In my last column before the election, let’s have some fun with endorsements and predictions.

Everybody’s attention is riveted on the contest for governor. Independent Eliot Cutler is obviously the best qualified by intellect and creative talent to be Maine’s next governor. Cutler possesses world-class business experience and has contacts that actually could bring new investment to Maine. His book outlining his plan for our state is extensive and intriguing. Because he is the only hope for bipartisan solutions to the state’s many problems, I endorse the best man for the job — Eliot Cutler — for governor. He has new ideas.

Although I agree with Republican Gov. Paul LePage about a lot of issues, he lost me with his attempt to deny all state tax revenue sharing with municipalities, especially since he served as mayor and a city councilor in Waterville.

Denial of acceptance of federal funds available to all states to provide health insurance protection for those that do not have the means to pay for it, was another strike. The third strike was his disagreements with legislators in his own party, on issues of critical importance, and total inability to work across the aisle.

Unfortunately for Democratic candidate Congressman Mike Michaud, his debate performances hurt him. He came across as too inarticulate and unassertive. He didn’t close the sale.

Although I endorse Cutler for governor, my prediction is that unless Cutler throws in the towel at the last minute, LePage may win a convincing re-election victory. If after voting for the best qualified candidate, LePage is re-elected anyway, then so be it. At least he is pro-business, tough on welfare fraud and a fiscal conservative.

Incumbents are hard to beat and it looks like a Republican year, nationally.

Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins had an interesting young opponent this time; Democrat Shenna Bellows will be heard from again. Collins is my choice for her impeccable record in the U.S. Senate. She had one of the best TV ads, walking to the Senate through the halls of the nation’s Capitol, while the voice-over announcer enunciated her unbroken record of roll call votes. (She has never missed one). Collins wins 2-1.

Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District, is in a no-contest election. Her extremely young Republican opponent is not ready, nor is the independent in the race. Pingree should win easily, polling close to 70 percent.

In the 2nd District, I endorse Republican Bruce Poliquin over Democrat Emily Cain and an independent, Blaine Richardson. I did not enjoy the “class warfare” campaign waged by Cain, who came across as needing seasoning. Poliquin, making a third try at major elective office, served admirably as state treasurer and has convinced the voters of a moderate-conservative district that it is time for a real fiscal conservative to represent them in Washington. Poliquin, however, did not do well in the final debates, so this one may be close, a couple of points.

On the local scene: Augusta and Kennebec County Sen. Roger Katz continues to enjoy extraordinary bipartisan support. He always gets my endorsement as the hardest-working, classiest member of the body politic at the Capitol. Katz will sink not-ready Rebecca Cornell du Houx, 3-1.

In the District 14 Senate race, two veterans — Republican Earle McCormick and Democrat Dave Bustin — battle. Independent candidate Gary Quintal will siphon votes from former Sen. McCormick, because they live in the same area, but I think the personally popular ex-teacher McCormick will win by a few points. I endorse him.

In Augusta area legislative races, I choose Democrat Donna Doore over Republican Kim Davis in House District 85. Doore, who is recovering from cancer, has earned a chance to serve in the Legislature, something that she has always wanted, but couldn’t run for, while still a state employee. She is a former city councilor and school board member. Doore by a comfortable margin.

In District 86, Republican Matt Pouliot seeks re-election, which he deserves, against veteran Democratic worker Monica Castellanos. Pouliot will win handily in the city’s Ward 3, where Augusta’s Franco-American population is concentrated. Pouliot by six points.

Incumbent Rep. Lori Fowle, D-Vassalboro, is expected to be returned easily to the State House from District 80, which contains a piece of Augusta, as well as the towns of Vassalboro and Windsor. She has earned re-election against Ray Bates, a Republican from Windsor.

On Augusta’s municipal ballot, Councilor Dave Rollins squares off against Bill Dowling, who served as mayor from 1998-2006. Councilor Mike Byron decided late to be a write-in candidate. I have, in the past, served as campaign manager for two of the three candidates, Rollins and Byron, therefore I cannot comment until after this election.

However, the Ward 1 council race is not off-limits. New candidate Linda Conti has made some surprising anti-business, anti-growth statements, disqualifying her from any endorsement from us. But her opponents Stan Koski and Mary Mayo Wescott are woefully underfunded and will split the anti-Conti vote between them.

Koski, endorsed by term-limited Byron, is a very long shot.

Score-card: 5 Republicans, 3 Democrats and 2 independents.

On bond issues and referenda questions: In Augusta, vote yes for the north end fire station bonds and yes to amend the charter to allow the school superintendent to be a non-resident, thus assuring selection of the best candidate available.

I trust the professionals and will vote no on Question 1, which would ban the use of bait, dogs and traps in bear hunting. On all the bond issues, each investment is justified and deserves a yes vote.

Be sure to vote, everybody.

Don Roberts, a former city councilor and former vice chairman of the Charter Commission in Augusta, is a trustee of the Greater Augusta Utility District.

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