As expected, Hallowell lobbyist Betsy Sweet filed Tuesday to run for governor in 2018, issuing a news release saying she’s “not part of the political establishment” while referencing a lobbying and advocacy career dating back to the 1980s.
“I think I’m the sweet spot — if you will — between not experienced and being part of what I think needs to change,” she said in an interview.
Sweet, 60, filed to run as a Clean Election candidate. She said she’ll start actively campaigning in October and filed to begin collecting seed money for her run.
Sen. Justin Chenette, D-Saco, sniped at her on Twitter, saying, “Can we please not have lobbyists run for Governor? It’s the epitome of what’s wrong with the system.”
As for Sweet’s spot in the already-announced Democratic field, she probably sits behind Sanford attorney Adam Cote and ahead of newcomer Patrick Eisenhart of Augusta. But Attorney General Janet Mills and others are still mulling runs, so things will get sliced and diced more.
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