Speaker Johnson Returns to Maine to Back LePage in 2nd District

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned for former Gov. Paul LePage at Sea Dog Brewing Co. on October 14, his second Maine visit for the Republican nominee in the 2nd Congressional District, the Bangor Daily News reported.

Johnson described the contest as one of the five most important House races in the country and told the audience that control of the chamber would turn on roughly 22 districts. He urged attendees to dismiss polling that shows Republicans trailing, saying GOP voters no longer respond to pollsters.

Decision Desk HQ, the newspaper's results partner, puts Democrats' chances of taking the House at 77%, up from 59% in July. It gives LePage a 61% chance against Democratic nominee Matt Dunlap, the state auditor.

Republicans and allied groups have booked $13.5 million in general-election advertising in the district against $10.1 million for Democrats, according to AdImpact. About $10.7 million of that has come from the Congressional Leadership Fund and a group linked to President Donald Trump's political operation, while House Majority PAC has spent $9 million for Dunlap.

The seat is open because four-term Democrat Jared Golden is not seeking reelection.

This story was first reported by Bangor Daily News.