GOP Senator Blasts McCain Robo Calls

GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, facing a tough re-election fight, urged John McCain yesterday to stop making automated calls into her state that link Democratic nominee Barack Obama to one-time Weather Underground leader Bill Ayers. "These kind of tactics have no place in Maine politics," said Collins spokesman Kevin Kelley. "Sen. Collins urges the McCain campaign to stop these calls immediately."

Collins is being challenged for re-election by Democratic Rep. Tom Allen while also serving as a co-chair of McCain's Maine campaign committee. The dual roles have created a balancing act for her. The robo calls began Thursday, the day after the final presidential debate. They are also being made to Nevada, Wisconsin, and other targeted states. (More Barack Obama stories.)