ME: The Augusta Insider's Take on a Crowded Field for Governor

In Maine, there are no less than eight declared third party and independent candidates for governor this year: Sam Bailey (I), Alex Hammer (I), Lynne Williams (G), Eliot Cutler (I), Christopher Cambron (I), Beverly Cooper-Pete (I), Augustus Edgerton (I) and John Whitcomb (I). At the Augusta Insider, Derek Viger is following this race very closely, and has summed up the state of the contest in a recent post on "What's Next":

While the Democrats and Republicans are duking it out for their parties’ nomination, the unenrolled and Green Party candidates will have an opportunity to drive a wedge. This would be the perfect chance for Eliot Cutler or Lynne Williams to lure those coveted unenrolled voters to their sides. They may benefit from the large number of choices presented to each party. Regardless of the outcome of the party primaries, Cutler or Williams could scoop up dissatisfied voters who see their parties’ choice as unviable.
Though the burden of proof ultimately lies with the candidates, voters should do their part as well. You can be cut some slack for not paying close attention before now. The time for serious consideration is approaching. Do your research. Know the candidates. There are a lot of them out there. Be sure the candidate you vote for in the primary truly supports your positions.

The Augusta Insider has also interviewed a number of gubernatorial hopefuls, including third party and independent candidates. See, for instance, their interviews with Eliot Cutler and Lynne Williams.