A dismissive quote by Susan Collins on Sarah Palin's presidential plans in a recent Kenebec Journal column has received attention on national political blogs.

"I think she likes being a celebrity commentator for Fox and a speaker and being able to provide for her family," Collins said. "I think that life appeals to her. It's a lot easier to charge people up than to actually govern."

Olympia Snowe is making headlines as well. The National Journal reported yesterday that she's being courted by Democrats to switch parties.

The same day, an article in the conservative Washington Times also noted Tea Party opposition to her re-election and quoted Maine Tea Party leaders promising to run a candidate against her in the primary.

This has led to a great deal of discussion of the political merits of such a switch. In the end, however, it seems unlikely Snowe will abandon her party or that she could be knocked off by a challenge from the right. She maintains strong personal popularity throughout the state and has been a loyal Republican, including working hard for Tea Party favorites Paul LePage and Dean Scontras in the recent election.

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