Patriot Program," February 13, 2015
    15. ↑ DCCC, "DCCC Chairman Luján Announces First 31 Districts In Red To Blue Program," February 11, 2016
    16. ↑ Roll Call, "Vulnerable Freshman Thinks Trump Will 'Win It All,'" accessed May 16, 2016
    17. ↑ Twitter, "Michael Shepherd," accessed May 16, 2016
    18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    19. ↑ Politico, "2012 Election Map," accessed August 15, 2012
    v • e
    2015-2016 Elections to the United States Congress
    Senate by State
    Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maryland • Missouri • Nevada • New Hampshire • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • South Carolina • South Dakota • Utah • Vermont • Washington • Wisconsin
    		CongressLogo.png
    House by State
    Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming
    Election information
    Super PACs/Organizations
    v • e
    Ballotpedia
    About
    Editorial Content
    Geoff Pallay, Director of Editorial Content and Editor-in-Chief • Ken Carbullido, Vice President of Election Product and Technology Strategy • Norm Leahy, Senior Editor • Daniel Anderson, Managing Editor • Ryan Byrne, Managing Editor • Cory Eucalitto, Managing Editor • Mandy Gillip, Managing Editor • Doug Kronaizl, Local Elections Project Manager • Jaclyn Beran • Marielle Bricker • Joseph Brusgard • Emma Burlingame • Kelly Coyle • Thomas Ellis • Frank Festa • Nicole Fisher • Brianna Hosea • Joseph Greaney • Thomas Grobben • Jaime Healy-Plotkin • Tyler King • Glorie Martinez • Nathan Maxwell • Ellie Mikus • Jackie Mitchell • Ellen Morrissey • Mackenzie Murphy • Kaley Platek • Samantha Post • Adam Powell • Ethan Rice • Spencer Richardson • Victoria Rose • Briana Ryan • Myj Saintyl • Maddy Salucka • Maddie Sinclair Johnson • Abbey Smith • Alexis Thacker • Janie Valentine • Joel Williams • Samuel Wonacott • Trenton Woodcox • Mercedes Yanora


    For information about public policy issues in the 2016 elections, see: Public policy in the 2016 elections!


    Maine's current delegation to the United States Congress
    Senators
    Susan Collins (R)
    Angus King (I)
    Representatives
    District 1
    District 2
    Democratic Party (2)
    Republican Party (1)
    Independent (1)

    Retrieved from "https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Maine%27s_2nd_Congressional_District_election,_2016&oldid=7348146"