Republicans Target Maine Rep (And CU Director)

Republicans have set their sights on Rep. Michael Michaud, the credit union director who narrowly won Maine's second congressional seat in 2002. The race has attracted a lot of attention from the Republicans because it is one of a handful of seats expected to be competitive in November and because Michaud, a director at Eastmill FCU, East Milinocket, barely defeated Republican Kevin Raye, a top aide to Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe, in the last elections. Michaud's opponent is Brian Hamel, a local businessman who helped redevelop Loring Air Force Base after the base was closed. Credit union representatives have been helping finance Michaud's campaign and have brought him around to campaign at local credit unions.