PORTLAND — Sen. Olympia Snowe’s retirement has started a game of political musical chairs, where high-profile politicians jockey for her seat, and more than a dozen others jockey for the seats below them.

Additional Photos

Olympia Snowe acknowledges the cheers of her supporters after claiming victory in her bid for re-election on 2000. Her retirement has set off a scramble for Maine's congressional seats. 2000 Press Herald File Photo/David MacDonald

Related Headlines

• Snowe: Birthday led to reflection, ‘very tough decision’
• The ever-greater divide: Moderates like Snowe a fading species
• Snowe’s retirement causes statewide game of musical chairs

As of Thursday at 1 p.m., 19 candidates have taken out petitions to run for Maine’s three available federal offices, according to the Maine Secretary of State’s offcie.

The office closed at 1 p.m. due to the snowstorm, so this is the largest the list will grow today.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 1

• Sen. Jon Courtney: (R)

• Sen. Cynthia Dill: (D)

• Markham Gartley: (R)

• Wellington Lyons: (D)

• David Costa: (D)

• David Lemoine: (D)

• Rep. Jon Hinck: (D)

• Sen. Barry Hobbins: (D)

• John Vedral:  (R)

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2

• Rep. Emily Cain: (D)

• Bruce Bryant: (D)

• Matthew Dunlap: (D)

• Sen. Deb Plowman: (R)

UNITED STATES SENATE

• John Baldacci: (D)

• U.S. Rep. Michaud: (D)

• Aaron Marston (U)

• U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D)

• Scott D‘Amboise (R)

• Andrew Ian Dodge (U)