Elizabeth Dole , once considered a lock for re-election , now seen as likely to lose . Most neutral observers have expected the eventual Democratic nominee for president to carry Maine this year , since Al Gore carried the state by 5 percentage points in 2000 and John Kerry won it by 9 percentage points four years ago . Comment: Barack Obama 's good run in state means less of a bump for Dole . Republican senator in Maine worked harder to combat her vulnerability , writers say .
Elizabeth Dole , once considered a lock for re-election , now seen as likely to lose . Comment: Barack Obama 's good run in state means less of a bump for Dole . Republican senator in Maine worked harder to combat her vulnerability , writers say .