Jared Golden

The Maine Republican, who is chairwoman of the budget-writing Senate Appropriations Committee, said the panel would hold an aggressive schedule of hearings on the White House's plan to cut more than $160 billion from federal programs.

Canada is both the largest source of imported goods to Maine and the state's biggest export market, accounting an estimated $6 billion in cross-border trade last year.

Sen. Susan Collins steered clear of criticizing any one party in the meeting, which have clouded hopes for ending Ukraine's war with Russia.

While Maine's 2nd District congressman is out of step with many of his Democratic colleagues on tariffs, he points out that President Biden kept in place or even expanded import taxes that he inherited from the first Trump administration.

Rep. Chellie Pingree said she remains "cautiously optimistic" about the deal. Democratic Congressman Jared Golden also sees the immediate ceasefire and a surge of aid into Gaza as good first steps.

The former president, who died Sunday at age 100, was described "a true model of servant leadership" by Gov. Janet Mills and by Sen. Angus King as someone who was forward-thinking and "unapologetic in his convictions."

The campaign for Republican Austin Theriault immediately requested a hand recount, meaning the winner likely won't be officially declared until December.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden's narrow lead shrunk as late returns came in from across the district. Maine's secretary of state said Thursday night that neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote, triggering a ranked-choice runoff.

The race is being watched closely as Republicans and Democrats jostle for control of the House.

While the presidential race is consuming much of the political oxygen nationally, Maine has a closely watched congressional contest that could help decide which party controls the U.S. House. Voters will also choose a state flag design and bond measures.