In a story posted last night, Congressional Quarterly took a look at a potential primary challenge to Maine Senator Olympia Snowe in 2012.

The article has a fairly comprehensive roundup of potential threats to a fourth term for the senior senator and contains a paragraph that would seem almost ludicrous if it were written even a few months ago.

But key factors could tilt any primary challenge in Snowe’s favor — particularly her close relationship with Waterville Mayor Paul LePage (R), who is poised to be elected as Maine’s next governor and is supported by conservative activists throughout the state. A LePage endorsement in a contested 2012 primary could help quell any dissatisfaction with Snowe in the Republican base.

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