Race Summary

Susan Collins, one of Maine's two moderate, Republican female senators, is running for her third term in the Senate. In her initial 1996 campaign, Collins promised to serve just two terms, and could now face questions regarding her change of heart. Collins has been popular at home, and though she faces a competitive challenge from Rep. Tom Allen, she is favored to retain her seat.

Allen announced his candidacy in May 2007, and signaled that he would focus on the war in Iraq as a campaign issue. Allen represents the smaller of the two Maine congressional districts -- both represented by Democrats --but it includes the state''s largest city (Portland) and capital city (Augusta).

Maine has voted for a Democrat in the last four presidential elections, and Pres. Bush never won more than 45% here.

Previous Elections

Senate
2002: Collins 58, Pingree 42
1996: Collins 49, Brennan 44

President
2004: Kerry 54, Bush 45
2000: Gore 49, Bush 44
1996: Clinton 53, Dole 32

Demographics

Population (2007 est.): 1,317,207
Registered Voters: Dem 309,525 | Rep 279,641 | Other 404,582  
Occupation: Blue Collar 25.6% | White Collar 57.4% | Gray Collar 17.0%
Race: White 96.5% | Two+ races 0.9% | Hispanic 0.7% | Asian 0.7%