Abortion became a subject for the talking heads when news broke that U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) might go with a pro-choice running mate.

In reality, however, Mainers are much more concerned with energy costs and the economy, sources say.

Palin is pro-life, and chose to have a disabled child, making it a hard point for the Democrats to drive home.

"The pro-life issue is way down (on Mainers priorities)," said Scott Fish, editor of the conservative message board As Maine Goes. "If pro-life is your issue, it's an important thing. For the rest of Mainers for any single issue, pro-life is down on the list.

Chris Potholm, a political science professor at Bowdoin College, and Rick Bennett, Republican National Committeeman-elect, also said abortion will likely not be a big issue for Mainers in the presidential campaign.