Collins increases re-election campaign chest to $1.2 million

PORTLAND – Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, raised $832,075 in the first quarter of the year, raising the amount of cash available to her re-election campaign to $1.2 million, according to a report filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Collins, who’s seeking a third term, reported expenditures of $64,000 during the period.

For the time being, Collins has no opponent. Democratic Rep. Tom Allen has signaled that he might run for the seat, but there has been no formal announcement.

Meanwhile, there’s plenty of interest among Democrats in Allen’s 1st Congressional District seat.

Former state Sen. Chellie Pingree has filed with the Federal Elections Commission to launch a campaign. Mark Lawrence, district attorney in York County, and Portland’s Michael Brennan, the former floor leader of the Senate, have formed exploratory committees. Adam Cote, a Portland lawyer and Iraq veteran, said he’s considering a bid.