2008 is proving to be a whacky election year in Maine, and it doesn’t look like things are going to change.  Here’s my brief synopsis to date.

While the State Senate Democrats will have to fend off Republican challenges to steal the chamber they now hold by one seat, it’s tough to imagine Republicans in the State House of Representatives losing any more seats than they already have.

In CD1, the race between Dean Scontras and Charlie Summers to determine who will come in second on Election Day in November becomes more bitter and negative as the days go by.  And across the aisle, former Republican Adam Cote is giving left-wing heavyweights Chelli Pingree and Ethan Strimling a run for their money in the Democratic primary for the same seat.

In CD2, John Frary, the eccentric former college professor with a wardrobe that inspires a verse or two of “Puttin’ on the Ritz” is the Republican candidate challenging incumbent Mike Michaud.  Unfortunately for Frary, he’s more likely to set a fashion trend with his prohibition era threads than take that seat from Michaud.

And in presidential politics, Republican nominee John McCain is liberal enough to compete for a few of Maine’s electoral votes against Barack or Hillary.

All this made the US Senate race between Sen. Susan Collins and Congressman Tom Allen seem pretty vanilla, until yesterday.

Herbert Hoffman, Korean War Veteran and professional psychologist, will be appearing on the ballot as an independent candidate challenging both Collins and Allen. 

 According to his campaign website, Hoffman is running because: “I believe my opponents, by not holding this administration accountable, have not served the people of Maine and our Country well.” Hoffman’s candidacy isn’t the best news for Allen, who must rely on the solid support of the anti-war left to keep him afloat against Collins throughout the campaign.  Hoffman, armed with calls for impeachment and universal health care, is certain to split the moveon.org vote with Allen, complicating the congressman’s chances for success. 

I bet Susan Collins has a little more bounce in her step today.