The Maine Democratic Party recently printed up $13,194 worth of literature for state Senate challenger Deborah Simpson (D-Auburn). As a result, her opponent and incumbent Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello (R-Poland) got the same amount in matching funds, per the Maine Clean Elections Act.

Both candidates are running with public funds.

Simpson told PolitickerME.com that she wasn’t aware of the expenditures being made on her behalf, beyond seeing the mailers, so couldn’t comment.

Snowe-Mello said she plans to use the matching funds. This cycle she has been entitled to $14,101 as a result of independent expenditures on behalf of her opponent.

She said she will use the money for mailers, and maybe a television spot.

“It’s quite great to get that, we can do things that we couldn’t do prior,” she said. “It’s very helpful, and I’m very appreciative.”

Democrats hold a majority in the state Senate by one seat, so the race between Simpson and Snowe-Mello will be one of the most closely watched. In 2006 Snowe-Mello won 7,735 to 7,340. Simpson is finishing her fourth term as a representative for Auburn.

In 2006, the Democratic challenger won Auburn, the largest town in the district, however Snowe-Mello took the three smaller towns – Durham, New Gloucester and Poland.