U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (left) and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins
Senator Susan Collins, a moderate Republican, is in better shape than her neighbor John Sununu, but not by a lot. She promised to limit herself to two terms, but has since changed her mind, something Congressman Tom Allen, her Democratic challenger, reminds her of often. The race could still be Collins' to lose, but Collins is "pretty soft and Allen's a pretty formidable opponent," Cook said. Collins is one of the most moderate Republicans in the Senate. She's voted for a timeline to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq and has a strong environmental record. And, as a former chairwoman of the Homeland Security Committee, she helped protect the Portsmouth Naval Base from closure. Collins, though, has a reputation of not being a very strong campaigner or fundraiser. As of June 30 Collins had raised $1.1 million from individuals while Allen raised $1.3 million.
— Jay Newton-Small/Washington