Last updated: July 14, 2014



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World News

Maine gubernatorial candidate Mike Michaud comes out as gay, asks voters 'but why does it matter?'

Maine Governor-Gay Candidate

US Rep Mike Michaud, who is running for governor of Maine, has confirmed rumours he's gay, but asks voters why it matters. Picture: AP Source: AP

A SIX-term US congressman running to become Governor of Maine has announced that he's gay - but says "so what?"



The Democrat's announcement adds intrigue to a tight three-way race with Republican incumbent Mr LePage and wealthy independent Eliot Cutler.

A poll released in October suggested that Mr Michaud is about even with Mr LePage. Mr Cutler, who finished second to Mr LePage in the 2010 election, is touting himself as a better alternative in a state where unenrolled voters comprise the largest voting bloc.

Mr Michaud didn't identify who he thinks is behind the alleged whisper campaign against him. His campaign has not previously raised the issue.

It's unknown what impact, if any, Mr Michaud's disclosure might have in the race. Maine voters approved a gay marriage law a year ago; Mr Michaud supported the measure.

US gay marriage

Maine voters approved a gay marriage law last year, which Mr Michaud supported.

Mr Michaud's announcement could help him among liberals who may be giving Mr Cutler a look, but more importantly, it diffuses the topic of his sexuality, said Sandy Maisel, a political science professor at Maine's Colby College.


Across the US, gay and lesbian candidates are making strides.

There are currently 538 gay men and women holding political office in the US, and those include a US senator and a half-dozen members of the US House, according to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which aims to increase the number of openly gay leaders at all levels of government. Currently, there are no gay governors.

For his part, Mr Michaud downplayed the significance of his announcement.



The son and grandson of mill workers, Mr Michaud said he's never forgotten where he came from.




If elected, he wouldn't be the first gay governor. New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey announced in 2004 that he was gay, making him the first openly gay governor. Mr McGreevey made the announcement on TV, famously declaring "I am a gay American" while still married to his wife.

Mr Michaud is also not the first gay gubernatorial candidate. In Maryland, an openly gay candidate, Democrat Heather Mizeur, is running for governor.