National analysts: McCain’s emphasis on Maine won’t impact Senate race

See also:

• McCain to focus more on Maine
• Corrado, Fried say McCain’s focus on state could be smart move

Nathan Gonzalez, Political Editor of the Rothenberg Political Report, said pulling out of Michigan and focusing on other states such as Maine shows that Republican Presidential candidate John McCain is in a very defensive position.

Maine’s 2nd Congressional District was a battleground when U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud (D-East Millinocket) was first elected, but since then it has turned Democratic, Gonzalez said.

“In the current environment (in Maine), there are only a few Republicans that are going to do well, and that’s the two senators,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said it is unlikely McCain will be able to ride in on U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ coattails. Collins is up for reelection against U.S. Rep. Tom Allen.

“Voters usually start with the top of the ticket and work their way down,” he said.

Jennifer Duffy, an editor with the Cook Political Report, said that McCain’s move will not impact the Senate race. Mainers are more likely to vote split ticket, she said.

“Regardless of ideological leanings, you can run with McCain,” Duffy said.