Maine's Steady Hand: Altas Endorses Susan Collins for U.S. Senate

Maine's Senate race is a Toss Up, and it could decide who controls the Senate. Susan Collins chairs the committee that writes the federal budget, she wrote the $50 billion rural health fund, and President Trump backs her. Here is our case.

By Clara Hughes

ALTAS WORLD NEWS OPINION | ENDORSEMENT | By Clara Hughes, Chief Opinion Editor | 4-min read ▶ Watch the video: Altas Election Special Altas World News editorial endorsement. Altas World News is independent and not affiliated with any campaign or party. No campaign reviewed, requested or directed this piece. Mainers are already voting. In-person absentee voting at your town or city clerk's office runs through Thursday, Oct. 29, and that is also the last day to request an absentee ballot. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3 [1]. The Cook Political Report rates the race a Toss Up [2]. A Suffolk University poll of 500 likely voters, taken Oct. 8 to 11, had Democrat Troy Jackson at 49% and Sen. Collins at 47%, well within the 4.4-point margin of error. Among independents, Collins led 47% to 44% [3]. The New York Times/Siena poll in September had Collins ahead 49% to 46% [4]. A race this close comes down to who shows up.