Cheney, Bradley lead political parade into state

SOUTH PORTLAND – Vice President Dick Cheney headlined a list of prominent political figures who came to Maine on Monday to help pump money into U.S. Senate, congressional and gubernatorial campaigns as they headed into their final two weeks before the election.

President Bush is scheduled to speak today at a Republican rally at Bangor International Airport. Cheney spoke at the Sheraton South Portland Hotel at an event that was expected to raise about $50,000 for the Maine Republican Party.

Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican seeking re-election, received fund-raising help from Labor Secretary Elaine Chao in Bangor, while on the Democratic side, former Sen. Bill Bradley of New Jersey had Portland on his agenda Monday to campaign for Collins’ challenger, Chellie Pingree.

U.S. House Democratic Whip Nancy Pelosi was headed to Bangor to hold a news conference and raise money for 2nd District congressional candidate Michael Michaud’s campaign.

Cheney told a crowd of about 150 GOP supporters that elections in Maine would help determine the balance of power in Washington. Maine is seen as a key battleground state as Republicans and Democrats vie for control of the U.S. Senate and House.

“We will see many victories, not only here in Maine but all across the country, on Election Day,” Cheney said.

Cheney spent most of his time talking about the administration’s economic policies and the fight against terrorism.

When speaking about Maine’s Republican candidates, Cheney said gubernatorial hopeful Peter Cianchette has “the right ideas for Maine,” and that Republican 2nd District congressional candidate Kevin Raye would be an “effective voice” in Washington. He called Collins “thoughtful and tireless.”

He did not mention Steven Joyce, the Republican 1st District candidate running against Democratic incumbent Tom Allen, by name.

For Maine’s gubernatorial candidates, the focus Monday was on a dominant issue in their four-way race – health care – as they gathered for a forum sponsored by the Maine Public Health Association.

Meanwhile, one congressional candidate from each party won an endorsement from a major state newspaper.

Raye picked up the Maine Sunday Telegram’s support in his race against Michaud.

The Portland newspaper said the two candidates’ positions are nearly identical on such issues as Social Security, prescription drug benefits and an east-west highway, although the two differ on abortion rights. Raye is considered “pro-choice,” while Michaud has voted for parental notification and a late-term abortion ban.

The Telegram said Raye would be a better advocate for the 2nd District because of his familiarity with the ways of Washington. Raye served on the staff of U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe for 17 years.

Also on Sunday, the Telegram endorsed Allen in the Democrat’s re-election race against Joyce. The newspaper said Allen has the ability to translate concerns of ordinary Mainers into worthwhile proposals on the national stage.