BREAKING: Snowe not running!!!!

[Nation]

The idea of Pingree being "too liberal" for Maine is downright silly. She represents 50% of the state already, has strong name recognition that likely beats out any current Republican challenger.

Maine is a state that in the span of 15 years, has elected Angus King, Susan Collins/Olympia Snowe, Chellie Pingree, John Baldacci, and Paul LePage. Pingree obviously is aware that she needs to run a statewide campaign, and will need to attract independent Maine voters. At best for the GOP, this will be a close race. Worst case scenario for the GOP, Pingree gets a major advantage by riding Obama's coattails and they end up with a candidate with little name recognition.

[Nation]

I do expect either King or Cutler to jump into the race -- Cutler's indicated he'll cede to King should he enter. Still, I think an independent bid for the seat would be the GOP's best bet -- a 3 way contest then emerges in which the nominee may only need 36% or so, a la Paul LePage.