Republicans hold the Maine state senate, house, and governorship, for the first time in memory, and the tea party movement has energized the long dormant conservative grass roots.
But its not a sure bet that Snowe, if she survives a primary challenge, would win against a top notch Democrat candidate who will undoubtably be very well funded.
Neither Snowe nor Collins has shown any vulnerability. Collins has crushed two first tier challengers while Snowe won her last election with 74% of the vote. Mike Michaud is probably the only one who could get within 15 points of her.
Thanks for the background.
I’m thinking of Maine blue in relationship to presidential elections. I was disappointed in ME-01 and ME-02.
I know there are a lot of conservatives in the Maine interior, but again I guess it’s the coastline that holds sway.
A well organized Tea Party movement and a well organized GOP (the governor, senate and house will help greatly with that) will help hold Snowe’s feet to the fire for the next two years. If she ranges off the reservation too far, I imagine she will face a Tea Party backed primary challenger.