All candidates running for the 1st Congressional District have been invited to participate in a forum on Tuesday in which they will offer their views on the state of the U.S. Constitution.

Journalist John Nichols of The Nation will talk for about 15 to 20 minutes about the topic, then open it up to the candidates to share their views.

Republicans and Democrats are expected to attend.

he event is open to the public and will run from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 425 Congress St., Portland.

Pingree’s poll

Chellie Pingree, one of many running for the Democratic nomination in the 1st Congressional District race, has posted a poll on her Web site asking people to decide what the top priority should be for the new Congress that takes over in 2009.

Here are some preliminary results:
• Iraq: 30 percent
• Other: 23 percent
• Global climate change: 17 percent
• Health care: 15 percent
• Economy: 15 percent

On her Web site, Pingree writes that she was surprised with what the poll is showing so far.

“The economy and health care were tied for last place, which was pretty surprising to me, given what I hear on the campaign trail,” she wrote.

If you want to weigh in, go to: http://action.chelliepingree.com/CongressPoll.

Summers announces finance team

Verrill Dana attorney Brian Patterson has signed on to serve as chairman of the Charlie Summers for Congress Finance Committee, according to the Summers campaign.

Summers is a Republican running against Dean Scontras for the party nomination in the 1st Congressional District race.

The campaign also released a list of 14 others who will serve on the committee, including Dick Grotton, president of the Maine Restaurant Association, and Richard Pfeffer, co-owner of Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Co.

Cote’s economic plan

Democrat Adam Cote, another 1st CD candidate, recently released his plan to help “working families and bring quality jobs to the state.”

He’s proposing what he describes as generous college tuition tax cuts, tax credits for people caring for children and elderly parents, and increased heating assistance to help with oil bills.

For the details, go to his Web site at adamcote.com.