In a worst-case scenario they take up a roster spot and a miniscule piece of cap space, and at best they emerge as top playmakers at a bargain price.

FORBES: The NFL's Best Bargain Free Agents In 2013

The vote in Maine will have national implications, both for state-level battles moving forward and for the Supreme Court, which is likely to take up at least one gay-marriage case next year, the Portland Press Herald reported.

FORBES: Maine Voters Approve Same Sex Marriage

There is in any case a large a question mark over the take-up of elected mayors outside London.

BBC: A mayor for the millennium