BANGOR, Maine - Maine congressional hopeful Emily Cain says she's raised more than $385,000 in the first quarter, lifting her fundraising total over $1 million.
The Democrat running for the 2nd District said her fundraising report to be filed later this week with the Federal Election Commission will show that she has $785,000 cash on hand, indicating she's chipping away at the fundraising advantage of Republican Rep. Bruce Poliquin.
Democrat Joe Baldacci dropped out in the fundraising period, giving Cain a clear path to a rematch with Poliquin, who beat her in 2014.
University of Maine political scientist Mark Brewer says the fundraising numbers indicate Poliquin will have a competitive challenger. Poliquin still has a substantial funding lead. He had $1.5 million in cash on hand through the end of the 2015.