In packed GOP field, gubernatorial candidates aim to distinguish themselves in first TV debate

By: Emma Davis

Outlets: Maine Morning Star

Published: May 6, 2026

Words: 1,476

Last Updated: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

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The Republican gubernatorial candidates all agreed that, if elected, they’d cut taxes, regulations on businesses and, overall, the state budget during the first statewide televised debate Tuesday night.

But, they differed on how they’d achieve those shared goals and how they believe their backgrounds would help them in doing so.

WMTW invited all candidates to participate, however Bobby Charles, an attorney from Leeds and former federal government official, declined.

Charles also won’t partake in …

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