2008 United States Senate election in Maine


The 2008 United States Senate election in Maine took place on November 4, 2008. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins won re-election to a third term against Democrat Tom Allen, the U.S. Congressman from the 1st district.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Campaign

Allen tried to tie Collins to George W. Bush, but these tactics failed as Collins maintained her image as a very popular, moderate, independent Republican. She obtained an endorsement from Independent and former Democratic U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman.
When Collins was first elected in 1996 she pledged to serve only two terms in office, which would have been up in 2008. She instead decided to seek a third term, and defeated Allen with over 60% of the vote. She was the only Republican Senate candidate to win in 2008 in a state that was simultaneously won by Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

Predictions

CQ Politics rated this race as 'Leans Republican'. The Cook Political Report considered it 'Lean Republican'.
The Rothenberg Political Report considered it a 'Clear Advantage for Incumbent Party'. UpFront Politics listed the race as 'Leans Republican'. Swing State Project listed the race as "Likely Republican." The Hotline's Senate Rankings showed the Maine Senate race fall from 7th- to 11th-most competitive senate race in the country.

Polling

Results