Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud is forming an exploratory committee and is beginning fundraising for a possible challenge of Gov. Paul LePage in 2014, taking a jab at the blunt-spoken Republican incumbent by saying Maine needs a governor who “can restore civility in Augusta.”

Michaud said he’s been getting requests from Democrats, Republicans and independents asking him to run for governor, and he said the exploratory committee “will better gauge the depth of support.”

“The stakes for Maine in the next election are high,” Michaud said in a statement. “We need a governor who is committed to creating an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy, and to expanding access to affordable health care and quality public education. Most importantly, we need a governor who can restore civility to Augusta and who will treat everyone with dignity and respect.”

Brent Littlefield, LePage’s senior political advisor, chided Michaud for supporting tax increases, government debt growth and policies that hurt job creation.“Under Governor LePage the State of Maine is finally paying its overdue bills, jobs are being created, the unemployment rate is dropping and the economy is on the mend. Now is not the time to turn back to the failures of the past,” Littlefiel wrote in a news statement.

LePage has set up a re-election committee.

Michaud, who’s currently serving a sixth term in Congress, said he’ll register as a candidate with the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices within 10 days. That’s the window set by law for registering after raising or spending money.

As part of the effort, he’s launching a website, www.Michaud2014.com.

Michaud said he has not set a date for a final decision. But his announcement provides a clearer picture of the playing field in the governor’s race.

Steve Woods, a Democratic businessman and Town Council chairman in Yarmouth, was the first declared candidate, announcing in November. He released a statement taking Michaud to task for announcing an exploratory committee.

“It should be noted that as of today… that I am still the only person in the entire state of Maine that has committed to running for Governor – from any party,” according to Wood’s statement. “While others continue to form committees and suggest that they might run for Maine’s highest elected office, I have been clear and committed in regard to my service to Maine.”

Independent Eliot Cutler also has said he’s running for governor and responded to Michaud’s announcement that he’s exploring a gubernatorial bid by saying he’s the only clear alternative to the failed administration of Gov. LePage and the failed policies of the past.”

Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree previously announced that she wouldn’t run. Former Democratic Gov. John Baldacci, meanwhile, has been waiting in the wings, saying he’d run if both Pingree and Michaud bowed out.

Baldacci praised Michaud, saying he’ll work to help get him elected. He echoed Michaud’s concerns about LePage’s leadership style.

‘‘I look forward to working with him as we try to change the tenor and atmosphere and initiatives in Augusta so it’s more about investing in education, research and development in affordable health care and natural resources and less about name-calling and finger-pointing and divisiveness,’’ he said.

LePage has had several high-profile dustups with Democrats in the State House.

He refused to meet with incoming Democratic legislative leaders for weeks in a dispute over a cameraman hired by Democrats to record him a public events. He left the State House temporarily last month in a dispute over a TV he installed outside his office in the Hall of Flags. And he stormed out of a meeting of the Legislature’s budget-writing panel after the Democratic leaders wouldn’t let him speak.

Woods, who’s been pressing Michaud for an announcement whether he’s running, was unimpressed by his formation of a committee.

‘‘I’m disappointed in Rep. Michaud’s announcement in that it offers little of value to Maine voters and the 1.3 million citizens that call Maine home,’’ he said. ‘‘In the midst of an economic crisis and governmental chaos in Augusta, the last thing we need is more ‘announcements’ or the formation of another ‘exploratory committee.’’’

Two other candidates have filed paperwork with the state ethics commission: Green Independent David Allen Slagger and independent candidate Lee Schultheis.

Copy the Story Link