Collins holds lead over Allen in fundraising

PORTLAND – Republican Sen. Susan Collins has kept her fundraising advantage as both she and Democratic opponent Tom Allen raked in a little more than $1 million apiece in the latest quarter as overall contributions soared to new highs.

Altogether, the two candidates have raised more than $11 million, easily topping Maine’s previous campaign record for $8 million spent in the 2002 election in which Collins defeated Democratic challenger Chellie Pingree.

The fundraising underscores the high priority both parties have given to the race, which some see as a test of whether moderate Republicans can still win in Northeast states.

Collins kept her cash-on-hand advantage of about $2 million over Allen. Collins has $5.1 million cash on hand, while Allen has $3.1 million cash on hand, according to filings with the Federal Elections Commission covering the second quarter ending June 30.

As of June 30, Collins had raised a total of $6.6 million while Allen had raised $4.7 million, according to the FEC filings.