PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The GOP didn't count on a competitive race in Maine before Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe's abrupt decision to retire. Now conservative groups are pouring money into the state in hopes of hanging onto the seat.
The campaign cash, more than $1 million in attack ads, is targeting the front-runner, independent Angus King.
King, a former governor, appeared with Godzilla in a TV ad in which he accused outsiders of trying to make him into a big, bad monster.
Republican Charlie Summers insists he's gaining ground on King. Also in the race are Democrat Cynthia Dill and three other independents.
King said the out-of-state spending underscores all that's wrong with politically polarized Washington. He says that if elected he can help bridge the gap between Republicans and Democrats.
