Outside Money Pours Into Maine’s Three-Way Senate Race

Money from outside groups is pouring in to Maine’s three-way race for the seat of retiring GOP Sen. Olympia Snowe, according to SeacoastOnline.com.

Independent and former governor Angus King is leading Republican and current Maine Secretary of State Charlie Summers and Democratic state Sen. Cynthia Dill.

The race has been fueled by nearly $3.5 million in spending, with more than $2.16 million coming from out-of-state groups, according to Federal Election Commission filings, the website reported.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee disclosed a $410,000 media buy in Maine.

King, a former independent governor, is expected to caucus with Senate Democrats if elected, according to SeacoastOnline.com

Amy Fried, a political science professor at the University of Maine, told SeacoastOnline.com that while "there are some very, very expensive campaigns around the country, it's taking a different shape in Maine” and "pro-Republican groups have been attacking King or trying to promote Cynthia Dill in order to take votes away from Angus King."

"Some of the money that looks like it's in opposition to Dill is really messaging in order to support (Dill)," Fried continued. "For example, there's a mailer (that said) she's the most liberal candidate, 'too liberal for Maine.' Really, I think that's a message for Democrats to try to increase their support, though it looks like it's in opposition."

The three candidates tangled in a debate on Wednesday.

According to The Hill, King has a 26-point lead in a new poll, which is a contrast from other recent public polling that has shown a tighter race. He leads Summers 50 to 24 percent, with Dill at 12 percent.

A Rasmussen poll had Summers within 12 points, and a poll from Democratic Public Policy Polling had him within 8 points.