Charlie Summers, one of two Republicans running for the 1st Congressional District, is expected to be back in Maine soon to participate in a host of campaign debates, according to his campaign.

Summers, a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy, has been serving in Iraq with Multi-National Forces. He’s been prohibited from participating in his own campaign thus far, but his staff believes he will be officially released from duty soon so he can participate in a number of events.

Summers is running against Eliot businessman Dean Scontras.

Here are the events the Summers campaign released Friday:

May 19 - York County Republican Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
May 20 - Piper Shores, 3:30 p.m.
May 20 - Cumberland County Republican Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
May 22 - Values Voter Forum, University of New England, 7 p.m.
May 23 - NAACP, University of New England, 6 p.m.
May 27 - Channel 13, 5 p.m.
May 29 - Portland Regional Chamber, 7 a.m.
June 2 - Bridgton Lakes Region, 6:30 p.m.
June 3 - Brunswick Town Meeting, 6 p.m.
June 5 - WGAN Radio, 8 a.m.
June 5 - Main Public Broadcasting Network, 8 p.m.
June 6 - Channel 6, 7 p.m. (air date)
June 7 - South Berwick Town Committee, 9 a.m.

Scontras gets women's support

A Scontras for Congress Women's Coalition has been formed to support Republican Dean Scontras of Eliot.

Scontras, a Republican running for the 1st Congressional District seat, got support from 100 women who joined the coalition, according to his campaign.

The coalition is being chaired by Rep. Kathleen Chase, R-Wells.

Collins to attend christening Saturday

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, will be at Bath Iron Works Saturday to take part in the christening of the USS Stockdale, according to her office.

The Stockdale is named for Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale, who won the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery, leadership and determination after being held in captivity during the Vietnam War.

Collins will address the crowd before the christening.

Dems to canvass Saturday

The Maine Democratic Party's Victory 2008 Campaign will send out volunteers Saturday in 11 communities to talk to voters.

It's the earliest start for these kinds of efforts, and is driven by the U.S. Senate race and presidential contest, according to the Democrats.

Democrats are hoping U.S. Rep. Tom Allen will unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins.