BREAKING: Snowe not running!!!!

[Miles]

Michaud is out, so I guess it'll be Pingree.

Well, at least his House seat is Safe.

[Marokai Backbeat]

Michaud is out, so I guess it'll be Pingree.

Surprising.

[smoltchanov]

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.

It/s not so silly as it seems. Mayne is, surely, left-of-center state, but NOT very liberal state. and Pingree is not only very liberal, but  not especially popular among  "non-activist crowd". Both politically and personally. She won with 55% in stellar Democrativc 2008 against resonable Republican, who could beat her if he ran in 2010. Instead, Republican candidate in 2010 was a far-right conservative, who didn't inspired eveyone, but tea-party crowd. The good indidcator of her "popularity" was her Senate campaign against Collins, which she lost rather badly in relatively "neutral" year.

And Obama is also not especially popular right now. He will win Maine, but not by landslide. If Republicans nominate Santorum or Gingrich - another matter.. So ME-01 is, probably, likely Democrtic, but still NOT sure thing... ME-Senate - rather Leans Democratic now, but with everyone, but well-known and very moderate Republican - likely Democratic too (i don't consider Independents right now)... If Pingree will be Democratic candidate, someone like Raye - Republican, AND King will run as Indie - i will bet on King. Anything may happen here

[Brittain33]

It's funny that you can tell the impact of a retirement on Congress based on whether Krazen starts the thread about it or not.

[Miles]

It's funny that you can tell the impact of a retirement on Congress based on whether Krazen starts the thread about it or not.

Very true.

[Miles]

Norm Dicks is hanging it up after serving since 1977.

This is should somewhat bolster Kaptur's campaign; should she win the primary, she'll be in a position to be the Ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee.

[Brittain33]

Norm Dicks is hanging it up after serving since 1977.

This is should somewhat bolster Kaptur's campaign; should she win the primary, she'll be in a position to be the Ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee.

Alternatively, it opens up a Dem seat in Washington State for a new representative provided he can sell his house in Cleveland..

[RogueBeaver]

Not necessarily Safe D.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2012/03/02/a_closer_look_at_the_senate_race_in_quirky_maine_113338.html

[Miles]

Norm Dicks is hanging it up after serving since 1977.

This is should somewhat bolster Kaptur's campaign; should she win the primary, she'll be in a position to be the Ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee.

Alternatively, it opens up a Dem seat in Washington State for a new representative provided he can sell his house in Cleveland..

Wow, I posted this under the wrong thread. lol

I guess I shouldn't post while changing classes...

[Del Tachi]

It would be hilarious if both Michaud and Pingree's seats went for the GOP, and Republicans held the senate seat with someone more right-wing.

[JohnnyLongtorso]

PPP teases their Maine poll:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[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.

[Tidewater_Wave]

I was hoping she'd keep running because I can't see many other conservatives winning there. Hopefully, we can find another candidate to replace her. Thank you Olympia Snowe.

[Marokai Backbeat]

PPP teases their Maine poll:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Excellent, excellent.

[I'm JewCon in name only.]

Well, this does suck, but I hated her anyways.

I hope Collins doesnt retire. I love Susan Collins.

[Reginald]

Well, this does suck, but I hated her anyways.

I hope Collins doesnt retire. I love Susan Collins.

Okay, I'm really curious as to how this works. How can you hate one of the Maine Twins but love the other? Not much at all separates them, no?

[I'm JewCon in name only.]

Well, this does suck, but I hated her anyways.

I hope Collins doesnt retire. I love Susan Collins.

Okay, I'm really curious as to how this works. How can you hate one of the Maine Twins but love the other? Not much at all separates them, no?

I just feel like Collins is more authentic in her views, and tries to be a republican while Snowe is more of an opportunist.

[redcommander]

Come one Cutler. Run again and ruin the Dems chances of winning another race.

[greenforest32]

Come one Cutler. Run again and ruin the Dems chances of winning another race.

Man I just looked over some of Maine's previous elections. If there's any state that needs a majority requirement for their elections, it's Maine.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Even with a strong independent or Culter running again, a repeat of Governor's race 2010 isn't likely because 1-It's not a GOP wave year and 2-The Dem candidate in 2010 was really really bad and the only reason Cutler did so well was he picked up the tactical votes of Democrats once she collapsed.

[Ogre Mage]

I'd estimate Senate Democrats have even odds of holding 50+ seats in the Senate post-2012.  Maybe even slightly better than even.  Prior to this, I thought it was likely they would lose control.

[TJ in Oregon]

After her birth control mandate vote, good riddance.

[smoltchanov]

Well, i don't see Republicans right now. winning this race with candidates who declared or likely to declare. Their best chances would be 1-1 Pingree-Summers race. But even it would begin as lean Democratic... All other likely Republican candidates would almost assuredly lose either to Pingree in 1-1 race (even though she isn't especially popular) or, say, to King in 3-way race..

[smoltchanov]

After her birth control mandate vote, good riddance.

I will say just opposite: "Thank you, Senator Snowe, for being true to your principles. Even after announcing retirement.."

[redcommander]

After her birth control mandate vote, good riddance.

I will say just opposite: "Thank you, Senator Snowe, for being true to your principles. Even after announcing retirement.."

What are her principles?