AUGUSTA, Maine — Debra Plowman of Hampden, the assistant majority leader in the Maine Senate, submitted 2,200 signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office on Wednesday to get on the ballot for what’s becoming a crowded U.S. Senate race.

“This was an all-volunteer effort with hundreds of people getting on the phone and going door to door in the dead of winter,” said Plowman, who served four terms in the House and is finishing her fourth term in the Senate. “I am overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support from people all over Maine.  Above all, I am grateful for their hard work in helping me qualify for the ballot in the abbreviated timetable.”

Plowman is the latest addition to a growing field of candidates from all political stripes vying for the Senate seat that will be vacated early next year by Sen. Olympia Snowe.

In addition to Plowman, Republicans who have submitted signatures this week include: Secretary of State Charlie Summers, former Maine Senate President Rick Bennett, and small businessman Scott D’Amboise.

Treasurer Bruce Poliquin and Attorney General William Schneider also have been gathering signatures

Matt Dunlap became the first Democrat to submit signatures on Wednesday. Other who are gathering signatures include: state Sen. Cynthia Dill, state Rep. Jon Hinck and Portland homebuilder Benjamin Pollard.

Thursday is the deadline for Senate candidates to turn in at least 2,000 to qualify for the ballot.

Stay tuned.

-ER