The 2008 congressional elections in Maine were held on November 4, 2008 to determine representation for the state of Maine in the United States House of Representatives, coinciding with the presidential and senatorial elections. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 3, 2009 until January 3, 2011.
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All 2 Maine seats to the United States House of Representatives | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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  Democratic 50–60% 60–70% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Maine has two seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States census. Its 2007–2008 congressional delegation consisted of two Democrats. No districts changed party, although CQ Politics forecasted district 1 to be at some risk for the incumbent party.
The primary election for Republican Party and Democratic Party candidates was held on June 10, 2008.[1]
Overview
| United States House of Representatives elections in Maine, 2008[2] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Votes | Percentage | Seats | +/– | |
| Democratic | 431,903 | 60.82% | 2 | — | |
| Republican | 278,198 | 39.18% | 0 | — | |
| Totals | 710,101 | 100.00% | 2 | — | |
District 1
This was an open seat in 2008 because incumbent Democrat Tom Allen ran for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Susan Collins. Democrats were favored to hold this seat but were not assured of victory; John Kerry won 55% here in 2004 (CPVI=D+6). The Democratic nominee was Chellie Pingree, former Common Cause President and former Maine Senate Majority Leader who ran against Collins in 2002. The Republican nominee was Charlie Summers, former Maine State Senator, Northeast Small Business Administration Director and Iraq War veteran who ran against Allen in 2004. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Democrat Favored'.
Democratic primary
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Chellie Pingree | 24,324 | 43.92% | ||
| Democratic | Adam Cote | 15,706 | 28.36% | ||
| Democratic | Michael F. Brennan | 6,040 | 10.91% | ||
| Democratic | Ethan Strimling | 5,833 | 10.53% | ||
| Democratic | Mark Lawrence | 2,726 | 4.92% | ||
| Democratic | Stephen J. Meister | 753 | 1.35% | ||
| Total votes | 55,382 | 100% | |||
Republican primary
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Charlie Summers | 21,154 | 59.75% | ||
| Republican | Dean Scontras | 14,248 | 40.25% | ||
| Total votes | 35,402 | 100% | |||
General election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Chellie Pingree | 205,629 | 54.90 | |
| Republican | Charlie Summers | 168,930 | 45.10 | |
| Total votes | 374,559 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 2
Incumbent Democrat Mike Michaud (campaign website) was challenged by Republican John N. Frary. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mike Michaud (inc.) | 226,274 | 67.44 | |
| Republican | John N. Frary | 109,268 | 32.56 | |
| Total votes | 335,542 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
References
External links
- Elections Division from the Maine Secretary of State
- U.S. Congress candidates for Maine at Project Vote Smart
- Campaign contributions for Maine congressional races from OpenSecrets
- Maine U.S. House of Representatives race from 2008 Race Tracker