Chuck Schumer

Check back next week to view my Convention Sketchpads from the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis.

DSCC Press Conference: Democratic challengers hold a press conferences with DSCC chairman Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)

DENVER -- U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ (R-Bangor) seat is just one of a handful of seats that Democrats hope to take from Republicans this year, in order to gain a filibuster-proof majority.

The Democratic challengers, including U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D-Portland) are linking their opponents to President Bush, playing off the current administration’s low approval ratings.

Tom Allen appeared with five other Democratic challengers Wednesday afternoon in Denver to discuss the importance of taking back a working majority with U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), chairman of the Democratic National Senatorial Campaign Committee.

When it comes to states being in the spotlight at the convention, Maine has just one opportunity.

Wednesday night Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D-Portland) will take the stage with other Democratic challengers in competitive races and Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Beyond that, there are no other major speeches by Mainers and the delegation isn’t hosting any big events beyond the morning breakfasts.

U.S. Sen. John Ensign, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, pledged today that his committee would match the amount of independent expenditures in advertising made by the National Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

The DSCC recently announced a $44.8 million ad buy nationwide, which includes $5 million for the Maine Senate race between incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, R-Bangor, and challenger U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, D-Portland.

In a statement today, Ensign said: