Late in the campaign, a Democrat and former U.S. senator has crystallized what for many Mainers has been troublesome and nagging in their evaluation of Joe Brennan.

Asked who he would support in Brennan’s Senate contest with Susan Collins, William D. Hathaway, Democratic patron of Maine liberals, was noncommittal but revealing.

Hathaway is not sure about Brennan. That the two-term governor became a two-term congressman and vacated what Hathaway considered a “safe seat” to run again for governor leaves former Sen. Hathaway perplexed and disappointed. Brennan, a Democrat, likely would hold the 1st District seat now had he stayed. He could be walking into the Senate and tossing the keys to the House to Tom Allen.

Why did Brennan abandon the Congress? Hathaway’s observation is telling.

After leaving the House, Brennan twice lost attempts, in 1990 and 1994, to regain his old job, the one many people believe he still wants most and feels most comfortable in: governor. Brennan ran for governor five times, beginning in 1974. Legislating at the national level, being one of 535 members of Congress didn’t fit his style.

Brennan has said little about his record in the House during this campaign. There’s not much to talk about. He wasn’t happy there. Had he been, he would have a list of accomplishments. He would have stayed.

There are many qualities Hathaway sees and likes in Collins. Solid character. Intelligence. High energy. The former member of Maine’s congressional delegation doesn’t seem to mind that Collins is Republican. She “would be a good senator,” he believes because she is “up to speed on everything that’s going on down here.”

Hathaway still votes in Maine but lives in McLean, Va., near Washington. He supported Angus King for governor. He knows when someone can make the jump to high public office. Collins can.