Mike Michaud

Campaign Photo

Tom Allen

The Portland Phoenix, an alternative weekly paper, has released their endorsements for state and national races, but chose not to make one in the U.S. Senate race between Sen. Susan Collins (R-Bangor) and U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D-Portland).

The Phoenix editorial staff wrote that they were unable to line up meetings with either candidate. They also accused the Allen campaign of playing a, “bizarre and sleazy game,” for trying to dictate the terms of an interview.

Campaign spokeswoman Carol Andrews told the Phoenix that Allen would only meet with them if they promised not to meet with independent write-in candidate Herb Hoffman.

PolitickerME.com is on the trail with U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D-Portland) and former Sen. George Mitchell as they make four stops in Waterville, Skowhegan, Portland and Lewiston. Allen is challenging U.S. Sen. Susan Collins for her seat this year.

LEWISTON – People crowded into the basement of the Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston Tuesday evening, lining up for hot dogs and baked beans, and filling every table to hear former Sen. George Mitchell and U.S. Reps. Tom Allen and Mike Michaud speak.

This was one of a number of “conversation for change” community suppers Allen’s campaign has hosted. This year he is challenging U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Bangor) for her seat.

Mitchell was the first to speak, and reminisced about his first run for office in the 1980s.

Maine’s three members of the Congressional delegation up for reelection said they plan to stay in Washington until the financial crisis is resolved.

Republican presidential candidate John McCain announced today that he was suspending all campaign activities because of the crisis, and suggested postponing the debate with Democratic candidate Barack Obama until it is resolved.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Bangor) was the only one to release a formal statement. She said she sent a letter to Senate leaders urging them to stay in session until a solution is found. She wrote:

The Rothenberg Political Report left both of Maine’s House races off its September list of competitive House races this fall, meaning they see it as limited risk for the Democrats, who hold both seats.

In the 1st Congressional District, Chellie Pingree (D-North Haven) faces Charlie Summers (R-Scarborough). The seat is being vacated by Tom Allen (D-Portland) who is running for the Senate.

In the 2nd Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Mike Michaud (D-East Millinocket) faces Farmington professor John Frary (R-Farmington).

This is no change from previous reports. The only time either race made the list of competitive contests was in November 2007, far before the primary, when Rothenberg put the ME-1 race in the “Democrat favored” category.

Bank of America announced plans to buy Merrill Lynch today, which caused a stir in the stock market.

Both companies have donated to Maine’s national candidates.

In addition, Lehman Brothers investment bank filed for bankruptcy today. While the company’s Political Action Committee gave $25,000 to federal candidates this year and $130,680 in 2006, none of that money went to Maine’s federal candidates.

Following the U.S. Government bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Center for Responsive Politics has released a list of 354 current members of Congress who have accepted donations from the mortgage giants.

The list dates back to 1989.

All four members of Maine’s Congressional delegation are on the list, albeit none in the top third.

The following have released statements on the 7th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. This list will be updated if more are released.

Click on the link for the full statement.

In keeping with the spirit of the ever lengthening campaign cycle, it is time to raise the flag for the 2010 race for Governor. Today, we begin with the Democrats. Steve Rowe. No question about it, the former 4-term House member from Portland and current Attorney General will be on the primary ballot for the democrats. He has his website reserved, has marched in parades this summer from Fort Fairfield to Biddeford and has already lined up key support from political insiders within the democrat ranks.

Mike over at MainePolitics.net points out that U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud (D-East Millinocket) has his photo on the Daily Show blog about the Democratic National Convention.

“Believe it or not, our trip here hasn't only been movie stars pretending to care about stuff.  We've also seen some honest to goodness politicians who might actually care about stuff like Rep. Mike Michaud of Maine…,” the post said.

DENVER -- U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud addressed Tuesday’s breakfast for Maine delegates at the Democratic National Convention. He used two recent mill closures in Maine to highlight the failed policies of the Bush administration.

He then noted a study that shows that Maine ranks 15th in the nation for highest taxes, whereas previous studies said Maine was first.