Why did Jared Golden survive?

[GoldenMainer]

He's a strong candidate and a good fit for his district. An inoffensive, "nice guy" veteran certainly can't hurt. He understands his district and keeps things local instead of getting involved in Washington D.C. drama and hot button national issues. Even the way he dresses is smart- you always see him in some jeans, a plaid button down, and Carhartt boots. He's not stuffy or uppity, just a down-to-earth guy people feel comfortable with.

His ads were solid. He was one Dem candidate who had a police-focused ad or two. In one, the former Maine Chief of Police endorsed and spoke highly of him. He also had ads focusing on Bath Iron Works, stopping regulations for fishermen, and healthcare. In his first 2 years, he had a laser-focus on issues with broad support & local issues. He also delivered in helping to bring the first VA Treatment program for substance abuse and mental health to Maine.

[GoldenMainer]

At this point, I'd rate it as a toss-up. Republicans were turning out for Trump and Collins in district two and it was a bad year for House Dems. AND Golden voted to impeach Trump on one of the counts. But he still won. I can't see him doing much worse that he did this year. I mean, even Emily Cain got 45% in this district and Golden is a far better candidate than Cain. If he continues avoiding hot button issues and continues on the path that he's on, I think he'll be fine.

I think Golden will be Angus King's replacement when he retires in 2024 anyways. Maine Dems make some boneheaded moves when it comes to recruitment in statewide races, but they can't be that dumb to want someone over Golden (who has shown he can outperform other Dems in certain parts of the state).

[GoldenMainer]

I don't see a ton of retreads for statewide office in Maine. After they lost, Tom Allen, Shenna Bellows, Jean Hay Bright, Libby Mitchell, Cynthia Dill, and Zak Ringelstein didn't run for a statewide office again. I don't think there'd be much appetite for a candidate (Gideon) who had that much $ and failed to seal the deal.

Not to mention, Golden has cosponsored Medicare for All before and Gideon did not support it. He has also been outspoken in getting money out of politics- in contrast to out of state money pouring in for Gideon in her senate race. That could win him a lot of support from progressives in Portland. If he held onto his second district support and won over progressives, he'd be fine. I have gotten the feeling that Angus King likes Golden and is grooming him for higher office anyways.