AUGUSTA (NEWS CENTER Maine) --
Maine's gubernatorial primaries are approaching fast.
June 12 is just less than 40 days away, which means anyone vying for the Blaine House has about five-and-a-half weeks to convince Mainers to vote for them.
Republicans candidates got a chance to refine their message at their party convention in Augusta this weekend.
The four people who want the republican nomination for Governor spent Saturday wooing delegates with their words hoping some would stick.
“I was undecided coming into today but I'm kind of leaning towards voting for Mary,” said Cindy Brakey, who’s son Eric is a state legislator mounting a U.S. senate campaign.
Others in the crowd, say they connected with different candidates.
“I would say I came in completely undecided but I think Garrett Mason and Shawn Moody swayed me a little bit,” said attendee Marc Farrin.
Moody made two sizeable announcements during his presentation.
He received an endorsement from Maine's first lady, Anne LePage.
He then went on to announce he wants to make state lawmakers take drug tests saying it's only fair, especially with talk in Augusta of welfare recipients getting tested.
“I don't believe in double standards and when you work the system to take advantage for yourself, people see right through that and it breaks down morale,” said Moody.
Another surprise, House Republican Leader, Ken Fredette was able to give a speech even though his daughter graduated college Saturday and he wasn't sure he'd make it.
Some delegates think the multi-tasking affected his remarks.
“I wish Ken Fredette had performed better, I think he had a lot going on this weekend,” said Marc Farrin.
Fredette himself says he was excited to be at the convention and is looking forward to debates, like one on NEWS CENTER Maine next week.
“We're going to be having some debates talking about the real issues like who's best qualified to lead in the Republican party,” he said.
According to 500 people in a preference poll conducted by Maine College Republicans, Mary Mayhew had the most support in the room at 44 percent.
She did not, however, have a majority.
Moody was second, and Mason was third though they were within three percent of each other.
The one person everyone at the convention seemed to like was Governor LePage who can't run but reminded the audience how critical the race is to preserve the work he has done.
“Be very very careful and be very thoughtful when you go to the polls,” he told them.
Maine’s Democrats hold their convention on May 18.