Maine Public interviews Brewer about DHHS commissioner’s resignation
Mark Brewer, a political sciences professor at the University of Maine, spoke with Maine Public after Mary Mayhew announced she is stepping down as commissioner of the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. The announcement is spurring speculation about a possible run for governor in 2018, Maine Public reported. Brewer said Mayhew’s role in leading Gov. Paul LePage’s efforts to cut welfare will play well with his core supporters in the Republican Party and could help her in a primary. And resigning as commissioner, she can start to organize and raise money for a tough campaign, he said. “She can start to cultivate those relationships and make those asks, but I don’t think she can nail anything down until there is more certainty to this race,” he said. If U.S. Sen. Susan Collins decides to run, she would be favored to win the Republican nomination, Brewer said. If she stays in the Senate, and U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin runs, he would likely win the nomination, but could face more serious opposition. Either way, Mayhew would face a tough decision, according to Brewer.