Senator Collins Primary Free in 2008

It looks like Ed Cohen failed to make the Ballot in a primary effort against Senator Susan Collins. He was seen at the Secretary of State’s office with petitions in hand, but it was not clear what transpired. Either way, Mr. Cohen does not appear on the list produced as of the deadline on March 17th at 5:00 PM.

Congressman Allen will face a primary challenge from Tom Ledue.

This is a key advantage for Collins for two reasons. First, Collins gets to conserve her already sizeable campaign cash. Second, while Congressman Allen can easily handle a primary challenge from left, the problem becomes those disgruntled democrat voters that make up the far left, particularly on the war issue. Will they defect to the independent candidacies of Laurie Hobson or Herbert Hoffman, both solidly anti-war candidates?

Although the percentage will likely be small, a two or three percent loss of support could be very problematic for the Allen campaign come November.