2 Maine US House races feature primaries

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- Maine voters are deciding which Republicans should challenge the state's two Democrats in the U.S. House in November.

Two GOP candidates are competing in each district Tuesday for their party's nomination. Rep. Chellie Pingree in the 1st Congressional District and Rep. Mike Michaud in the 2nd District don't have Democratic opponents.

In southern Maine's 1st District, Maine Senate Majority Leader Jonathan Courtney of Springvale faces Patrick Calder, a merchant mariner from Portland. The winner will face Pingree, who's completing her second term in Congress.

In the 2nd District, Maine Senate President Kevin Raye of Perry faces a primary challenge from 30-year Navy veteran Blaine Richardson of Belfast.

A Raye victory would set the stage for a rematch with Michaud, who narrowly won the 2nd District in 2002.