After a couple of days of speculation, the Maine McCain campaign announced late Thursday that Todd Palin, husband of Republican vice-presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin, will be in Maine this weekend.

The events are open to the public. Still waiting for the national campaign to put out the official details, but here's what the Maine folks are able to release:

Saturday

Who: Todd Palin

What: Barbeque/meet and greet with supporters

Where: Moosehead Trail Trading Post

428 Oxbow Road (Route 100)

Palmyra

When: Doors open at 2:00 p.m.

Sunday

Who: Todd Palin

What: Barbeque/meet and greet with supporters

Where: Harry's Motor Sports

640 Main Street

Presque Isle

When: Doors open at 12:00 p.m.

The Sen. John McCain presidential campaign is apparently considering the logistics of a visit by Republican vice-presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin and a possible separate visit by her husband Todd.

"I know the McCain professionals are looking to see the logistics for a Todd Palin visit and a Gov. Palin visit," said Rep. Josh Tardy, R-Newport. "It shows how close this thing is really."

Tardy, vice-chairman of the McCain campaign in Maine, said nothing's official yet, and that things change by the hour with the national campaigns. But he thinks both Palins will be well received in the 2nd Congressional District, the new target of concentrated efforts by the McCain campaign.

"It builds momentum and morale," Tardy said.

All in an effort to move those undecided voters into the Republican column.

U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, D-Maine, stopped by the Kennebec Journal Tuesday to talk about his policies and the campaign against Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.

He covered a wide range of topics, from the $700 billion bailout to health care to the war in Iraq. You can check the KJ or Morning Sentinel on Wednesday for a story on his meeting with our editorial board.

When it comes to the political side of the race, Allen said he's within eight points of Collins and he's feeling good about his chances.

"She's under 50 percent," he said. "In August, we were 25 points down. Do the math. We're moving very, very fast."

Internal polling numbers from the campaign are consistent with those released earlier this week by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which pegged the race at 49 percent Collins, 41 percent Allen.

Allen said his television ads are swaying voters because he's focused on the economy, jobs, health care, energy and Iraq.

"We are speaking much more clearly and forcefully to the needs people have in Maine, the fears they have, the hopes they have right now, than she is," he said. "That's why we're moving so fast."