Franklin & Oxford

There could not have been a better day for the Collins bus tour. The sun was out, the temperature was pleasant, and the bus was full of supporters eager to spend the day with Senator Collins in Oxford County. The first stop on Friday's docket: a walk through downtown Rumford. Senator Collins visited the town office, fire department and Davis Florist shop and was greeted cordially at each stop as she was provided the opportunity to answer the questions most pressing on voter's minds. For lunch, Senator Collins enjoyed a steak salad at Brian's Bistro. After lunch, the campaign bus rolled into Andover and the Senator toured Mills Market. But what is a trip to Oxford County without visiting Hanover and Newry? In Hanover, the Collins for Senator bus made a stop at Gordie Howe's quick store where the Senator was treated to homemade chocolate chip cookies. Afterward, Senator Collins stopped into The Bear River Trading Post where she spoke with a young girl who has diabetes. Senator Collins then met with Dutch Dresser and Les Otten of Maine Energy Systems, a developer of new wood pellet technology. After touring Maine Energy Systems, Senator Collins concluded the day's bus tour with a perusal of Ruthie's Dress Shop and a wonderful meet and greet at the elegant Bethel Inn.

The Collins Campaign Bus stopped at the Fryeburg Fair on Saturday morning. It was a beautiful fall day. Senator Collins got the chance to speak with many people and walked in the parade.

Another great weekend. On Saturday, a large group of volunteers joined me as we marched in the Bowdoinham parade, ate lunch at the famed Italian restaurant Graziano's in Lisbon, campaigned along the main streets of Lisbon, picked delicious MacIntosh apples at Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, and visited the town of Raymond. At the Turner farm, Jeff Timberlake talked with me about the joys and challenges of a farm that has been in his family since 1803.

Saturday morning, despite the light drizzle, the Collins for Senator Bus left Portland and headed to North Yarmouth for the North Yarmouth Fun Days Parade. Senator Collins donned a poncho and joined her twenty or so supporters as she walked down the street to the sounds of the North Yarmouth community band.

What a great day! Along with a huge group of volunteers, including several firefighters, I marched (ran actually!) in the parade celebrating Scarborough's 350th anniversary. Wearing a straw hat with a Susan Collins bumper sticker, my campaign co-chairman, Mert Henry, rode in a dashing old red convertible. The volunteer Scarborough anniversary committee did a fabulous job of organizing the parade which had countless floats, bands, and scouts.