The seven Republicans running to replace Gov. Janet Mills will debate in Portland on Wednesday in the first televised event featuring polling frontrunner Bobby Charles.
His absence from two debates last week shaped the conversations between the other candidates, who have moved aggressively against him over the past few weeks. While Charles led early polls of the race, he has less money than other candidates and has been denounced by many in the party as an unelectable potential nominee.
The field will debate at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at an event hosted by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and News Center Maine at Aura in Portland. The five Democrats will follow. The debates will not be televised until Thursday and Friday, respectively.
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