Les Otten, the former CEO of American Skiing Co., announced plans to run for governor of the state of Maine as a Republican.  According to his website, Otten's campaign will focus on renewable energy, job creation, efficient government and leadership.


Otten founded American Skiing in 1996 and built it into one of the largest operators of alpine ski, snowboard and golf resorts in the U.S. After incurring debt troubles, it sold off all its properties, the last being The Canyons in Utah in July 2008. Since resigning as CEO in 2001, Otten has been involved in numerous other businesses and industries, including part ownership in the Boston Red Sox.