A new independent survey in Maine shows Senator Susan Collins in the lead, but by a smaller margin than others before it. The Critical Insights poll, conducted 6/1-27, surveyed 602 registered voters for a margin of error of +/- 4% among a sample made up of 42% Democrats, 27% Republicans and 31% independents and other parties. Collins and Rep. Tom Allen were tested.

General Election Matchup
(All / Dem / GOP / Ind)
Collins.......50 / 27 / 83 / 61
Allen.........40 / 65 / 9 / 27

Collins' people can make a credible case that the poll shows a serious oversample of Democratic voters; the Secretary of State's office reports that 31% of Maine voters are registered Democrats while 28% are registered Republicans.

Still, notice the time it took to take the poll: A period of nearly four weeks, which raises concerns about the accuracy of the results. Most pollsters agree that several nights, though no longer than a week, are ideal lengths for a reliable poll.