Les Otten, former part owner of Red Sox, considers Maine gubernatorial bid

Ex-Red Sox part owner considers Maine governor bid

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Les Otten, a former part owner of the Boston Red Sox, says he is considering a Republican bid for Maine governor in 2010.

Otten has formed an exploratory committee and plans to spend the next two to four months on the road. He says he’ll listen to Mainers’ concerns while gauging support and raising money.

He told supporters Monday in South Portland that “times change but Maine hasn’t changed with them.” Leading his exploratory committee is William Ryan, chairman of TD Banknorth Group.

Otten built Sunday River from a small ski area to the headquarters for American Skiing Co. He went on to own a share of the Boston Red Sox. His latest venture is a company in Bethel that sells wood-burning furnaces.