PORTLAND — The Maine Charter School Commission has given itself a July 1 deadline to decide whether to approve proposals for charter schools.

PORTLAND — The Maine Charter School Commission has given itself a July 1 deadline to decide whether to approve proposals for charter schools.

Former Gov. Angus King, who is running as an independent for the U.S. Senate, said Monday that he would consider dropping out of the race this fall if it appeared that he could not win.

PORTLAND — When the week started, Peter Chandler, chief of staff to Rep. Mike Michaud, figured he had a pretty good idea how the next five days would go.

While three of the biggest names in the Maine Democratic Party have already taken out nomination petitions to run for Olympia Snowe’s seat in the U.S. Senate, the Republican primary race remains wide open as party leaders and likely GOP candidates continue to mull their options.