John McCain

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Photos from Todd Palin's visit to Maine:

The First Dude in Palmyra: Several supporters wore pink shirts saying "Maine's 2nd District welcomes Alaska's 1st Dude." Politicker photo.

PALMYRA -- PolitickerME.com video: Josh Tardy, vice-chairman of John McCain’s campaign in Maine, and Martin Buser, four-time Iditarod champion, introduce Todd Palin, husband of Alaska Governor and Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin. Palin spoke at a rally in Palmyra Saturday.

There are rumors circulating that the McCain campaign is sending Todd Palin to Maine.  The  moose hunter, oil worker,  snowmobile racer and husband to Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin may be heading to the heart of Maine's Second District.  Perhaps as early as this weekend.

While the details of his schedule are not final, it looks like his schedule could include two stops in Maine, one in the Bangor area and another in Aroostook County.

We will keep you posted.

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A group of veterans, including a prisoner of war with Presidential candidate John McCain and a counterterrorism expert, will tour the state tomorrow (Thursday).

The Republican Party did not provide further details, however the name of the tour, “Not Ready to Lead” implies that they might be sending a negative message of Democratic candidate Barack Obama.

There will be three press conferences Thursday in South Portland, Lewiston and Bangor with the following individuals:

• Col. Leo Thorsness, USAF (Ret.), Former POW With John McCain & Medal of Honor Recipient
• Gary Bernsten, Former Career CIA Officer, Counterterrorism Expert & Author Of “Jawbreaker.”
• Capt. Erik Swabb, USMC (Ret.) & Iraq War Veteran
• Adm. George E.R. “Gus” Kinnear II, USN (Ret.), Chairman, Maine Veterans For John McCain
• Capt. Lou Pollock, USNR (Ret.), Co-Chair, Maine Veterans For John McCain

While trying to win over a crowd in Jacksonville, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin unintentionally rattled the New England electorate.

In the speech, she said she was rooting for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays over the Boston Red Sox in the American League Championship series.

"You know what that tells me, it tells me that the people in this area know a little something about turning an underdog into a victor," she said. "And we're counting on you to help us do that Nov. 4th."

In this speech she revealed a polarity from running mate John McCain, who said previously that he supports the Red Sox in the series, which begins Friday.

The latest poll by Rasmussen Reports shows the gap between U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and challenger Tom Allen three points narrower than it was last month.

According to the report, released today, Collins is leading 53 to 43 percent. Earlier today, a poll commissioned by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee revealed an eight point gap.

Rasmussen also showed Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama leading Republican John McCain 51 to 46 percent.

The poll showed Gov. John Baldacci’s approval ratings worsening, with 41 percent rating his performance poor and 27 percent giving him a good or excellent mark.

According to a new poll taken for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Senator Collins lead in the polls has shrunk and Allen now trails only 49% to 41%,with 10 percent undecided. Collins' poll numbers have consistently shown her with a double digit lead as have polls from third party sources.

A spokesman for U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Bangor) said the campaign is hopeful that John McCain’s ramped up efforts will bring more voters to the polls.

Collins is running for reelection against U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D-Portland.)

“Sen. McCain, like Sen. Collins, has built a solid reputation as someone who is willing to cross party lines, to set aside partisan politics, and to work to get the job done,” spokesman Kevin Kelley wrote in an e-mail. “Maine people like that.”