Brian Duff interviewed by Seacoast Online on Tuesday's Maine referendums

Brian Duff, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, was interviewed by the Seacoast Online for a Nov. 6, 2011 story on factors that may affect the outcome of several referendums on the Maine November ballot. 

Duff said one wild card in the statewide election may be the first-ever ranked-choice voting for mayor of Portland. If Portland voters turn out in greater numbers to vote for mayor, "it could have an effect on the statewide measures."

With regard to Question 2, which would allow racinos to be built in southern Maine and Washington County, Duff said that the $3 million plus spent by supporters of measure on TV and direct mail ads could spell the difference between a yes and no vote, even though most Mainers have traditionally indicated they do not favor gambling.

Duff is the author of The Parent as Citizen: A Democratic Dilemma.

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.