I think there was more than money at work.
Yes, you’re right. My first question for the local, state candidates, how many doors did you knock on. If you’re running for state senate in Maine, you should aim to hit 10000 doors. You’re hitting about 80% of available households in a district. Some you won’t get to, no treaspassing, folks not answering the door, ect. If you don’t have the time to do this, don’t run. Making a personal connection with the voter is vital in small town/small city politics.
This was an open senate seat. The republican, I’m guessing didn’t knock on doors. I could be wrong but that’s my guess. I don’t think the dem did either. But he’s well know in Auburn, a huge chunk of the district. Combined with the huge money advantage of 300000 to 100000 in spending turned a safe r seat into a one point win.