A liberal third-party group has started running radio ads against Sen. Susan Collins (R), who is up for re-election this year and likely will face 1st district Rep. Tom Allen (D).

According to a news release Tuesday, People for the American Way will run ads on Maine radio stations highlighting Collins’ support for President Bush’s nominees to the Supreme Court. The ads feature actress Kathleen Turner.

“This week marks the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade — the landmark Supreme Court decision protecting women’s freedom of choice,” Turner says in the ad. “Sen. Susan Collins says she’s pro-choice, but she voted for George Bush’s Supreme Court nominees.”

Collins’ moderate politics make this race a competitive one, though Maine has recently elected Democrats in both Congressional seats and the governor’s office.

Last week, educator Tom Ledue (D) announced he would challenge Allen for the Senate nod and the chance to take on Collins in the general election. Maine has voted Democratic in the last four presidential elections.
— Shira Toeplitz