In ME-1 race, Summers is 'cautiously optimistic'

SOUTH PORTLAND -- A small group of about 75 supporters of Republican congressional candidate Charlie Summer eagerly awaited his arrival hoping for a victory party here at the Thomas Room banquet hall.

Moments before Summers walked into the room, they waved campaign signs and shouted "Charlie, Charlie."It might have been a small group at this conference room, but their level of support was heard loud and clear.

Summers (R-Scarborough) is vying for a seat vacated by Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Allen in the 1st Congressional District. Summers' primary opponent is Dean Scontras who has never before run for office.

Wife Ruth Summers, who had been campaigning on behalf of her husband while he served in Iraq since last July, was confident about a victory tonight and the high level of support from voters.

"I'm feeling anxious and excited," she said. "It's just wonderful. There are a lot of people calling in on their cell phones and monitoring it online."

Ruth Summers and other members of the campaign were out at the polls all day and said they received a great response from voters.

"Some of these people have been supporters for a long time and some are supporters I didn't see anywhere," Ruth Summers said about the group at the Thomas Room. "It's really good. We are very pleased."

Charlie Summers briefly addressed the small crowd of supporters. "We are very cautiously optimistic," Charlie Summers said. "I feel very good and we have worked very hard and my wife has done a terrific job while I was gone."