Democrats worry bruising Maine primary could cost them a shot at Susan Collins - The Washington Post

Democrats are concerned that a contentious primary battle in Maine could damage their ability to defeat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the general election. Collins, a moderate who has occasionally split with her party, represents a rare pickup opportunity for Democrats in a swing state, but a bruising intraparty fight could leave the eventual Democratic nominee weakened and divided ahead of the November matchup. Primary contests that turn negative can suppress turnout among the losing candidate's supporters and drain resources that could be used against the opposing party's incumbent. Democrats must balance their need for a competitive nomination process with the practical challenge of emerging unified enough to mount an effective challenge to Collins.