1978 Maine gubernatorial election
The 1978 Maine gubernatorial election took place in the US state on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Independent Governor James B. Longley chose not to run for re-election, holding himself to the one-term pledge he made when he was elected in 1974. Attorney General Joseph E. Brennan of the Democratic Party defeated both challenger [Maine Maine Republican Party|Republican Party|Republican] Linwood E. Palmer Jr. and right-wing independent candidate Herman Frankland. Richard Carey unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic nomination, while Charles Cragin unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Joseph E. Brennan, Maine Attorney General, of Portland
- Richard Carey, state representative, of Waterville
- Philip L. Merrill, state senator, of Portland
Republican primary
Candidates
- Charles Cragin, attorney, of Falmouth
- Linwood E. Palmer Jr., state representative, of Nobleboro
- Jerrold Speers, state senator, of Winthrop