DOWN EAST NOTES

Press Herald - Maine's unemployment rate dipped slightly in September. The September rate was 8.5 percent, down from 8.6 percent in August and up from 5.6 percent a year ago.

Press Herald - Maine moved into the top ten of states that are in the forefront of implementing energy efficient practices according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Top states are California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Oregon, New York, Vermont, Washington, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Maine.

The latest Public Policy Maine gubernatorial poll, which shows Mills beating aboth Mitchell and Rowe, also shows a strong gender gap. For example, 42% of men support Mills while only 27% of women do. The figures are similar for Mills vs. Rowe. In a generic gubernatorial race, 18-29 years olds are the most likely to vote Democratic or for a third party or independent. The 30-45 group is least likely to vote Democratic and those over 29 are 6-7 points less likely to vote for an independent or third party candidate.