U.S Rep. Mike Michaud today announced that he is running for governor of Maine.

“So much is at stake: Our economy, our environment and our future,” Michaud said. “That’s why I’m here today. To tell you that I am running to be your next governor.”

The event drew a large crowd of several hundred to the Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston, where Michaud made the announcement.

“I’m running to be your next governor because I love this state and the people who live here,” Michaud said.

Michaud formed an exploratory committee on June 13 and sprinted toward an impressive fundraising total for the first reporting period, raising more than $313,000 in just 17 days. Early polls show him leading potential opponents, including Gov. Paul LePage.

“Maine is being held back by a lack of leadership, by pettiness and anger, and by policies that stand in the way of progress, growth and opportunity,” Michaud said. “It’s been three years of missed opportunities, broken promises and bad policies. But that’s only part of the problem. The tone in Augusta has turned into an endless string of angry rants and partisan personal attacks. That’s not the Maine I know.”

Michaud’s day began with a tour of the Sappi paper mill in Westbrook before he arrived in Lewiston. At 2:30 p.m. today, he will visit the revitalized Pepperell Mill Campus in Biddeford before attending a York County Democratic Committee meeting tonight.

Michaud will hold a meet-and-greet at 1 p.m. on August 16 at River Drivers Restaurant in Millinocket. River Drivers is located on Fire Road 20D off Blackcat Road. A map is available here. He will be in Scarborough that night for Summerfest 2013.

On August 17, Michaud will start the day at 9 a.m. with a canvass kickoff in Portland before joining Democratic Senate candidate Eloise Vitelli of Arrowsic as she knocks on doors in Senate District 19, where she is running in a special election that will be held on Aug. 27. He will then attend Democratic events in Lincoln, Knox and Hancock counties.

On August 18, he will attend the Maine Democratic Party’s Muskie Lobster Bake at 1 p.m. at Wolfe Neck Farm in Freeport.

“During this campaign, I plan to cover a lot of miles. Knock on a lot of doors. Listen to the problems facing Mainers and figure out real solutions we can achieve together,” Michaud said. “I punched a time clock for a lot of years. I know when it’s time to get to work. Now it’s time.”

For more information about Michaud, visit: www.michaud2014.com.