Favorite book: “Empire Falls” by Richard Russo. “I loved that book. He combined a sense of Maine with both humor and tragedy all in one book.”

Book she is reading now: Collins tends to have a book going in both Maine and Washington. In Washington she is reading “The World is Flat” by Tom Friedman. In Maine she is reading “Wicked” by Gregory Maguire.

Favorite movies: “Casablanca” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

Favorite political figure: Margaret Chase Smith, William Cohen (for whom she worked for 12 years) and John Chafee of Rhode Island.

Favorite fast food: “I’m not a big fast-food person,” but if she had to pick she would say Quiznos chicken sub on a whole wheat roll with zesty grill sauce.

Favorite restaurant: The River Drivers Restaurant in Millinocket.

Favorite drink: Iced tea with lemon.

Favorite vacation spot: Her camp at Cold Stream Pond in West Enfield.

Favorite things to do to relax: Kayaking, cooking (she loves watching the Food Network) and reading.