Portlanders have opinions on iraq

Approximately 250 people turned out in Monument Square last night for the statewide Take a Stand day, sponsored by Americans Against Escalation in Iraq, the organization that's been putting the heat on Maine's congressional delegation (and politicians nationwide) all summer. State House speaker Glenn Cummings (D-Portland) spoke at the rally, along with activists and military family members. There were also Take a Stand events in Augusta, and in Orono, where about 100 people attended a town meeting.

Representative Tom Allen attended the Orono town meeting in person; Rep. Mike Michaud and Sen. Olympia Snowe sent a video and a written statement, respectively. But Senator Susan Collins, who recieved a hand-delivered invitation, told the Lewiston Sun Journal that she would not attend. Americans Against Escalation in Iraq never got an official response from Collins' office.