October 14, 2008 GOP makes big play for Maine by sending in Palin Play video

(NECN: Amy Sinclair, Portland, Maine) - There are only three weeks left before Election Day, and today, Maine is getting ready for a big visit. Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is holding a rally at Bangor International Airport on Thursday. This, after her husband spent the weekend campaigning in the state.

These tickets offer Mainers a free front row seat to Republican presidential politics and Gil Rivera plans to make the hundred-mile drive from Lisbon to Bangor just to catch Sarah Palin on her road to victory rally.

Palin will make a quick stop at an airport hangar in Maine's Second District Thursday morning on the heels of her husband Todd, who made two solo stops in Central and Northern Maine over the weekend.

Republicans believe the Palin's down home, outdoorsy image, along with their message of tax relief, will bring more Republicans to the polls.

Recent polling shows Barack Obama ahead in Maine by 5%, but Maine can split electoral votes, so even if John McCain loses statewide, he can pick up one vote if he wins the Second District.

Democrats for Obama seen unphased by the Republicans' latest flurry of activity and advertising in Maine. They say Mainers want to hear about the candidates' plans for economic recovery, not their interest in hunting or snowmobiles.

Voters can judge for themselves when Palin reaches out to Maine this Thursday.