Chellie Pingree files for congressional run

[MaineDem]

PORTLAND, Maine — Former Maine state Sen. Chellie Pingree has filed with the Federal Elections Commission to launch a campaign for Maine´s 1st District congressional seat, which is now occupied by fellow Democrat Tom Allen.

Allen, of Portland, has signaled he´s ready to run against Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins next year, but has made no announcement so far.

A number of Maine Democrats have been eyeing Allen´s congressional seat amid speculation the six-term congressman will run for the Senate. In addition to Pingree, they include York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence, former state Sen. Michael Brennan of Portland, and Portland lawyer Adam Cote, a former soldier in Iraq.

http://news.mainetoday.com/apwire/D8OBC82O0-95.html

Hooray!!! I think it's hers to win.

[Shorebound]

1. The primary

will be the real battleground. (I mean, really, who expects the GOP to put up a credible challenger in the First District?) Who else is likely to make a run for the nomination? I've heard Ethan Strimling is interested. I'm not sure I want to see the field get too crowded, though.

BTW, Chellie filing for the race is, for me, final confirmation that Tom is going to take on Collins. I hope that means that his polling numbers show that she's vulnerable.

[MaineDem]

2. Ethan, former Senator Mike Brennan, York County DA Mark Lawrence,...

and an Iraq veteran whose name I can't remember. All have expressed intent to run. I don't know if Chellie getting into the race might change some minds.

I have no idea who the GOP could put up who would be a credible threat to a Democrat at this point.

[ticapnews]

3. Odd that she would act before Tom Allen

I know most of the others are waiting for him to announce.

The field will be crowded:
Brennan
Cote
Lawrence
Pingree
Strimling

Others may still jump in as well. Among those NOT running are former Speaker John Richardson and Senate President Beth Edmonds.

State Sen. Karl Turner is term-limited and cannot run for re-election to the Senate in 2008. It's possible he will seek the nomination. Darlene Curley may also give it another shot. Regardless, I think ME-01 is a safe seat for the Democrats.