PORTLAND — One Maine candidate has had more than 30 traffic tickets and another lost his license for using a lead foot on the zooming along the campaign trail. At least two have had liens placed on properties. Another was accused of double-dipping on property tax breaks.

Even without including verbal gaffes, there has been a bumper crop of foibles large and small by candidates in top-of-the-ticket races in Maine.

And University of Maine political scientist Mark Brewer says voters should get used to it because campaigns are doing more opposition research than ever before.

One voter, Steve Brasier of Windham, says such dirt-digging and mudslinging is unfortunate because it causes good people to shy away from running for office.