Stephen King picks sides in Senate race

Author Stephen King is trying to elect Democrat Shenna Bellows to represent Maine in the Senate.

The bestselling author of “The Shining” and “Carrie” cut a TV ad for Bellows earlier this month and on Saturday sent out an email asking people to contribute to her campaign.

{mosads}“Shenna Bellows would be a breath of fresh air,” he says in the 30-second ad. “She’s focused on the people from the state of Maine.”

“We can make a change. We should make a change. Shenna Bellows is the change.”

He struck a similar tone in Saturday’s email, repeating his characterization that Bellows is a “breath of fresh air” compared to incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).

Collins is a centrist lawmaker who is leading recent polls by more than 20 points and is expected to cruise to victory when voters head to the polls in November.

King criticized Collins for voting with “the right-leaning Republican majority time and time again.”

King lives in Bangor, Maine, and has frequently been a vocal supporter of Democratic causes and politicians.

In addition to his support of Bellows, he has also contributed $42,400 to the state and national Democratic Party this election cycle, according to federal data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics.

In previous years, he has been a strong supporter of President Obama and other Democrats, especially those in New England.