Incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, has served two terms, and, by most accounts, has been effective, moderate and bipartisan. Tom Allen, the six-term representative to Congress from Maine’s 1st District who is highly regarded in that region, is challenging her for the Senate seat. Allen supporters argue that his views are closer to those of most Mainers, and that if elected, he would be in the majority in Congress. Collins supporters counter that she has gained stature in Washington, and has found a way to pass legislation even while in the minority.
Is Collins a true moderate or does she stick with the Bush administration and its agenda too often? Is Allen too liberal or do his views on health care, the economy and other issues better align with Maine values? Is electing a filibuster-proof Democratic majority in the Senate a worthy goal or a recipe for bad policy? Will the outcome of the presidential election impact the Senate race?