Due to a 21st-century fondness for politicians who are anything but politicians, the scramble to replace the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Graham Platner has involved the names of some unlikely substitutes.

Bombarded with pleas, actor Patrick Dempsey and historian Heather Cox Richardson were among those who felt the need to let people know they don’t plan to run against Maine’s five-term Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.

Other figures known and loved around Maine are no doubt facing similar pressure from desperate voters. To help cut down on news headlines, here’s a working list of individuals who need not declare that they’re out of the running.

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The North Pond Hermit
While storied and intriguing, with an intimate knowledge of these parts, this is not a man of the people. Any people.

Slugger the Sea Dog
Although our favorite baseball mascot can work deftly across the aisle, his head’s already too big.

Ms. Rachel
Outspoken on matters like Gaza and immigration, the incredibly popular children’s performer could probably win — if she wasn’t a New Yorker now.

Martha Stewart
The lifestyle maven who demolished a historic mansion on Mount Desert Island to make way for a pink granite swimming pool isn’t likely to push back on the president’s renovation projects. In fact, she’d probably help him decorate.

Big Al
A dogged entrepreneur with a distinct sense of personal style. Tempting, but we don’t need any more fireworks in Washington.

Cooper Flagg
Who knows? The NBA phenom could be the future Bill Bradley of Maine. For now, he’s about 10 years too young to take the oath of office.

Corn Pop
It’s hard to say what’s most disqualifying about this flamboyant protestor of trans policies: his politics, his disruptive antics or his watery performance in a recent Augusta school board race.

Joe Cupo
The beloved former TV meteorologist was not pleased about having to address false “Zumba list” prostitution rumors back in 2012. It doesn’t seem right to put him through that again.

From left, JoAnn Miller, Elaine Greene and Carmen Footer, known collectively as the Freeport Flag Ladies, wave to passing motorists on Main Street in Freeport in 2010. (Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer)

Last surviving Freeport Flag Lady
For years, this trio wore their unwavering love of country on their sleeves, including at a 2016 Trump rally in Bangor. Even if the only living member has since switched teams, any association with Old Glory is now simply too fraught.

Sara Gideon
It’s been said. Like people, however — and like Graham Platner — election results can’t change that much in six years.