Maine: Time to Hit the Campaign Trail

National Journal: The Hotline
Sen. Olympia Snowe (R) kicked off her re-election campaign 4/13 telling voters that she offers an “independent voice for those weary of partisan politics.” Snowe: “People are rightfully fed up. More than ever, we need centrists values in the U.S. Senate and the political system.” Author/activist Jean Hay Bright (D) and atty Eric Mehnert(D) are battling for the Dem nomination. Hay Bright: “Her rhetoric doesn’t match her record. She votes (moderate) when it doesn’t count, and then the wrong way when it does.”

Saying Snowe is a heavy favorite “would be an understatement in the eyes of most observers,” and Dems may save their money for more competitive races elsewhere, according to Bowdoin prof. Christian Potholm (Bell, Portland Press Herald, 4/14).

SLIM CHANCES FOR DEMS?

Snowe has raised more than $2M for her re-election effort, with Hay Bright only bringing in about $25K and Mehnert’s last statement totaling $4,500. Colby College Prof L. Sandy Maisel: “She is an extremely formidable candidate. I can’t see Democrats really going after her and investing a great deal of resources in this race if it can’t happen.” But Dems say they are “intent on reclaiming control of the Senate.” DSCC spokesperson Karl Frisch: “Olympia Snowe votes with George Bush eight out of ten times. A vote for her is a vote for the rubber-stamping Republican Senate majority that blindly advances the president’s radical agenda.” Snowe said she is taking nothing for granted in the campaign. Snowe: “I have great respect for the ballot. You never know what’s going to happen” (Bangor Daily News, 4/14).

April 14, 2006 | Filed Under DSCC, News Mentions 

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