Obama backers in Mass. pointed to Maine

It's like most national elections -- when Massachusetts is a slam dunk for Democrats, so activists instead go to more competitive states to make a difference.

With both Democratic Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry of Massachusetts firmly on board with the healthcare overhaul, President Obama's grassroots supporters in the Bay State are being urged to help sway Maine's two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, who are key moderates in the debate.

Organizing for America sent an email this afternoon with a link and encouragement to call voters in Maine and get them to call Collins and Snowe.

"With the health care debate coming down to the wire in Congress, we need every vote we can get. Both of your Massachusetts senators are fighting hard for reform, but the two senators from nearby Maine -- Senator Olympia Snowe and Senator Susan Collins -- are under tremendous pressure to cave to special interests. They need to hear from constituents who want them to stand with the President -- and you can help," wrote Jeremy Bird, deputy director of Organizing for America.

"There are voters in Maine who want to fix our health care system as much as you do, and they may not know how much power they have to make it happen. Let them know, and help bring our country one big step closer to the reform we need."