The Portland Phoenix, an alternative weekly paper, has released their endorsements for state and national races, but chose not to make one in the U.S. Senate race between Sen. Susan Collins (R-Bangor) and U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D-Portland).

The Phoenix editorial staff wrote that they were unable to line up meetings with either candidate. They also accused the Allen campaign of playing a, “bizarre and sleazy game,” for trying to dictate the terms of an interview.

Campaign spokeswoman Carol Andrews told the Phoenix that Allen would only meet with them if they promised not to meet with independent write-in candidate Herb Hoffman.

The paper’s editorial states: “After the Phoenix told the Allen campaign it was none of their business whom the paper spoke with, we invited them to set a date for a talk. The Phoenix never heard from Allen again. It is indeed dispiriting when veteran public officials such as Collins and Allen are either too timid or too arrogant to speak with the press.”

Collins’ staff told the Phoenix that the Senator was “too busy,” the editorial states, adding: “at least the Collins people were polite.”

The list of Phoenix endorsements went almost exclusively to Democrats, with the paper endorsing one Green Party candidate and weighing in on ballot initiatives.

The Phoenix also endorsed:

• Democrats Barack Obama and Joe Biden for President
• Democrat Chellie Pingree (D-North Haven) for the 1st Congressional District
• Democrat Rep. Mike Michaud (D-East Millinocket) for the 2nd Congressional District
• Yes on Question 1, which would repeal the recently passed beer, wine and soda taxes
• No on Question 2, which would allow a casino in Oxford County
• Yes on Question 3, which would allow the state to get a $3.4 million bond for drinking water and wastewater treatment
• Democratic candidates in the Portland state House and Senate districts with the exception of Michael Hiltz, a Green Independent, in District 115.