Major candidates in the race for a U.S. Senate seat representing Maine both won endorsements from educators today.

The Maine Education Association announced its support for Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Allen in the Nov. 4 election for the seat presently held by Republican Susan Collins.

Meanwhile, the Collins campaign announced it has the backing of Educators for Collins, a statewide group of about 70 teachers and others.

The MEA said it preferred Allen over Collins, who is seeking re-election to a third term, because his views are closer to those of its members and because of his record on the issues.

"It is time for a change in policy toward our public schools, and Tom Allen is best suited to work for that change in the U.S. Senate representing Maine," said Chris Galgay, association president, in a prepared statement.

The association is the parent organization for local unions that represent about 25,000 Maine public school teachers and other educational staff.

Marilyn Melton, a Portland teacher and co-chair of Educators for Collins, praised her as a strong advocate for education.

"Susan understands the needs of Maine's teachers, she pledged to work hard on our behalf, and she has lived up to that promise," Melton said in a statement.

The Collins group noted that she has received an "A" grade for her support of education from the National Education Association, the parent group of the MEA.