Allen Is In

It's: official:

Democratic Representative Tom Allen filed papers today formalizing his anticipated challenge to two-term Republican Senator Susan Collins.

Allen, a six-term congressman from southern Maine's First District, filed Federal Election Commission paperwork and launched his campaign Web site.

But his office said duties in Washington forced a delay in his return to Maine for a series of whistle-stop announcements that traditionally kicks off bids for statewide office.

COLLINS WATCH has had little to say about Allen so far.

The thinking was: Why spend time picking apart the record and positions of a candidate who hasn't even declared? Of course, now that all changes.

The next eighteen months should be an interesting ride.

UPDATE: Video and a new campaign website here.