The 2008 congressional elections in Maine were held on November 4, 2008, to determine representation for the state of Maine in the United States House of Representatives, coinciding with the presidential and senatorial elections. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 3, 2009, until January 3, 2011.
Maine has two seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States census. Its 2007–2008 congressional delegation consisted of two Democrats. No districts changed party, although CQ Politics forecasted district 1 to be at some risk for the incumbent party.
The primary election for Republican Party and Democratic Party candidates was held on June 10, 2008.[1]
This was an open seat in 2008 because incumbent Democrat Tom Allen ran for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Susan Collins. Democrats were favored to hold this seat but were not assured of victory; John Kerry won 55% here in 2004 (CPVI=D 6). The Democratic nominee was Chellie Pingree, former Common Cause President and former Maine Senate Majority Leader who ran against Collins in 2002. The Republican nominee was Charlie Summers, former Maine State Senator, Northeast Small Business Administration Director and Iraq War veteran who ran against Allen in 2004. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Democrat Favored'.
Elections and referendums in Maine