She's a staunch Democrat that's won in her Republican district. Former State Attorney General. She's a great campaigner and would be a perfect candidate to run on her commitment to women's reproductive rights. I'd seriously hope that Elliott doesn't spoil this race like he did with the Governorship. I'm sure he'd split the vote again and Peter would win. Of course, I'm not sure if Peter would be the Tea Party candidate.

Two weeks to get a petition drive up and running in order to get enough signatures to get on the ballot?

The GOP will have to try to rush someone in, because there is no way they are going to go into this with just D'Amboise.

It all depends on what Chellie does. If she jumps in, she will be a big favorite and might scare off someone like Abbott or Raye.

Maybe we will hit the jackpot and LePage will run.

It's all about signatures at this point. What Republican can collect 4000 signatures in two weeks? After all the caucuses are over.

That didn't work out good for anybody.

But I really have no idea what's in his head.

I'm not sure if his being our of politics for so long would be a hindrance for him.

Today will be a busy day at the Secretary of State's office. No Republican, that I know of, has taken out papers since Snowe's announcement. They'll need the weekend to push for signatures so I assume at least a few will jump on that today after the snowstorm.

ORONO — Steve Abbott, the athletic director at the University of Maine who was a 2010 Republican gubernatorial candidate, announced today that he will not run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Olympia Snowe.

Abbott said many people have encouraged him to run, but he cannot leave the job to which he was appointed a year ago for a two-year commitment.

"Over the last three days, I have received many phone calls, emails, and Facebook messages from friends and supporters encouraging me to run for the United States Senate," Abbott said in a news release.

"My current job commitments at the University of Maine are something that I take very seriously and something that I truly enjoy," Abbott said. "It would be irresponsible of me to leave just as we are launching so many great projects for our athletic department."

If one of those assuage independents show up, sure as shit the vote will be divided &we will get some teajerk in there. Perhaps Pingree's money will keep them out.

Looks like Rick Bennett, and D'Amboise are all in so far.

AG Schneider, Treasurer Poliquin, and Sec of State Summers are all "considering."

Maine Secretary of State Charles Summers, State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin and ex-Maine Senate President Rick Bennett each took out papers early Friday afternoon, said Megan Sanborn, a spokeswoman for the secretary of state's office.

Assistant Maine Senate Majority Leader Deb Plowman, another Republican, said Friday she is also thinking about jumping into the race.

Plowman had already taken out papers to run against U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, D-Maine, in the 2nd District. But she appears to be reconsidering after Maine Senate President Kevin Raye opted against a Senate run to also try to win the 2nd District.