Americans want business pros in government, plus 7 stories you need to read

Happy Monday, dear readers.

I’ll be keeping it brief this morning, as I’m en route to Portland to check in on Democratic gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, who’s holding fundraisers and rallies in Southern Maine today with Vermont Gov. and Democratic Governors Association Chairman Peter Schumlin and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.

Thought I’d leave you with this interesting tidbit, though, from Gallup, who’s reporting that roughly four out of five Americans say business and management pros are best-suited for governance. 

About 81 percent of respondents, Gallup reports, said the country would be “governed better” if “more people with business and management experience” were in political office.

Also interesting: 63 percent of respondents said things would be better if more women were in office. The same figure said they think the country’s outlook would be better served by “people who think it is more important to compromise to get things done than to hold firm in their principles.” A majority — 59 percent — said they want to see more moderates.

Click the poll results below to see more analysis on this poll from Gallup itself.

Gallup poll

Shenna Bellows begins her walk through Maine

As we’ve written before, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Shenna Bellows is reviving the Maine tradition of the long campaign walk. She started in Houlton on Saturday and will finish in Kittery — roughly 350 miles away — on Aug. 12.

ICYMI: 7 stories you need to read

Click the headlines. Tons of good, interesting stuff from the BDN and our colleagues at the Sun Journal last week.

Mario Moretto

About Mario Moretto

Mario Moretto has been a Maine journalist, in print and online publications, since 2009. He joined the Bangor Daily News in 2012, first as a general assignment reporter in his native Hancock County and, now, in the State House. Mario left the BDN in 2015.