Maine Senate Race Already The State's Most Expensive Ever
Here's another sign that the emergence of the Internet has raised fundraising expectations enormously for Congressional races all across the country.
The latest fundraising figures from Maine show that the two candidates have already made this the most expensive Senate race in state history -- and there are more than six months left to go.
Incumbent Susan Collins (R) raised over $960,00 in the first quarter of 2008, with $5.52 million raised overall and $4.51 million in cash-on-hand. Congressman Tom Allen (D) took in $700,000 for the first quarter, with $3.7 million raised in total and $2.7 million cash-on-hand.
As much as Allen has raised, it might not be enough to topple the incumbent, however: Collins holds a double-digit lead in all polls taken so far.
Collins holds a double-digit lead in all polls taken so far.
This just depresses me. This odious woman is a liar and an opportunist
April 15, 2008 3:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just to underscore Greg's point about the internet, going into this quarter both candidates were drawing two-thirds or more of their contributions from out of state.
April 15, 2008 3:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Excuse me. The poster, of course, was Eric.
April 15, 2008 3:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
So Fly, does that mean that the voter's of maine are being swayed by those outside of maine? If that is the case has this issue been covered by the local press in Maine? IF not why not? It would seem to me that the interest of those in maine are much more prescient than the issue of those outside of maine.
April 15, 2008 3:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
People in Maine aren't paying attention to this yet. The real juice is in the District 1 race for the Dem nod to run for Allen's seat. There are a couple of things at play, 1, Regionalism: Collins is from northern/eastern Maine, the boonies, near Canada, Allen's from Portland. 2, Collins may be odious but she's not obvious. Her brand is honest, decent, hard-working, provides good constituent service, and isn't rabidly conservative. It takes a lot for Mainers to "fire" our representatives. I think once people focus on this race and Collins's weaknesses, Allen will have a good chance. Possibly like a Lincoln Chaffee, "we respect you, but..." decision.
April 15, 2008 4:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is anyone drawing any connections between Collins poll lead and the Obama candidacy? What I mean is will people prefer a middle of the road type like Collins/Clinton/McCain over Obama?
I am talking General Election here, I think Obama won Maine Caucus ???
Just curious.....
April 15, 2008 4:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maine could split ticket either way, Obama/Collins, McCain/Allen. Best bet is that House seats will stay blue (Allen's replacement and Mike Michaud reelected). Personally, I think Obama will win here. Not as confident about Hillary if she somehow manages to wrest the nomination.
April 15, 2008 5:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's an enormous amount to raise for a Maine contest. It goes to show how important the stakes are. Ironically campaign finance limits--the $2300/4600 Pres limits for instance--force committed donors to find other good ways of supporting their causes. This might be one of the unforeseen benefits of even the limited campaign finance reform. Not sure how special interest money fits in to this campaign.
Sen. Collins is a decent person and sort of an imperfect Republican, imperfection obviously being a compliment in this bizarre context. But she is an enabler. An enabler of some of one of the most garbage administrations in history. So Sen. Collins has enabled environmental degradation, the lowering of esteem for us around the globe, a costly military misadventure, pain and suffering that could have been prevented, and a government which is failing in nearly every other regard. An enabler.
It would be great to see her go. But then, I'm sure she will get the "Woman's Vote" from moderate I's and D's, and so its an uphill battle for the Allen no matter what.
April 15, 2008 6:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
nikb3522,
WTF? The positions that Obama chooses are at best grounds to call him a moderate if not mediocre Republican. There is very little in his platform that does not place him to the Right of Eisenhower Republicans.
Susan Collins is a present day. not totally wacko right (mostly moderate but can be relied upon to throw her chips in with pResident when required).
It is only boldface fear and hate mongering, badward-ass, recessivist nature of McCain-Clinton '08 that lends Obama the pretense of moderation.
John Edwards is a moderate, middle of the road Democrat.
Obama is Republican-lite running as a Democrat.
April 15, 2008 9:47 PM | Reply | Permalink