A leader in the successful ballot initiatives for marriage equality and voting rights in Maine, Democrat Shenna Bellows now has endorsements from the DSCC, PCCC, MoveOn, DFA, Feminist Majority PAC, the National Organization for Women’s NOW PAC, CLW PAC, NORML PAC, Blue America, and other groups. She's getting great media coverage like this Washington Post video interview.
Meredith Clark pointed out at MSNBC on March 9 in "A Democratic Senate candidate makes waves in Maine":
... But with controversial Tea Party Gov. Paul LePage up for reelection this year, Democrats in Maine are more energized than they’ve been in other off-year elections. A poll [pdf] done by Maine research firm Pan Atlantic SMS Group late last year found 52.5% of voters said they wouldn’t even consider voting to re-elect LePage, who has become famous for wildly offensive statements. He once told the NAACP to “kiss my butt” after refusing to attend a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day breakfast, joked about bombing the state’s largest newspaper, and, in a state famous for its political moderates, said he wanted to tell President Obama to “go to hell.”
With LePage now being challenged by longtime Democratic Rep. Mike Michaud, there’s a lot of motivation among voters.
“Add Shenna to the mix, who’s young, got something to say, and has a really enthusiastic following, and that’s infectious” to Maine’s Democrats, Ben Grant, Chairman of the Maine Democratic Party, told msnbc.
This year’s caucuses saw record turnout, with party members gathering in town halls and school gyms for a chance to meet Bellows and other members of the ticket. ...
This Justin Baragona column in PoliticsUSA sums it up well:
GOP Senator Susan Collins Will Not Cruise To An Easy Election Victory This November:
... There are various reasons why Collins could be in trouble come November. The first issue she faces isn’t of her own doing, but that of another high-profile Republican in her state.
Governor Paul LePage has been a controversial figure in the state since being elected in 2010. He’s pretty much made it his mission to offend anybody and everybody since taking office. ...
That turnout could work against Collins, as anger towards one Republican could potentially impact another Republican. Therefore, Collins will need to make an effort to distance herself from LePage. Another thing that could hurt Collins against Bellows is that Bellows is running on a very progressive and libertarian message. Bellows has come out for marijuana legalization in the state. She’s also stated her disdain for the NSA and its surveillance techniques. Bellows has said that she wants to repeal the Patriot Act.
Her views towards domestic spying, the use of drones, marijuana legalization and other free rights issues could make her very appealing to libertarian and independent voters in Maine. ...
Finally, though, is the fact that Bellows is an engaged and active candidate that has made sure to visit the entire state and meet with Maine residents. She is young and passionate, and that really does resonate, especially when on the ground. ...
Shenna Bellows is a great candidate running a powerful, grassroots, progressive
campaign.