Maine: Matt Jacobson

The list of those who are seriously considering a run for governor got one name longer this week when Maine & Co.'s Matt Jacobson said he formed an exploratory committee.

Jacobson, 48, is a Republican, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, and his job is to bring new businesses to Maine. The press release announcing his exploratory committee -- which includes Augusta Mayor Roger Katz -- focuses heavily on the economy.

He's a totally new name to Maine politics.

On the Democratic side, former Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe has said he will run, although he has yet to make a formal announcement.

Good morning:

The Senate passed the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2009 (S. 190) yesterday, by a vote of 61 to 37 with Ted Kennedy not voting (Roll Call 73). Sens. Snowe and Collins joined with four other Republicans in voting for a bill that was amended to provided gun ownership protections and a provision about the Fairness Doctrine. Mmmmm - sausage. The Hill has this:

One controversial amendment changing D.C. law was added to the bill. In a 62-36 vote, the Senate approved an amendment from Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) that does away with D.C.'s registration requirements for most guns.