Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

Secretary of State and U.S. Senate candidate Charlie Summers unveiled a television commercial today as the primary campaign enters its final two weeks.

The 30-second ad is titled “Strong Leader." It starts with Summers criticizing President Obama as the video shows gas prices and the national debt rising. It also includes a photo of Summers in uniform as he mentions his service in Iraq and Afghanistan as a commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

At least three of the six Republicans have now hit the television airwaves - Summers, State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin and Attorney General Bill Schneider. Others will likely be there soon, including Maine Sen. Debra Plowman and former Maine Senate President Rick Bennett, who is known to have a lot of money left to spend before June 12.

Meanwhile, former Gov. Angus King submitted his signatures today to appear on the Nov. 6 ballot as an independent.

King has clearly been paying attention to the primary candidates, who have criticized his record and indicated that King will  be the focus of plenty of political advertising in the general election. King told supporters during a rally at the State House this morning that he is not taking the election for granted.

"This is going to be an all-out campaign for the next six months," he said.

He didn't exactly sound worried about the impending attacks, however. King said he has been getting more encouragement and support in recent weeks than when he ran for governor in 1994, and he's not quite sure what to do with more than 1,500 volunteers.

"I've suggested we divide the volunteers into two groups and have the volunteers write thank you notes to each oter," he joked.

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Open Season targets all of Maine's political wildlife, from Portland city government to the donkeys, elephants and independents stalking the Statehouse and U.S. Capitol.

John Richardson joined the Press Herald in 1990 after working as a reporter in New Jersey. He has covered a variety of beats, including marine issues, the environment and health care. He is now covering politics and focusing on Maine's U.S. Senate race.
John can be reached at 791-6324 or jrichardson@pressherald.com
On Twitter: @jrichmaine

Colin Woodard has covered politics and elections for more than two decades, from Bosnia and Bucharest to Washington, D.C., Augusta, and Portland City Hall. He has written for a wide range of national and international publications and is the author of four books, including "American Nations," a history of North America's regional cultures. He joined the Portland Press Herald at the end of April and covers political finance and lobbying, among other things.
Colin can be reached at 791-6317 or cwoodard@pressherald.com

Susan Cover has covered Maine politics for 10 years and worked in Kansas, Ohio and Rhode Island as a reporter. This year, she is focusing on covering the same-sex marriage debate for MaineToday Media.
Susan can be reached at 621-5643 or scover@mainetoday.com

Michael Shepherd joined MaineToday Media in May 2012 after graduating from the University of Maine in Orono, where he edited The Maine Campus, the student newspaper there. Until November he'll be writing the Truth Test, a recurring feature analyzing political statements and advertising.
Michael can be reached at 621-5632 or mshepherd@mainetoday.com

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