Collins Gave Stevens $5K In June

As we just noted, it's long been common knowledge (if under-reported in the Maine press) that Sen. Collins gave $5000, via her political action committee, to Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) in June 2007, just as the federal corruption inquiry of Stevens gathered steam.

But we've learned that Collins gave Stevens another $5000 just over four months ago--on June 11.

That donation was disclosed in a campaign finance report subsequent to Stevens' July 29, 2008 indictment. And that probably explains why it's gone unnoticed to this point.

But it's a troubling--and puzzling--transaction that raises fresh questions. We hope to have more on this soon.