The first of four debates in the Maine U.S. Senate race is in the books. Some may have been tempted to prewrite how it would unfold. And who could blame them?

Maine's 2nd Congressional District contest pits former Republican Gov. Paul LePage against former Secretary of State Matt Dunlap. They have a history of butting heads on voting rights, but they’ve never faced one another in an election.

Maine's high-profile U.S. Senate contest has produced more national and international headlines than any election in this state in recent memory. Most of that coverage focused on the turmoil on the Democratic side of the race. But this week, the harsh media spotlight turned on Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

A new report from the news site ProPublica investigates a former defense contractor’s allegations that he won millions in federal contracts by bankrolling the campaigns of powerful politicians, including U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.

Dark money. If you follow politics, you’ve heard of it. It’s anonymous cash that’s flowing into the U.S. political system, particularly during congressional and presidential elections. And it’s increasing in prevalence as both political parties work to keep their financiers secret.

It seems strange to remind everyone about arguably the most consequential contest this fall, but the U.S. Senate race has been a black hole for attention. Nothing escapes.

This week, we focus on the Maine U.S. Senate race. Of course. The contest has dominated the political scene for more than a year.

Troy Jackson has long pushed for the rights of the working class, but will now face heightened scrutiny from the national press and the Republican Party on his record and conduct in the Maine Legislature.

The field of 12 includes several seasoned politicians fresh off primary campaigns for governor or Congress but also about a half-dozen lesser-known Mainers who are hoping to take on Republican Sen. Susan Collins this November.

While Republican turnout was strong compared to most years, it fell well short of the Democrats’ get-out-the-vote effort, suggesting the GOP may have to overcome a marked enthusiasm gap headed into the fall.

While public polling in the contest has been scarce, Bobby Charles has drawn the most scrutiny from his rivals.

With the primary elections just a month away, the five Democrats running for Maine governor are each working to distinguish themselves in a race that’s been both issue-oriented and remarkably civil, at least so far.