Who should I vote for in the 2008 Maine Senate Race?
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Here's a basic introduction to this campaign: Tom Allen has represented Maine's southern district (here in Maine we only have two congressional districts) in the House since 1996. Susan Collins has been Maine's junior Senator since that same year, and was re-elected to her seat in 2002. This campaign is interesting because it mirrors the national struggle between Republicans and Democrats: security vs. health care. Tom Allen, making health care one of the central platforms of his campaign, is constantly reminding voters of his battle for lower prescription drug prices and his universal health care plan. Susan Collins' security credentials, former chair of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee and current member of the Armed Services Committee, are what her campaign has used to draw a distinction between her and Allen. And of course, just to make things more interesting, Allen voted against the war in Iraq while Collins voted for it. Here's a short video clip on the campaign shot back in July by Boston station NECN. It's from the Allen campaign's website, but it doesn't favor either side. NECN Profiles Maine Senate Race
Side:
 Tom Allen (D) Congressman Tom Allen has never been afraid to stand up for what is right and in the best interest of Mainers. In 2002 when most members of Congress supported war against Iraq, as a Congressman, he courageously voted against it, standing up to President Bush, Senator Collins, and the leadership of his own party. Tom opposed the administration tax and spend policies, and continues to work for middle class tax cuts and is a nationally recognized leader on prescription drug prices. A leading advocate for clean air and reliable, affordable energy, he supports a new national energy policy that would decrease our reliance on fossil fuels and foreign oil and encourage innovation and conservation. Others have noticed that Tom’s leadership has been good for Maine. “Tom Allen has built a record in Congress that Maine can take pride in. He has represented his district and the state well and his work promises even more in the future,” wrote the Bangor Daily News. “ . . . Allen has distinguished himself in his service to Maine and set an impressive course to become a leading voice on national issues.” Side: Tom Allen
Susan Collins has made security the focus of her campaign, yet she voted for the Iraq war which diverted troops from Afghanistan. Osama Bin Laden has not been caught and it's been almost seven years since the terrorist attack. Yet Collins continues supporting the policies of the Administration when it comes to security. Tom Allen showed the leadership and judgment to stand up and vote against the war, even at the risk of being called soft on terror. I do not think that the citizens of Maine are buying the argument that Republicans equal security anymore. Meanwhile Tom Allen is hammering away on issues at home, like health care, and energy costs. Side: Tom Allen
It is not fair to point out that we have not caught bin Laden without also pointing out that the US has not been successfully attacked since 9/11 and that several attempts to do so have been broken up here at home and internationally. For all the whining about how the world hates us, there is a lot of cooperation on this issue. Catching bin Laden would be a feel good story and justice but it pales next to preventing any further attack of the sort we experienced on 9/11/2001. Flooding Afghanistan with Marines might solve the micro problem of meting out justice, but a representative Iraq partnered with the West goes a long way to solving the underlying macro problem that bin Laden represents. Side: Susan Collins
3
points
Tom Allen is a candidate for the U.S. Senate who has the courage to stand up for his convictions, at times even opposing the leadership of his own party. His policy positions are clearly stated and offer a clear alternative to the Republican status quo. In 2002 Allen voted against giving the President authorization to wage war on Iraq and has continued to oppose the war and push for early troop withdrawals. He recognizes the seriousness of the health crisis in the United States and supports the creation of universal health care. He has actively pursued health care reform from his position on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Tom Allen has fought the administration's efforts to coddle the oil industry and voted against the Bush-Cheney Energy Bill which gave billions in subsidies and tax breaks to Big Oil. Allen has been a strong supporter of energy independence and has a consistent voting record in favor of developing alternative energy technologies and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Tom Allen deserves the support of those who truly desire change and believe that we cannot afford six more years of failed and discredited policies. Side:
Tom Allen (D) 2
points
Tom Allen is more than a worthy challenger. Having represented Maine in the House of Representatives for over a decade, he is well known and well liked. This past week, Tom Allen was endorsed by both the Maine Teachers Union as well as the Maine Council for Senior Citizens. While the polls may have Allen down by more than 10%, he is making a lot of head way and might be able to pick up enough steam to defeat a very strong Republican opponent. Remember, the polls sample registered voters, not likely voters. No one is more likely to vote than teachers, union workers and senior citizens. These are two huge endorsements for Allen. Side: Endorsements
Has anyone heard of the Middle Class Opportunity Act (H.R. 2902)? The act was introduced by Tom Allen to alleviate financial stress due to the drop in wages and increases in living costs for middle-income families both nationally and in Maine. If he is elected, the bill would be pushed and most likely pass. The act alleviates some federally imposed financial stresses to citizens in said income bracket by targeting four points: 1) It relieves moderate-income households of the AMT, or the Alternative Minimum Tax, which was established in 2006 to ensure that high-income families pay at least some tax. The dilemma here is that the AMT is not regulated for inflation and that means that as our economy drops and the dollar loses it's value, families who still earn less in reality will be forced to pay the AMT because of the numbers on their check. Allen's plan insists that congress amend the AMT before it begins to negatively effect the state of Maine's 71,000 families in middle-income households and the other 23 million nationwide. The bill would also combine three education tax credits (Hope and Lifetime Tax credits and college tuition) into one comprehensive tax credit for higher education. Simply speaking, the credit would provide up to $2500 and would cover expenses for fees, tuition and books. Lastly, MCO would double the Child tax credit for the first year (from $1000-2000), thereby allowing new parents some time to get on their feet. It would also expand the Dependent Care Tax credit to cover not only children in households earning $43,000-75,000, but also to cover the dependent elderly within a household. So, in a nutshell, Allen wants to increase education tax credits, assist new parents just starting out, and give those who are bearing the weight of rising gas prices and inflation with supporting their parents and children. This act sounds like the work of a true progressive, taking money out of the pockets of the unbearably wealthy and putting it in the hands of blue collar America. Here's a clip with some more legislation Tom Allen has introduced to give taxpayers ample tax breaks when buying their first home. An act such as this provides families with heightened security when making a purchase in the housing market, and also helps to boost the market itself. Side: Tax breaks
Both parties recognize the need to do away with or fix the AMT. The issue is not recognizing the problem or even what needs to be done. The problem is the old one of one side refusing to work with the other side without getting all the credit. This is why we need John McCain and moderates like Collins who have a pr oven ability and willingness to legislate instead of pontificate. It does no good to attack the Republican party and punish them for eight years of Bush by removing the good guys. I believe if you look, McCain is suggesting a higher number in child tax credits. Doesn't sound to me like Allen is reinventing the wheel here. I would be more concerned with electing a hard line Dem to replace a moderate Republican when gridlock keeps everyone's bills from passing no matter how good an idea or how needed the legislation is. Side: Susan Collins
"No Child Left Behind's inflexible rules have harmed Maine's rural schools. The program depends on too much standardized testing, too many labels and too many unfunded federal mandates imposed on state and local taxpayers. This must change. I am fighting to reform No Child Left Behind to ensure that teachers are able to teach and children are able to learn." Tom Allen at the Ross Technology Center of Southern Maine Community College (SMCC). In addition to the aforementioned goals of Allen's Middle Class Opportunity Act, it is also working to promote afterschool programs, improving special education, investing in school construction and renovations, better access to quality childcare, an expansion of early childhood development programs, and improving teacher recruitment and training. Allen is closely aligning himself with major efforts towards making higher education more affordable to lower to middle class families. I think a major component to the success or failure of our economic future relies on the accessibility and quality of the education of our youth. Side: Allen and Education
How surprising is it that Allen supports the special interests of leading Democratic contributor, the teachers unions? Next I bet you will say that he supports the trial lawyers positions on tort reform. No Child Left Behind wants, among other things, to hold teachers responsible for their competence and effectiveness. Unions never want their members to be graded, judged, found wanting or fired. Side: Susan Collins
Although the bill failed to pass in the House, Tom Allen was one of the major supporters of the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act (H.R. 1252), which would investigate and prosecute "those who artificially inflate the price of oil, natural gas, home-heating oil, crude oil, and propane." Although the bill itself does not directly address the core issue of the rise in energy prices, it would have been a significant step towards regulating the extent to which investors and energy distributors are allowed to boost prices in order to preserve healthy profit margins in the oil industry. In effect, Allen's support of H.R. 1252 exhibits a strong commitment to the people of Maine (most particularly the struggling middle class) who are struggling against the steady increase of fuel for transportation and heating. Side: Allen and The Oil Companies
Tom Allen answered some nasty allegation that were being put forward by two out-of-state groups hoping to put forth the story that Tom Allen doesn't want union workers to function independently of their business. Allen stood up for himself, hushing the rumors once and for all by asking Maine residents to do the research for themselves into his campaign and look at the legislation he supports. The ads were run by groups run by big corporation interests and supporters of Collins and skewed Allen's words to make his proposal for worker options at the ballot box look like it was stripping them of the right to vote at all. Allen responds to nasty attacks
Side: Allen responds to attacks
Just yesterday Tom Allen unveiled his plan for creating what he calls, "A Modern Maine Economy", which should help to alleviate tax burdens for the middle class. In it he wants to "blend fair trade, technology and yankee ingenuity" to stabilize the mortgage crises, bring food and gas prices down and provide general ease for those suffering under the AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax) which I wrote about earlier. Allen addressed his constituents in Bangor: “Even more middle class families will be hit by AMT if Congress doesn’t act to fix the problem. My plan extends for two years, stopping the AMT from hitting millions of additional taxpayers until Congress acts to fix it permanently." Tom Allen for the middle class
Side: Tom Allen
On August 21, Rep.Tom Allen (D) released a statement addressing his objection to a rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that proposed to cut federal funding from institutions that fired medical practitioners for refusing to offer abortion care or information and significantly limit a woman's access to birth control and family planning services. Along with 34 other House Members, Allen drafted a letter to the Bush Administration stating their opposition to the rule and argued their concerns about the threat to women's health and medical provisions and security posed by the bill. Tom Allen: "In our letter, we stated our concern that the ‘true impact’ of the regulation ‘would be to jeopardize women’s access to safe and effective birth control across the country’ resulting in ‘a radical reversal of decades of public health work to provide contraception and family planning services that have enjoyed wide, bipartisan support.’" Side: Women's Health
A recent string of negative ads have been released portraying negative stereotypes of union leaders intimidating workers in an effort to attack Tom Allen's support of the Employee Free Choice Act in 2007. The bill makes it easier for employees to unionize and sets a higher precedent on employee rights. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups have been openly critical of the bill, but deny any involvement in the ad campaign. As health care prices increase and our unemployment rates climb up to 6%, Tom Allen's support of the Employee Free Choice Act reflects his deep commitment to the well-being and fair treatment of the working voters of Maine and the improvement of both the conditions and the success of its economy. Collins voted against the bill. Side: Employee Free Choice Act
The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) is taking a front seat in the Maine Senate race between Tom Allen (D) and Susan Collins (R). The bill, co-sponsored by Allen, marks a distinctive rift between the two candidates as it passed the House in 2007 but was blocked in the Senate with Collins being a notable voice in the opposition. If the Democrats can secure for themselves a "filibuster-proof" majority in the Senate this November, the EFCA is almost guaranteed to pass. Hence, a prime motivating factor for Allen to unseat the incumbent Republican. However, the EFCA is not only a heavy hitter with just the Allen people. It has taken a life of its own between organizations such as the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, the National Retail Federation, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce among others who have "targeted [the Employee Free Choice Act] as our No. 1 or No. 2 priority to defeat." In response, the AFL-CIO has taken action on behalf of the bill against which "Corporate America has opened unlimited bank accounts to defeat." Allen himself noted that Collins' alleged support for Maine's workers was "utter baloney" and argued, "We have to make it easier for people to organize in the workplace because the union movement needs support; this is the path to better jobs, benefits and higher pay.” Side: Utter Baloney
Yesterday (September 21st), Tom Allen (D) and Susan Collins (R) squared off in what was the first of their ten debates scheduled before the elections in November. The debate was held at the Temple Beth El in Portland, Maine and (as expected) aimed its focus primarily on the concerns regarding the economy after the drama between Wall Street and Capital Hill last week. The two candidates exhibited sharp contrasts in their economic perspectives. Collins failed to openly endorse the tighter regulation measures for financial institutions currently being proposed as a possible solution to the market woes. She did, however, note that steps against speculative investing and irresponsible executive compensation must be made. In contrast, Allen wholeheartedly supported any move by the federal government to prevent an economic meltdown and quickly pointed the blame for our current situation on the economic policies of the Bush Administration. As these debates start to occur, be sure (as a voter) to keep an ear to the developments on Capital Hill as far as market regulation and compliance is concerned. In this debate, I don't see any dramatic flip in either of the candidates' fiscal agendas. However, as candidates scrape to adjust their economic plans to the current crisis, it will be very interesting to see in what ways candidates (both at the state and federal levels) shift their prior statements on the economy to better suit the fallouts of this past week. Side: First Debate Breakdown
Tom Allen (D) is looking at a very steep slope in the polls as he lags significantly behind Collins (R), according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted on behalf of several news broadcasts across the state of Maine. The poll surveyed up to 675 Maine voters and carries a percent point margin of approximately 3.8%. The Allen campaign, of course, rejected the numbers as Allen spokeswoman, Carol Andrews, states, "Reliable polling conducted internally shows this race to be very much in play and far closer than those margins." "We are confident that the people of Maine want change and are beginning to realize that voting for Tom Allen is the way to begin solving our economic, health care and energy crises, to begin bringing our troops home from Iraq and to take care of our people here at home.” The Collins campaign gladly accepted the numbers and praised the Maine voters who "appreciate her hard work and aren’t swayed by negative and false ads that aim to distort her real record of accomplishment for our state." The main issue here is the middle ground independent and undecided vote in Maine who voted 54% in favor of Collins. While Allen is rushing to put out as many ads as he can to draw a hard line between his positions and those of Susan Collins, many political analysts consider such moves too late in the race to be effective enough to sway the numbers in Allen's favor, particularly among the independents. I suppose we'll find out if they're analysis is true in November. Side: Allen lagging behind
This news is a interesting one to be seriously analyzed by Maine's voters. Two Democratic congressmen representing the state cast opposing votes in today's legislation that denied Bush's bailout plan in the House. First District Representative Tom Allen (D), who is running against Susan Collins (R) for the Senate seat, voted in favor of the plan and found it "unconscionable that the House failed to reach consensus on legislation to stabilize financial markets as America stands on the brink of the worst economic crisis since the 1930s." Second District Representative Mike Michaud (D) voted against the bill on the basis that Bush's plan was lacking taxpayer protections and granted the Treasury too much authority to spend as much as $700 billion to rescue Wall Street. Which position do you consider more consistent with true Democratic principles? Side: Opposing Maine Democrats
Senator Collins just voted for the revised Wall Street bailout bill. The party platforms call for virtually every member of Congress to support it, so Allen shouldn't be too confident that this will work in the Democrats' favor. Not being the incumbent only serves to put him in a more comfortable spot than Collins. Side:
Tom Allen (D) Democratic challenger to the Senate seat of incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, Tom Allen, is gaining momentum heading into the last month before the election as the 25 percent point deficit from August has been ratcheted down to just an 8 percent points. Monday's polls showed Collins at 49 percent ( the first time in a while that she has dipped below 50 percent) and Allen at 41 percent. Allen said in response to the numbers, "She's under 50 percent. In August, we were 25 points down. Do the math. We're moving very, very fast. We are speaking much more clearly and forcefully to the needs people have in Maine, the fears they have, the hopes they have right now, than she is...That's why we're moving so fast." The main issue, of course, is the economic crisis and both the candidates voted in support of the bailout plan. Allen added that at the top of his priorities, if elected, is health care (and his plan is relatively identical to the "keep it if you like it/we'll guarantee you coverage if you can't afford it" proposals of Barack Obama.) Against criticism that he lacks the experience that Collins has, Allen responded, "I will be a senator in the majority. The majority is more important than seniority. We're going to have a Democratic majority for some time to come." Side: Third wind
Allen added another feather to his campaign hat this week as the Planned Parenthood of Northern New England stated their endorsement of the Democratic senate hopeful outside the federal courthouse in Portland, Maine this morning. The endorsement deserves to be recognized as the organization has previously backed Sen. Collins (who runs a pro-choice platform) in her previous races. The turning point came with Collins' approval of Samuel Alito's appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. Allen reiterated the contradiction in the Republican Senator's stance by adding, ""His record [on women's issues]...was predictable." He then stood alongside the director of public affairs, Chris Quint, personally to accept the organization's support. Side: Planned Parenthood Support
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Senator Collins has introduced legislation that would make available additional funding to low-income families for weatherization programs, grant dollars for low-income families who do not qualify for energy efficiency tax credits, low interest loans for middle-income consumers, and an extension of tax incentives for renewable energy programs. Senator Collins’ bill, the Energy Assistance Act of 2008, also includes a provision from a bill she introduced previously that would provide for a $500 tax credit to help consumers purchase clean burning wood or wood pellet stoves. Side: Susan Collins
4
points
The Twin Cities Times on August 7 printed a letter to the editor pointing out some of the discrepancies between Senator Collin's rhetoric, current policies and her voting record. The Senator's latest energy initiative certainly represents a reasonable approach to alleviating the crunch so many Maine residents are feeling, but has her record always been consistent on this issue? Senator Collins has criticized the uncontrolled speculation that has driven up oil prices but in the past has denied funding to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission which has the mandate to address these issues. The Senator has also denied funding for weatherization programs which she now supports. She voted for the 2005 Bush-Cheney Energy Plan which granted the nuclear and oil & gas industries billions of dollars in incentives and tax breaks. At best Senator Collins has had a mixed voting record on energy issues and any claims to unconditionally support an alternative approach to energy policy have to be viewed with a healthy dose of skepticism. Introducing legislation on the eve of an election smacks of opportunism and electioneering. Side: Green energy
A good website for cutting through hype and spin is govtrack.us. It's a site for those of us who collected too many baseball cards as a kid and now want our politicians to have easy to read statistics attached to them. Here's a pretty amazing statistic attached to Susan Collins: in two terms she has never missed a vote. Not one. And according to the site's statistical analysis of voting affiliation, she is the furthest left of any congressional Republican. Collins is somebody who shows up to every vote and when there, votes her with conscience. No matter where you come from on the political spectrum, you have to love the record of accountability and independence Susan Collins has put together in the Senate. Side: Susan Collins
4
points
Susan Collins, regarded by many on the left as one of the "good Republicans" and a record-proven moderate Senator, appears to be jumping off of the sinking GOP ship and moving out on her own. Not only did she get rid of Ted Stevens' money as soon as he was indicted, but the two-term Senator has also announced that she will not be attending her party's convention and spending the week in her home state of Maine. Maine is not the most conservative state and distancing oneself from the Republican party might be as good a move as one can make in this election season as even the Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is in danger of losing his seat. Side: Susan Collins
In this economy, energy and renewable fuel are the loudest and foremost problem children that America must deal with to stabilize environmental and fiscal concerns. Susan Collins is aware that the average Maine citizen cannot afford to make costly green alterations to their homes and lifestyle, so she proposes tax cuts and government assistance to citizens in order to behoove them to make greener choices. From the Susan Collins website. Her statement regarding energy: "In a difficult economy, investments in energy conservation and alternative energy improvements are simply too costly for many families and small businesses, especially those that are still reeling from last winter’s high energy costs. For that reason, on July 30th, I introduced the Energy Assistance Act of 2008 to make available additional funding to low-income families for weatherization programs, grant dollars for low-income families who do not qualify for energy efficiency tax credits, low interest loans for middle-income consumers, and an extension of tax incentives for the production of renewable energy, like wind. My legislation also includes a provision from a bill I introduced previously to provide a $500 tax credit to help consumers purchase clean-burning wood or wood pellet stoves."- collins.senate.gov Current tax credits, Collins says, do not provide sufficient compensation to home owners and small business who choose to install solar panels or energy efficient water systems. Lower-income tax families are rarely included in these numbers because the money to finance such alterations is not even remotely covered by the current tax credit. Not only would her legislation be fiscally sound, but by requiring the government to ante up for green change, long winter heating would have a less harmful impact in such a northern state as Maine. Quote from Collins: "These individuals were especially hard-hit by last winter’s high energy prices, and it is critically important that they receive assistance before cold weather sets in again. To help those who are most in need, my bill would provide an additional $500 million in funding this year for grants for energy efficiency, weatherization, and renewable energy technology, and would double funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program." Collins for Green change throughout Maine
Side: Green energy
3
points
Susan Collins has demonstrated that she will not make a decision about troop withdrawal until enough information is provided. Tom Allen just wants to rush everything, and not take the time to make sure that troops can be removed safely. It is not just the people of Iraq that will be in danger if we withdrawal too fast. Side: Susan Collins
Susan Collins has a track record of centrism, and if the Senate is to remain a functioning institution, centrists are necessary. Collins was a member of the Gang of 14, which fought to save the Senate from excessive partisanship. She's pro-choice, and opposed to the false fix that is offshore drilling. In an increasingly partisan age, Collins is a rare breed – a moderate with an instinct for compromise. If the two-party system that has served America so well is to endure, we must recognize the value in public servants like Collins. Side: Susan Collins
2
points
Susan Collins has been a strong supporter of the environment. During her Senate career for instance, she received a 100 percent rating from the League of Conservation Voters. This shows her independence from the national Republican Party. In general Collins has pursued a more moderate course than Republican President George W. Bush. The policies of George W. Bush have been a disaster for America in terms of the war and the rising U.S. deficits that is putting this country in debt. Collins is a fiscal conservative who will have experience and expertise to help repair the nation's image and strength in the next four years. Side: Endorsements
There are sufficient arguments suggesting that much of the increase in energy prices and our current economic situation is the product of excessive speculation in our trade markets. In response to these arguments, Sen. Susan Collins (alongside Sen. Joe Lieberman, ID - Conn and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D - Wa.) recently introduced the Commodity Speculation Reform Act of 2008. The Commodity Speculation Reform Act of 2008 intends to curb excessive market speculation by setting limitations on the amount of futures contracts held by an investor and closing the "swaps" loopholes and eliminate exemptions that investors have previously used to circumvent past limits set on investment practices. Although this bill is still subject to economic "theories" as to how to improve our current conditions, it is a significant step towards preserving the integrity and due amount of freedom within our markets without allowing that freedom to be abused and further cripple our economic stability and/or progress. Side: Collins and Economy
On July 30, Collins introduced the Energy Assistance Act of 2008 that would make additional funding available for low-income families, low interest loans for the middle class, and more tax incentives to boost clean energy and renewable resource incentives. As Maine holds a unique voting demographic who have a lower income percentage than most other states in the New England area yet also support higher taxes (more effectively spent), Collins needs to continue to support and propose clean, affordable energy programs in order to hang onto her edge on Democrat Tom Allen. A quote from her speech reflects Collins' sentiments behind the Energy Assistance Act: “As I visit communities around the state of Maine, I hear time and again that the high cost of energy is causing a crisis for many of our citizens… I am concerned that in a difficult economy, investments in energy conservation and alternative energy improvements are simply too costly for many American families and small businesses. With oil prices as high as they are, most families and small businesses are already scrimping and saving to make ends meet, and they do not have the money to finance the gap between the tax credit we provide and the cost of the investment…The legislation I am introducing today calls for additional loan authority to support current federal programs that help families and small businesses finance energy efficiency improvements. It also would provide much-needed grants for low-income individuals who cannot benefit from either tax credits or low-interest loans. These proposals, taken together, would go a long way toward achieving greater energy efficiency and reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.” Side: Energy Assistance Act
Ideologically, Senator Collins probably has more of an advantage by being a centrist while Allen is on the far left. She's socially liberal but stands with most of the Republican party when it comes to school prayer, social security, school vouchers, and taxes. But since foreign instead of domestic policy has become a primary focus for this election, if reelected, Collins would have to be convinced to change her mind on the Patriot Act, Iraq, and returning to the use of our own oil. Side:
 Susan Collins (R) Senator Collins' record this session shows that she hasn't missed any votes in the Senate. Even if you don't agree with how she's voted, this fact by itself demonstrates that she understands the importance of representing the people who elected her. This is strong evidence that if you contact her to let her know how you feel about any issue, she will be there to listen. Side:
Susan Collins (R) I reported last week that Congressman Starkewolfe is one of the greenest Republicans running for office right now. Senator Susan Collins is one of the greenest Senate Republicans in office right now. Throughout the summer Sen. Collins held five hearings on most important topic of the future of the United States: Energy. However, like most politicians, she does believe, like the majority of Democrats and Republicans, in the interventionist foreign policy that United States is currently holding. On March 6th, 2007 Ms. Collins had co-sponsored a bill entitled, “S. CON. RES 16: A concurrent resolution calling on the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) to recommit to a political solution to the conflict in northern Uganda and to recommence vital peace talks, and urging immediate and substantial support for the ongoing peace process from the United States and the international community.” Once again the United States gets involved in a nation’s business without having any merit to do so. It does not threaten the United States’ national security. She does have a lot of the youth vote in Maine among Republicans and Independents yet she still supports the War in Iraq when 69% of the American public disapproves of the war. According to Pollster 2008, which combines the polls from various sources such as: Rasmussen & Critical Insights, Senator Collins is ahead of Democratic Senate opponent Tom Allen with a 54% to 41% lead? Side: Susan Collins
Sen. Collins has called on Tom Allen (D) to discredit a series of ads aired by VoteVets.Org that she claims are an attempt in poor taste to distort her record on the Iraq War to gain voters. According to her campaign, "This is the latest in a series of ads, which are paid for by out-of-state special interest political groups, to attack Senator Collins since 2007. These same groups have already spent more than $1 million on attack ads against Senator Collins." Nonetheless, the ads point to perhaps the only avenue through which Allen can effectively distinguish himself from his Republican competitor, who (as has been already noted) has developed a reputation for her moderate, centrist record and autonomy apart from the Bush Administration, in their positions regarding the Iraq War. While Collins has supported an open-ended commitment and an eventual, responsible troop withdrawal, Allen is calling for an immediate return of the troops. As more positive reports and statistics regarding the war in Iraq minimize it's priority in the national voting conscience behind our economy and energy crises, look for Collins to gain significant ground in the poles and Allen to dig even further to find a productive platform to set himself apart from the Republican incumbent. Side: Third Party Ads
Senator Susan Collins has received an endorsement from the gay and lesbian community in her bid for reelection to Maine's Senate seat. In her time in the Senate, she has been a strong supporter of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and co-sponsored the Matthew Sheppard Act which made hate crimes against homsexuals illegal. A vocal opponent of the anti-family marriage amendment, she does not support a ban on gay marriage. Collins has also criticized the “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” Law claiming it hurts national security to lose gay service members.
Supporting Evidence:
Log Cabin Announces Initial List of Endorsements for U.S. House & Senate
(online.logcabin.org)
Side: Collins Backed by Gay Community
Standing with the GOP's claims of family values, incumbent Senator Susan Collins attacked John Edwards in light of his admission he had an affair with one of his campaign staff. While talking to the Q Morning Show, Collins blasted Edwards claims made during his campaign to be a devout family man who supported his sick wife. Taking aim, she made her belief known that the staffer's child was John Edwards' and she condemned him by asking, “dontcha think he is the father of the child? Would he be sneaking into the hotel in the middle of the night to see a child who's not his? I don't think so!"
Supporting Evidence:
Sen. Collins on Edwards: 'Dontcha Think He Is The Father of The Child?'
(www.ustream.tv)
Side: Collins Attacks Edwards Affair
U.S> Senator Susan Collins (R) and her Democratic rival Tom Allen faced off on Tuesday in a debate that saw the $700 billion bailout that took effect Monday gain traction as the most urgent topic of discussion. Collins aimed her blame for the market fallout on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. She claimed that both the Bush and the Clinton administrations had warned Congress about the lending practices of the mortgage giants and then she turned her harshest critique at the current Democratic majority on Capital Hill. "The Democrats in Congress said no. I think that is the root of this problem" she said. Yet she quickly went on to note that there are many guilty parties in the situation, saying, "The list goes on and on but at the heart, it is Freddie and Fannie." Allen disagreed. "The heart of the problem was the subprime mortgage business itself. The White House didn't want more regulation. They wanted less regulation. They were hoping that Fannie and Freddie would ultimately be privatized. Just think of where that would have taken us." Yet despite the nuanced divergence between the Republican incumbent and Democratic hopeful, the debate between Susan Collins and Tom Allen held before an audience of 200 people at Jeff's Catering showed the opponents agreeing on many issues such as health care, an east-west highway in Maine, more federal funding for disease research and the cost of housing, as well as a devotion to push comprehensive energy legislation if elected. In Collins' favor, however, is her reputation for butting against her own party while Allen has a fairly straight forward Democratic voting record. Side: Debate Nuance
The Maine Senate race is one of two which Republican Senator John Ensign of Nevada characterized as polling in favor of the Republican candidate beyond the margin of error according to polls for the National Republican Senatorial Committee which is led by the Nevada Senator. Additionally he refers to two races being similarly led by Democrats and six being within the margin of error. The implication is clearly that in a year where Republicans are troubled by the burden of an unpopular outgoing administration, so many "pick 'em" races is "so far, so good" for the Republicans. Side: Susan Collins
Republican Senator Susan Collins is holding out on commenting on the $700 bailout being decided upon once again on the Senate floor. Collins supports any legislation that will help ignite economic recovery but she is hesitant to make any further statement until she is made aware of the specific details of the new plan. However, she has voiced disappointment in the fact that the House has not yet decided upon a bailout measure and released the following statement in those regards: "While the Administration's earlier proposal was flawed," Collins said in her statement, "the compromise agreement that failed to pass (Monday) included principles for which I have pushed, including strong protections for taxpayers, curbs on excessive executive compensation, and tough oversight and accountability." Side: Collins Bailout Frustration
UPDATE: Collins Votes for Bailout Collins argued that action needed to be taken in order to protect seniors, homebuyers, car dealers, and small businesses on Main Street. She lauded improvements over the House bill including taxpayer protection, limited executive compensation, increased oversight and accountability. After the vote she stated, “This bill represents significant improvements from the Administration’s earlier proposal, which was deeply flawed. It includes the principles for which I have pressed—strong protections for taxpayers, curbs on excessive compensation, and tough oversight and accountability. If managed properly, the plan could enable taxpayers to not only recover the cost of the plan, but to realize a profit. “The implications of our current crisis go far beyond Wall Street and big banks and are now causing concern among seniors and older workers who are worried about their pension plans, homebuyers, car dealers and small businesses who are finding credit increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain." Side: Bailout
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