We recently visited our family place in Maine. Graybeards will remember the political truism once applied to presidential elections: "As Maine Goes, So Goes the Nation," applicable from 1889 until FDR's 46 state sweep in 1936, then amended to "As Maine Goes, So Goes Vermont." So we watched Maine's June primary elections to see if, once again, Maine might predict what would happen nationally in November.

But first, a brief on Maine. Pre-Revolution, Massachusetts Bay colonists settled along its coast to harvest then-abundant fish and timber, and to farm. In 1820 Maine achieved statehood. Its economy prospered, based on the natural resources of forest, meadow and sea. Success in shipping and ship construction built handsome towns. Maine volunteers served valiantly in the Civil War, none more conspicuously than a Bowdoin College professor, Lt. Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, awarded the Medal of Honor at Gettysburg. Later, as Major General, Chamberlain was picked by General Grant to receive the surrender of Lee's armies at Appomattox. He then served four terms as Maine's Governor, followed by 12 years as president of Bowdoin.

Nineteenth century Maine experienced some industrialization, especially paper and textiles, but, remote from mines, markets and emerging technology, it is today dependent on shrinking fisheries, and on serving as a summer playground. Town square monuments still honor Civil War soldiers. The present population, growing at one third the national average, is 95% non-Hispanic white (US is 66%), and remains self-reliant "old New England," the descendants of Chamberlain's era sprinkled with like-minded retirees from "away." Despite incomes 10% below the national average, Maine seems quietly content, feeling much like 1930-40s America. Its statistics parallel Vermont's.

During our visit the primary elections took place. Seven Republicans and four Democrats - all generally unfamiliar to voters - sought nomination for governor. Tea Party activists controlled the Republican platform, calling global warming a "myth", health care "not a right but a service", and recommending eliminating the Department of Education. Not all Republican candidates concurred, but the winner, Paul LePage, a successful businessman and mayor of Waterville, courted Tea Party voters. The Democrat's winner, Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell, is a long-time legislator. Three independents also qualified for the gubernatorial ballot. Campaigns were generally non-confrontational. An economic shift was also on the ballot: Should a defunct Bates textile mill become a casino?

As my barber, George, cut my hair and that of two Mainers Saturday morning we discovered that all four of us had been married 50+ years; Maine is aging, with family values intact. As he cuts, George is philosophical:

"I'm not registered for either party, I'm an independent, usually vote Democratic, but I sort of like LePage. He's one of 18 children, homeless at 11, got himself educated, ran a successful company (discount retailing), been a good mayor." George is silent on Tea Party policies, but reports local unemployment at about 7 ½%. His business, at $9 per haircut, is "reasonably good."

Our neighbor across the road has a "For Sale" sign on his lobster boat, his traps idle behind it in his yard. Down in Port Clyde lobsters are still selling at $4.50 per pound, but bait-fish are scarce and expensive, so costs are up. A lady in one art gallery, a retiree from "away", had this to say:

"There's unemployment, lobstermen don't work in the winter, but we have a couple of funds to help out the needy. We take care of each other." She shows no signs of going back to Ohio.

So, here's my prediction: "As Maine Goes, So Goes Vermont." I do not see Tea Party virulence overcoming New England stoicism in troubled times. Whether the nation also has the maturity to work things out constructively, or whether voters will succumb to anger and search for villains, it is too early to tell. But with family roots in Maine and Vermont, Purple is hoping for maturity.