Democrat Gov. Janet Mills is interviewing staff for a potential U.S. Senate bid, according to a new report.
Politico is crediting Punchbowl with the Mills scoop. The report did not indicate whether Gov. Mills is interviewing actual Mainers or swampy DC types, but given the origin of the news, the latter is likely.
The staffing interviews come as Mills is “seriously considering” a run against longtime GOP Sen. Susan Collins.
Mills has said she would decide by November.
Maine is a top offensive target for Senate Democrats this cycle, the only one in a state that former Vice President Kamala Harris won in November, Politico said.
Democrats are claiming they may have a shot at taking the seat from the five-term Collins due to her alleged wavering popularity.
Term-limited Mills, 77, would join a growing Democratic primary field.
So far, oyster farmer Graham Platner, Maine Beer Company owner Dan Kleban and former chief of staff to Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), Jordan Wood, have entered the race.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has worked to recruit Mills in the race, citing her track record of winning statewide.
Mills recently declined a chance to take a swipe at Collins during a tour of Kennebec County, telling reporters “She’s in a tough position. I appreciate everything she is doing.”
Despite that pass, “Mills certainly sounded like a Senate candidate,” Punchbowl says.
“Every day I pick up the newspaper and I read the headlines and I watch the news, and there are a lot of very disturbing things going on in Washington,” Punchbowl quotes her as saying.
